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:

• 

  Best Chrysler Built to-date - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Plademan - March 12 - 2:00 am

  After driving the Pacifica for the first 1,000 miles, Ive got to say that this is the best vehicle that Chrysler has produced to-date.

• 

  Best Car of its Class - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By frecksdodan428 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is definately the best car of its class, with amazing comfort and an outstanding engine. I would recommend this car over, lets say, the Lexus RX330. Remember, price isnt the main factor.

• 

  Great Compromise - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Go Blue 74 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We had 2 mercedes: the E-320 and the ML-320 (plus a pickup). We wanted to simplify our life by replacing the 2 mercedes with one car. We wanted a car-like luxury SUV. The Pacifica fills the bill very well. Overall quality is better than the ML and less than the E. Our son (with advanced degrees in art and design) says this is the best looking car we have every bought. I agree.

• 

  Happy Birthday To Me--My New Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MsBhaven1 - March 11 - 7:20 pm

  I love this car. I have had it for 1 week and have done both city driving and highway driving and it handles beautifully and rides so smoothly I feel like Im on a magic carpet ride. The features on this car are well laid out. At first I was put off by the location of the remote stereo/audio controls (they are located behind the steering wheel--but after using them I realized that it makes most sense to put them there since your fingers are natually wrapped around the wheel. The bass with the Infinity Intermezzo surround sound is kicking. And the 19" wheels hug the road like a sports car. I feel like a 16 year old again--I go out and just sit in this car to get away from it all.

• 

  Too new! Too many issues!!! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Keila savage - March 7 - 9:27 pm

  I have had my 2017 Pacifica for 40 days and 15 of it, the car has been in the shop. The 3rd row which is imparitive to my family of 5 is stuck.(and after looking at reviews I see this is common) The dealership (tacoma dodge) has been a nightmare of unorganized and uneducated people attempting to fix it. Chrysler has been a bit non emergent or worried about my issue. I would never spend this type of money on a Dodge/Chrysler or Jeep again. Such a huge disappointment.

• 

  Owned only a month - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joseph Boyle - March 7 - 3:11 pm

  Very little storage space. Youll need a box to hold emergency items like jumper cables, flares, ice scraper, etc.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever Purchased! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By martyleo - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Chrysler hit the nail on the head with this crossover vehicle. It is absolutely the quietest and smoothest vehicle I have ever owned. It had responsive steering, wonderfully adequate a/c, killer electronics: i.e. put in the key and the memory puts the radio stations, mirrors, pedals, and seat where you had it...it does it for two people! Fit and finish are incredible. The rear seats are adjustable just like the front buckets. The rear gate opens electronically, a/c vents for all THREE rows of seats. Guess what? were pulling our boat with it.

• 

  Good looks - Poor Quality - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Libson - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the good looks of this car influence you into buying one. The quality of this automobile is as poor as any car I have owned in the past 30 years. Ive owned this car 6 months now, have 7000 miles on it and have had it in the shop 6 different times for a total of 13 days for various problems - mostly with the drive train and steering.

• 

  Better than my Mercedes... - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Will Nelms - March 2 - 9:49 pm

  UPDATE-Owned car for 13 month-13,700 miles. Only to the dealer once for routine service, cost free. Being a Limited with every electronic and an early build of a new model, I had thought I would have some issues but NONE! I found this to be a considerable upgrade from my Mercedes GL450. The Chrysler is quieter, rides better, designed better, the front seats more comfortable & more leg room than the MB. One thing I dont like, the wheel tilts but does not telescope. I am tall and like the seat all the way back, and would like to bring the steering wheel back towards me. A minor gripe. I bought the limited with every option. I was very pleasantly surprised by gas mileage. I drive usually at 79 mph on the Interstate and the highway mileage was just under 28mpg. The dash and electronics are laid our very well it is almost a full tablet. Be careful of dstraction. I am most impressed by the radar cruise control. I have had it on other cars but it was too abrupt and I would not use it. Chrysler nailed it on this car. I now use it almost every time I drive even in town. It works great in heavy stop and go traffic and you do not have to touch the brake or gas from 70 to zero and back to 70. It has 3 settings, I have only used medium and it works perfect for me, smooth on stopping or starting and just about the right distance from the car in front of you. Unlike another car, it does not sense the car next to you and make adjustments in error. It also works well in the fast lane on the interstate, as the speed often in traffic flucuates +/- 10mph and you cannot use normal cruise control. The car pegs it and made my long trips far less tiring. Anyone in the 2nd row loves the rear touch screen tablets.. We were driving in 100 degree heat and the car kept very cool very easy, the rear has pull down shades in addition to deep tint. Another safety feature on the car, is lane assist, it will physically keep you in your lane in medium or high setting, but senses if you take your hands off the wheel. I assume they do not want one using it with radar cruise as the car would be driving itself. I prefer the low or light setting, so I get a gentle nudge if driting out of my lane. Even with the active system off, the blind spot warning with a light on your mirror and an audible warning alerts you of a car in your blind spot and the lane assist nudges you to stay in your lane. Another feature that impressed me, was the camera system. You have the standard backup camera that can be switched into a 180 degree mode where you can see cars or people approaching from the side when backing. It also has a front camera but what really impressed me was the 360 degree camera that gives you the view that you would see from a satellite looking down at your car. It is some type of virtual reality and even shows the color of the cars around you. This car has the automatic parking system for both parallel parking and backing into a parking spot. Both work well. I have the upgraded stereo with 19 speakers, you could not get better sound. Having all seats fold into the floor is a great feature. The limited comes with a huge sun roof, almost the entire roof of the car is glass. I do not use it and think it adds heat and would order without it. It also has roof rails that fold into the roof when not needed, making the car more air efficient and sleeker. It comes with 3 high tech keys. Each can be set for different drivers, you can even limit the speed of the car by programming the key. The Nav system is the best I have owned & with the Sat radio comes with live traffic updates and live weather radar and all kind of aps you can access from the car. This car has the vacuum and with it you give up the compact spare which imo is worthless anyway. This car is designed for road trips, I already bought a matching full size spare for when going out of town. If I have a flat I want to change the tire and continue my trip, not be forced to try and find a matching tire. If the spare takes up too much space, just buy a streamlined thule cargo box for the roof. I think this is the best car I have owned and I have owned 100s literally. I am a car nut and Chrysler hit a Grand Slam with this car. I like it better after a year and 3 long trips. A Flawless car so far.

• 

  Nice car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bernadette B - March 2 - 7:13 am

  I didnt want a mini. This is the next best thing. Can still carry 6 if I need to. I enjoy driving it and like the way it looks, sort of like the Mercedes they just came out with, but there are a few issues that should have been addressed with the 2005 model.