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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  Ladyrae loves her Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ladyrae - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven! The interior is wonderfully roomy. Love the dash styling! rides like a dream!

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  Worst car in my 45 years of owning cars - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Peter - November 11 - 1:11 pm

  This car is more unreliable than my 1995 Malibu, which I thought at the time could never be topped as the worst, most unreliable car ever. Don’t be fooled. I’ve owned my limited pacific for less than 6 months and I have a list of at least 15 things that have broken already. I woke up this morning with a non existent uconnect computer on top of everything else, which means you can’t run the heat apparently. Honestly, I am not going to waste my time listing all of the other major problems including the transmission already?! Bad job Chrysler. Worst car I’ve ever owned. Good thing I have the unlimited warranty. You will pay for all my trouble and inconvenience. Horrible

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  Oh My God - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifist - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Talk about wow. My wife and I have been stuck driving a minivan for the past 7 years. NO MORE. We went to the dealership after we were told it had arrived. We bought the first one they received. We paid full sticker but feel like we got our moneys worth. The ride is great and the look is even better. I am so glad that we can still get our three kids around and look cool at the same time. Thank you Chrysler.

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  Chrysler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cynthia Kremsner - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint that I have about this vehicle so far, is the visibility when changing lanes to the left. Looking over the drivers left shoulder, the visibility is limited and you have to use the mirror and look over your shoulder.

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  Highly Recommended - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mneedler - October 18 - 2:00 am

  The style of the Pacifica was what intriqued me. After a test drive, I knew it was for me. It handles wonderfully, the features make sense and it is a comfortable vehicle to drive. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  If BMW wont build an X-7 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By engineenginenumber9 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Style. Room. Surefooted. Smooth. Features galore. Overall a suitable car for a man with a family and a need for better than average handling and weekend runs to Home Depot or Lowes. Our two labradors love to make nose prints on the back windows. Car expresses some reticence to climb mountain roads at altitude with anything resembling athletisism. If BMW would make an X-7 or 7 series wagon, the folks at Daimler-Chrysler would have had no opportunity to build it for them. Granted this car lacks the build quality of the Bavarian it aspires to be.

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  handling - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Barby Kroening - October 12 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is extremely easy to drive in snow and ice, much better than my Jeep.

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  Went for a Jeep - Bought the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S.Harris - October 9 - 11:40 pm

  After owning my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 7 years and loving it, then trying the truckish Explorer for several years, I was ready to go back to a Jeep. In the showroom was the Pacifica. After test driving, I was sold. As large and roomy as it is, it drives and handles like a dream. The gas mileage isnt bad either (about 18+ per gallon, better than the Jeep and Explorer, for me anyway). Getting a tow hitch installed proved to be the most frustrating, but its done now. Other than regular maintenance, I only had to take the Pacifica in one time to fix one of the power seats. That was almost a year ago.

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  Have the "base" LX and its great! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe Frost - October 8 - 6:22 pm

  Im at a point in life moving from performance vehicles to a minivan and....Ive gotta admit, this is a nice vehicle. Super comfortable, easy to drive, good on gas, and...dare I say...even a bit sporty in the curves. Pretty good looking too! Very pleased! Update 3-17, After 5,000 miles and winter I can say....Im getting 30mpg on the highway or a bit more and its decent in the snow too. Still loving it!

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  Nice SUV, but... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Heidi_D - October 7 - 10:00 am

  At the very begining I relly like it, but at 6000 miles a noise either in the steering or front supension started and the dealer said they didnt find any noise the two times the vehicle was for service. Also at 6K miles a module for the power locks and windows stoped working.