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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  Never thought Id own a Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By myataman - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I saw the Pacifica while on a nothing to do on Saruraday trip through the local dealership. Interesting design I thought. After a test drive and some research I was sold. I have owned and rented many cars in my time and this is the best vehicle I have driven. I have had it for 10 months and still get that "cant wait to drive it" feeling.

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  my car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sarah - May 24 - 8:20 pm

  This vehicle has a lot of room for my husband, myself, and four children. It drives so nicely, it feels as if it were just hugging the ground as we turn.

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  just what I wanted - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tsuba - May 12 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Jeep Liberty because I needed more room and wanted a less "off road" drive. The Pacifica fits the bill and maintains the quailty and style I have grown to love in the Chrysler/Jeep family. By no means a ride for towing a boat and hauling six people (look elsewhere).

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  The best car a person could have - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marving - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I think Chrysler has did it this time. Not really a van and not really an SUV. Very much like a car. Nice and roomy. Rides like nothing I have every been in.

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  A wonder decision made. . . . . - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Alicia Ryker - April 25 - 5:50 am

  I traded a 2005 Chrylser 300 Touring in on my Pacifica, I bought my 300 3 weeks after they hit the showroom floor, while it was definitely an eye catcher in the looks department, it just wasnt my dream car, 2 weeks after I bought my 300 I had the opportunity to drive a Pacifica, I was hooked and wanted one, my husband told me that I had to drive my 300 for a year, (I bought the rear wheel drive model)I endured a modest Pacific Northwest winter, where I discover that the 300 wasnt worth much in the snow, and decided that I was going to get a Pacifica. I did and as winter approaches, I eagerly anticipate driving my all-wheel drive model, it is comfortable and beautiful as well as practical.

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  Best on Road for the Money - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scot"o" - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Tons of room, High end features, fabulous ride, kids flip over the seperate controls, rear seat warmers, dvd system, soft seats.. biggest back seat legroom i have ever seen!!!!!!

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  This is the ultimate snow mobile!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Billlowry - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I just have all season radials on this car but it loves the snow. The snow trucks were late and I saw a BMW x5 sliping and sliding but my Pacifica made the roads here in the northeast like the virgin pacific. The car has to be the best purchase I have made in my life. Come to think of it I would have paid double what I did if I knew in advance what a treat it is. The warm heated seats and Chyrlser Utrafast heating system is truly a marvel of engineering. I LOVE MY CAR!!!!

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  Great car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Beth - April 20 - 6:30 am

  My husband and I wanted a vehicle that was great in any terrain and weather. After much debate, we chose this car and we have never been happier. This is a fun car and definitely a great family car. Well worth the money.

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  Very happy - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marcia - April 19 - 5:36 am

  I love this car! Sitting higher on the road and the interior head room makes extended drives very comfortable for all passengers and the driver. The versatility of seat adjustments has made hauling cargo very convenient when needed.

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  Electronics are Worthless - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Disappointed - April 14 - 11:15 am

  Save your money. The fancy video screens in the back are nothing more than electronic checker boards. Cannot get videos to stream to the back screens. Will not stream video from anything other than a hard drive. Netflix and any other video streaming service will not play (no matter what the dealer said).