Overview & Reviews

The Chrysler Pacifica was one of the original large crossover wagons. In order to combine the driving attributes of a car with the utility offered by minivans and sport-utility vehicles, the Pacifica crossover had four front-hinged doors, an elevated seating position, five- or six-passenger seating and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Compared to other crossover wagons, the Chrysler Pacifica was relatively upscale and offered a wide array of creature comforts wrapped in elegantly chiseled sheet metal. Unfortunately, the Pacifica didn't possess particularly great interior packaging. While the first two rows were spacious for occupants, the third row was acceptable only for children and left very little space for cargo behind it when deployed. The rearmost seat does, however, fold flat into the floor in convenient 50/50 sections.

The Pacifica's Mercedes Benz-derived suspension garnered wide praise for its carlike ride and handling. But early Pacificas suffered from reliability woes and mediocre engines in a price bracket where potent and refined powertrains were the norm. Not helping matters were the large wagon's hefty weight and relatively unsophisticated four-speed automatic transmission, both of which took their toll on fuel economy. A significant update for 2007, however, brought about a new V6 engine, a new six-speed automatic for most models and updated styling.

Most Recent Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica debuted for the 2004 model year, at which point it was offered only in base and Limited trim levels. The original base model was relatively well-equipped, but it was offered with fewer features and a lower price when the Touring trim level slotted in above it in 2005. At first, Pacificas were powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 210 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. Reviewers faulted the gruff engine, which was barely up to the task of battling the Pacifica's formidable mass, especially on fully loaded all-wheel-drive models. Given that early 2004 Pacificas also had some well-known repair issues, we'd play it safe and restrict our search to 2005 and newer models.

A 3.5-liter V6 with 250 hp and 250 lb-ft became standard on all but the base front-wheel-drive model in 2005, and the 3.8-liter V6 was eliminated for 2006, leaving the 3.5-liter unit as the sole available engine. For 2007, the 3.8-liter mill returned in the base front-wheel-drive model, this time rated at 200 hp, and a 4.0-liter V6 replaced the 3.5-liter V6 in all other models. The 4.0-liter engine cranked out a respectable 255 hp and 265 lb-ft, and it was teamed with a new six-speed automatic transmission (the base engine continued with the old four-speed unit). All Pacificas were rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Base 2004 Pacificas featured two-row, five-passenger seating and were fairly comfortable, thanks to niceties such as dual-zone climate control, a power driver seat and a load-leveling suspension. Starting in 2005, Touring models received additional standard features, a much longer options list and six-passenger seating via the addition of a two-passenger third-row seat and the replacement of the regular second-row bench with two bucket seats and a center console. The 2005 base model, meanwhile, lost some standard accoutrements and was priced lower going forward. The best-dressed and most luxurious Chrysler Pacifica was the Limited, which featured cleaner styling, bigger wheels and a long list of luxury features, including an upmarket audio system and a power liftgate.

In Chrysler Pacifica reviews, our editors found the crossover wagon's strengths to be its exceptional comfort for four, sedanlike driving characteristics, top-notch safety scores and upscale interior. The 3.8-liter engine is to be avoided, but the 3.5-liter and 4.0-liter V6s are decent performers. Downsides include a lack of legroom in the third row and a lack of overall utility when compared to the top available minivans.

User Reviews:

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tom johnson - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle sold itself. We got in it and just had to have it. I am 64" 270lbs. and I fit in the third row seat. Along those lines the 2nd row seats are just as comfortable as the front. My children love the DVD player and my wife especially loves the wireless headphones. We find ourselves fighting to stay under 65 on the highway due to the exceptionally quiet ride and feel at highway speeds. The power lift gate is a must with children. The only draw back is the small cargo area with the third row seats up.

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  overall fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bugjune - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Had window gear replaced. Clicking noise in tight turns. Was told it was in transmission. Both were fixed and is still working. A air noise in sunroof is still there after two inspections. Service manager says he hears it. But they dont have a fix. So it is declared a "No compromise". I guess tha means they hear it,cant fix it, so live with it. Hard to ignore when its right over your head. I have heard from other chysler owners having the same problems with sunroof on other models. Other than that I really do enjoy driving my Pacfica.

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  I LOVE MY PACIFICA!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TahraLynn - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had two back surgeries and we purchased our Pacifica because of the lumbar support for the drivers seat. I is awesome! I have driven other cars since our purchase and I cant wait to get back into my car! I love the way it handles. I have had to avoid unsafe drivers and my Pacifica has gotten me out of the way each time! It manuvers wonderfully! I cant say enough about my Pacifica, honestly. I recommend this vehicle to everyone who asks!

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  Great Crossover - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 2nd Pacifica - January 8 - 1:48 pm

  I bought a 2004 Pacifica AWD when they came out. Great crossover! My family and I have driven all over the U.S. no problems. Lots of cargo space. Just traded in on a 2008 because of all that is on it unlike Ford/GM. A lot for the money. Sorry that Chrysler is not going to continue building them.

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  Love My SUV/CAR - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jill - January 4 - 10:50 am

  The pacifica is NOT a car and is NOT an suv.....and definitely is NOT A MINI VAN....if anything at all it leans more towards a luxury suv. I LOVE IT!!!

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  New Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vincent - January 3 - 10:43 pm

  I really like this car. It is a pleasure to drive. I have a fully loaded version and all the features are great. You really feel safe in this car and in control of the road. I get about 22 MPG highway and about 17 around town. If you drive with the engine cold, it is very thirsty, but this resolves once the engine warms up. The rear DVD system is a lifesaver with my son, get it if you have kids. The rear bucket seats are great and very comfortable. The navigation system is well worth it, but mine did "get lost" twice, and I had to shut off the engine and restart the car to reset the navigation. Acceleration is moderate, but for transporting kids, it is just fine.

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  wonderful choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robin Lindberg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great choice I made. Very afraid to purchse another "SUV" after a bumpy ride experience with my last luxury SUV. This car has surpassed all expectations. Sold our Mercedes E-320 after driving our new Pacifica for a few days. Actually rides better than the Mercedes and has so many more creature comforts and room. Love it. Wish I had more places to drive it!

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  Pacificuh-huh! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jonnycayso - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Love it, it has great overall looks interior and exterior and the braking is perfect, stops on a dime.

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  The Birdman Flies in his Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Birdman - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This sleek sedan/SUV is the way to go!!! Its unique style and reliable performance make it the envy on the street. Additionally, since the Pacifica is still a relatively new model, you will probably be the first in your community to own one. ENJOY the experience!!!

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  I was hooked at the looks and performanc - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dbender - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle 4 days, and can say so far so good. Its build is like nothing else on the market. It drives like a cadillac, smooth and so fun to look at.