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:

• 

  Thank God - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Thomas Cole - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent safety rating - Saved our lives when my wife and I flipped it on the interstate after being hit twice by another driver. The ironic part of this story is that 3 days prior we traded in a convertible. The people who helped us out of the car were amazed we were not seriously injured (so were we for that matter). I completely reccommend the Pacifica - not only does it have the Mercedes chassy but it has got to be one of the safest cars on the road. We now own our second Pacifica.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kimmieizey - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my pacifica, I have had it for a year now and wouldnt trade it for anything. Great comfort, big seats, and all the standard extras are nice to have. One long trips kids love it. Drives great in the winter, and I really got it for teh 5 star safety rating. Nice heavy car. You pay for it in the gas but thats ok to feel a little safer. I would definatly purchase another one! Thumbs up for Chrysler.

• 

  MY SEATBLETS STINK!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lecia Toothman - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I am in a love/hate relationship with my new car. I have had it less than a month, the bells and whistles are terrific. It doesnt have very much pick-up when you need it. But the biggest problem is with the front seats seat belts. There is such a terrible odor that we have to wrap the seat belts with towels just to drive the car. It leaves the foul smell on our clothes. The dealership has been "working" on this for two weeks now. STILL WAITING... P-U!!!!!!!

• 

  I like it even though it sucks - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave Rada - August 12 - 4:42 pm

  Its a large vehicle, larger than my Honda Odyssey, tough to fit into garage and some parking spaces. It came with the vacuum, which removes the spare tire, Im a little nervous about that. Otherwise I like the styling and technology.

• 

  liking my pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By smarch - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have the best of both worlds...room enough for 6, but not the hugeness of a minivan or suv. Incredibly safe which was important for us. Lots of get up and go.

• 

  American best buy - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bostonians - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Lokks like we do have a winner here! Thank you Chrysler, keep up the good Work, great handling, excellent performance

• 

  My New Ride - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LJ Willoughby - July 30 - 12:10 am

  I own an area rug store and had to have a large enough vehicle to make home deliveries when the van was out. Wow, I can get a 10x 13 rug in with no problem. The Pacifica offers more room & comfort as well as it handles and rides better than any vans or SUVs I have driven. Another plus is the body design, it can even make those of us in "40 something" age group still look good.

• 

  Bad in the snow - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TPATTON - July 18 - 2:00 am

  A very good car on dry pavement but very unstable in the snow for front- wheel drive version. Back end skitters out in the snow. Otherwise on dry roads, great handling. Probably would recommend AWD if I had to buy again.

• 

  Best car for the dollar in its class. - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jacob S. - July 10 - 10:40 am

  Despite the name I love my 2005 Pacifica and without a doubt its more car for the money then anything out there. Just do a Edmunds vehicle comparision and you will know what I mean when looking at 40K SUV/Crossover vehicles such as the RX 330, Murano, SRX and X3. Most of all the Pacifica offers in my opinion the most unique car approach to date as far as being truely a oversized wagon that maintains its sedan like poise, while emphasizing the "U" in both utility and luxury with its room for 6, power lift gate, wood and leather shifter, DVD player, 400 watt stereo, reverse park, 4 heated seats, Blue Tooth, HID lights and cargo capacity. The Pacifica is truely a 6 seater wagon with out equal.

• 

  Best chrysler for the money - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CFHAIR - June 29 - 4:26 pm

  Ive had my PAC5,since 4/2004. The very first one off the truck. It handles better than any vehicle Ive ever owned,Chevys, Fords, Nissans Chryslers. So far hardly any exterior, or mechanical problems, at 8,000 miles. Very happy with it so far.