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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  The bes suv ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jojimbo - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great

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  Excellent Drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scorzaze - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The ride is fantastic. It can haul the kids to soccer and still take friends out to dinner. What a classic ride. It can even take it to Home Depot.

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  Love the looks, but needs more power. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lhseltzer - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with the way the Pacifica looks and how comfortable it is, BUT the engine is underpowered. In a situation where you have to accelerate quickly, youre in trouble. I have a hard time believing this engine was in the 300M. After complaints about the PT Cruiser being underpowered, (now corrected with a turbo available), they should have thought ahead and beefed up the engine on the Pacifica in the first place.

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  Its truly "well beyond the suv"! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carol Snyder - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Coming from Chrysler T&C LXI, I appreciate the ease of storage of the Pacifica back seats for hauling cargo. Also, appreciate the easy load of dvd and full screen viewing for movies in rear seat. Best feature is the very accurate navigation system in a location that is easy to use when driving. Interior is roomy, realatively easy to access the back row of seats and FUN to drive. Lots of positive feedback from others who like the overall appearance and the navigation feature when they get inside. Lots of "I like your car" comments! Only downside is limited site when backing up but no problems so far.

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  Pacifica Car of the future - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By zeke - November 22 - 2:00 am

  We have been driving our Pacifica since August and we have never had a nicer, more fun and easy to drive and ride in vehicle ever.

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  othing but net - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carl Smith - November 21 - 7:58 am

  Its bigger than most minivan but easy to enter and leave. Very satisfied so far.

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  Best all-around vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dimitrik - November 19 - 8:02 pm

  My car is one of the first PACs made (I think manufacture date is 10/03) -- it is the 3.5L 4-spd. w/ AWD. One complaint is I average only 16 MPG (mostly city driving). But when taking all things into consideration, it is the best car I have ever owned -- from reliability, design, comfort, and usability standpoint. I have all the options, and feel that the telematics (DVD, NAV, Satellite radio, Bluetooth) are better integrated than on my wifes new Lexus IS250. Too bad the car was discontinued so soon!

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  It Saved My Wifes Life - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark G - November 19 - 1:40 pm

  My wife has driven 3 of these vehicles, 2004, 2006 and now the 2008 Touring W P Chrysler Edition. The car is one of the safest vehicles on the road and it built like a tank with Mercedes technology. My wife was rear ended (high speed)in a mulitiple car pile up on the freeway 5 months after getting the car and then hit a second time. She walked away without a scratch or bruise and the car survived quite well !! Why stop building this car? We would have bought them forever! Maybe decisions like this is why Chrysler went bankrupt. This car was heavily influenced by Daimler and was the best product to come out of their influence.

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  2017 Chrysler Pacifica has 3 flaws - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charles Urban - November 18 - 7:15 am

  The digital speedometer and computer screen are very difficult to see, read during afternoon sunlight. The transmission has lots of play when put in, out of park. The drivers and passenger seat are too far away from the door entry. It takes long legs, a big step from the ground outside to get into the seats.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By angela - November 16 - 9:10 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems. Since I have bought this car in o7 it has been in the shop over 20 times. They keep finding problems but then the big problem keeps happening. When accelerating we lose all power and the car shakes uncontrollably. It has had flight recorders installed and still nothing. Still trying to resolve the issue however the dealership stinks. We have already sued Chrysler and have settled. I would never purchase a Chrysler again. Thinking about selling which will result in us losing money