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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  pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kak - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car fun to drive very comfortable

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  Thank you Chrysler ! Thank You ! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By samson - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The Best 100 % American I Ever Drove, Forget About all the others Copy Cats They All Look the Same. Thank You Chrysler ! Thank You ! Thank You ! Thank You !

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  Better than I Expected - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pincherob - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely comfortable. We have started taking this out instead of our Volvo S80- it just gives a smoother, quieter ride. The kids have more than enough room. Access to the third row is pretty simple and the room back there is terrific.

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  FINALLY! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BEAR - March 7 - 10:00 am

  What a beauty and surrond sound with dvd...wow love this van/car. Handles well and it does have enough power for what others are saying a small motor. I dont plan on driving a load of people beyond speed limits that are expensive and deadly. This is finally what I have been waiting for in a vehicle with these toys and comforts. A++++

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  Pac-Man - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LovMyPac - February 23 - 9:33 am

  I was excited to move away from a mini- van and get into something more sporty. The styling is great and the new engine is smooth and fast. Ive never driven the older model so I can only imagine how that engine was. Roomy and comfortable, I also like the standard safety equipment, traction control, and ESP. Blind spots are there but the big mirrors help. So far no issues with my 2007 Pac.

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  Really like it but!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David Large - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Basically I am very pleased with the Pacifica except for one very disappointing imperfection. The suspension is noisy. Minor imperfections in the road, parking lots etc. produce near continuous background knocking or "thunking" noise from the suspension. As roughness in the road increases so does the noise to where a moderate bump can, but not always, produce loud "thunks" for lack of a better word. Only on the smoothest roads is the suspension quiet. Do others note this condition???

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  Go for it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frank Diliberti - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I was excited right from the start,the great new shape took me by surprise.It was Kool! Then opening the door I found an even better surprise-the interior was outrageous, Sleek,futuristic,and well thought out, I loved it.From one side door to the other, The dash is beautifull. I thought i was in a 70,000 dollor car.

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  Nice family alternative - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By waltculber - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Nice family alternative. It is fun to drive, beats the heck out of the old Caravan and still has most of the room

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  Excellent Automobile. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JaimeCass82 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica rides so smooth. We enjoy taking road trips now because we know we can depend on it, also because it is a lot more fuel efficient than most other suvs/mini-vans. We also enjoy the power lift gate, instead of the standard. The leather seats give it a sporty look also great option is the heated seats.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By teacup - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a Lincoln Ls before this car and I can only say that I never though I would like a car better than a Lincoln.This car is just a dream to drive, its easy to get in & out of and drives very nice.