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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Nice to drive! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
By Steve_Cin - December 4 - 11:22 amThis is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It has plenty of room and it handles great. I was concerned about gas mileage. The city mileage isnt great when my wife drives it but seems to be better when I drive. Highway is excelent. I have gotten over 29 mpg at 70 miles an hour. 26 to 27 is more typical though.
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Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By aamig - December 3 - 2:00 amWonderful quality and safety features. It is fun to frive, extremely comfortable, and roomy. Love the feel of this vehicle.
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mommy car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Vegas Driver - December 3 - 2:00 amI bought my car the last day of July in Vegas. First of all let me tell you how great the air condiditioning works living in the desert. Its GREAT. The Picifica is great for a family of 4. Its not too big or too small. I can carpool and fit 4 kids in the back. I love the captain chairs in the middle . Each child has their own seat, meaning no fighting over space. The third row is easy to get to and my 8 year old loves to sit back there with her friends. Its easy to drive and has all the features I wanted in a family car.
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Changes that should be made - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By HsKep - December 3 - 2:00 amThis is a great car and fun to drive. The styling is very good and the comfort is exceptionally good. Nice and quite and smooth. Appointments in the interior are luxurious and everything is laid out very well.
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KMK review on Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By KrisMKeefe - December 3 - 2:00 amI really enjoy the pacifica. I had a Yukon before this which I also enjoyed. The pacifica is more "family friendly". The one thing I dislike about my pacifica is that blind spot in the rear sides. I thought the mileage would be a little better but, it is AWD. Handles better then my Yukon as far as Im concerned in snow.
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Excellent Car with a few suggestions - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By FORMERBABE9259 - December 3 - 2:00 amI have owned this vehicle for just one month and I love the car. It is fully loaded and comfortable. Could use a manual on the DVD/CD. The only complaint I have is that there are several blind spots in the vehicle, i.e. small back window and the side impact bars are large and obstruct the view. You truly need to rely on your side mirrors almost exclusively.
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My New Graduation Present - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By PCWOODALL - November 29 - 10:00 amI just bought my Pacifica yesterday and I just love it! I find that it is perfect for my family with us traveling alot to soccer games. I like how it feels like driving a car even though we are sitting up higher than most cars. It is more aerodynamic than the boxy looking SUVs. I feel much safer driving it because of all the safety features.
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Everything but gas mileage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By heelsfans - November 29 - 10:00 amIf they build a hybrid of this car, I will never own another make or model. Love this car, its handling, its appointments and the thoughtfulness of the design.
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We like it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Lloyd Mims - November 29 - 10:00 amWe wanted an SUV to complement the Lincoln Town Car we also have. However, all the SUVs we looked at were uncomfortable or not luxurious enough (unless they were very expensive). The Pacifica is somewhat like an old-fashioned "station wagon." It is easy to get in and out of but it sits higher on the road that a regular car. It is luxurious and comfortable and give good performance with adequate gas mileage. We like it!
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Fun to own - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Greg901 - November 22 - 10:00 amI have been looking at this car for the last 9 months. Its as nice of a car to own as I imagined. I am very pleased.
