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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  WE LOVE OUR PACFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ROGERB - June 18 - 10:00 am

  After we test drove the pacfica we liked it very much. After we bought it we loved it! The ride is super and the handeling is outstanding. The fit & finish is very good and the paint is flawless. I am comparing this to a 2001 Chrysler T&C limited that we are very happy with and still have. It may be slightly underpowered but not enough to worry about. We think this "whatever" is a winner and offers good value for all you get. I dont think there is a better "whatever" out there.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Karl Nelson - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Rides & handles great, and very quiet.

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  I love my Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Linda Roman - June 17 - 11:10 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive as well as looking great. We travel often and this is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned in years. It handles like a sports car while having lots of room for people and cargo. When it comes time to get and new car, I will definitely get anothe one.

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  More Power - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Actuary962 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  It is not as fast as my old Audi but it does ok. Needs more power for getting on the highway. It does handle well, but you can feel the weight in a hard turn. It gives you a very safe feeling. My wife loves it because she sits high but it is easy to get in and out.

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  GREAT, BUT SOME SOME MONEY FOR GAS - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PRIMO21 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the car I was looking for for years, I need the room for work and family, but did not want an SUV. The thrid row seating is great and when not in use the cargo room is perfect for my needs.

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  Stylish and Functional - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By HenryS - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is comfortable with practical features like a van but has a sense of safety with a wide stance, a low center of gravity and a solid ride like a sedan.

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  Attention Getter - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bags2003 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We recently purchased the Pacifica after experiencing a roll-over accident in a GMC Envoy. We targeted this vehicle because of a lower center of gravity, thus less likely to rollover. Just returned from a 2100 mile roadtrip and was very pleased with the ride and performance. MPG was higher than expected. Many looks from curious people seeing it for the first time. Very impressed so far.

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  great wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jrb - June 12 - 2:00 am

  drives like a car, firm and quiet ride. great body panel fit. big tires and wide track makes the car very stable. With the side curtin airbags it makes you feel safer with grandkids in the back. And it looks great!!

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  Contented owner - with issues - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Judi Becker - June 5 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle is gorgeous! However, there are blind spots I cannot overcome no matter how long I drive it. Ive literally gotten out of my car to see whats behind it before backing out of a tight space. There are super creature comforts, but there is no place for a trash container. I purchased this to replace a Suburban, hoping to upgrade my fuel economy. Have yet to exceed 15 mpg. That is a disappointment. Im a careful driver and dont hot-rod. Am unclear why the discrepancy of mileage vs. that stated on the window sticker.

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  Nice SUV but buyers beware... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TMy - June 5 - 2:00 am

  My new Chrysler Pacifica is a fun, smooth driving and good handling suv. However, when I purchased my vehicle I didnt notice that the Vehicle Information Center was either not functional or not there when it was supposed to be there. After looking through the manual and verifying that I was supposed to have a VIC, the dealership had to replace the entire center console within two days of owning the automobile.