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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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wperrigino - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is a true joy to drive. Although the gas mileage is poor, the handling is fabulous on wet or dry roads. Its solid and roomy with terrific standard/optional features. This is a great purchase for anyone with kids and dogs!!!

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  Nice but has a problem! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eek Anderson - December 28 - 6:58 pm

  My car has 25,000 miles on it. After filling the gas tank, the brake pedal is not able to be deployed to start the car. It will turn over but not start. Been towed to dealership twice now, where it still resides. Not certain what is going on with it. Has an EVAP leak somewhere

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  Excellent Choice - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jason5 - December 24 - 11:10 pm

  I traded in a 2000 Dodge Sedan for the roomier Touring FWD in Magnesium. I shopped minivans and SUVs--needing a 3rd row for people and space for cargo hauling--and found this the better choice. Im extremely pleased with the 07s power, handling, ride and features. So far fuel mileage has exceeded my expectations for the 4.0 with 6 speed. No less than 19.6 mpg in mixed town and highway and a high of 24 on the Interstate at um "good" speeds. Dealer experience was one of the best in memory as was the value. I recommend you consider the Pacifica.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KATHI - December 24 - 10:20 am

  I love the interior and the looks of the Chrsyler Pacifica. BUT, I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle, the transmission (electrical). The dealership has been great, but until it holds a code, nothing can be surely fixed. I will not buy another Pacifica, EVER. Terrible luck with vehicle.

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  Best car I could find for the money - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robert Griffith - December 19 - 7:13 am

  Ive drove lincolns for the past twenty- five years so for me to switch you know had to have to be a nice ride. The inside design blows me away, there is more room than my towncar.

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  Best Crossover Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 1234 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable, stylish, cool car on the road. This car has the best features i have ever seen. I love the navigation system in the speedometer. Even the third row seat is super comfortable. I love this car!

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  Life Saver - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By j.g. - December 16 - 11:56 pm

  Bought a 2004 Touring and finally felt safe. 85 year old dad able to get in and out easily. Before first payment due my car was totaled in a 3 car MVA. My car was hit head-on and it didnt budge! No major injuries for either of us. Air bags soft like a down pillow! LOVE THIS CAR!!!! Will buy another Pacifica. Love space between my 11 year old twins with console in the middle. Less fighting between them!

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  Initial Reaction - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MJT1727 - December 12 - 5:40 pm

  Understand the fuel economy before buying. This is a well built vehicle and fun to drive. It handles well and has plenty of room for a family of four with friends. The interior is well designed and comfortable. The base model has plenty of amenities for the normal consumer.

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  Marios Review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mario - December 4 - 12:23 pm

  This is a well built vehicle that handles well especially in the snow belt of Upstate New York. It has been driven from Troy, Ny to St. Louis, MO at least twice in the last 2 years and has handled exceptionally well with a smooth ride and gas mileage as suggested by Chrysler (24-25 mpg) on the highway.

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  Great alternative to SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sherry - December 2 - 2:26 pm

  Slightly underpowered, but overall a very comfortable riding vehicle the integrated Video system fabulous except when screen is down you have no rear view, but quality sound! Seating for 6 is nice. Very roomy 3rd row. Very hard to back up, large blind spots in back corners. But that is the only downfall of the vehicle. Vehicle appears to be more expensive than it is. We not some instability in cornering but over all we really are happy with it.