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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  Stalls While Driving - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Heather Moraitis - February 27 - 10:10 pm

  I have had this car for 2 months and it stalls while I am driving. The power steering freezes and I cannot maneuver the car. It has happened around town and while I was on the interstate. I am fortunate I have not been seriously injured along with my 2 children. The dealership cannot identify the problem and therefore says that nothing is wrong. I am taking steps towards filing a lemon law complaint. I am trying to get help from Chrysler, but the customer service representative told me there is nothing they can do unless they can determine the problem.

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  SUV (Sport Utility Minivan) - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Califafunk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, minivan, wagon???? Interior makes you feel like a million bucks. Exterior is sleek and different. Drives like a well tuned car and has torque like a pickup.

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  Luxury Ride at a Price - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pdt66 - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  Loaded with every option except seat memory (GPS, 2nd row Entertainment System, Premium Leather, 19" wheels, UConnect, side airbags, laminated windows, power liftgate, etc). This car is a VERY nice ride....more luxurious on the inside than my Chrysler 300. Ride is smooth, quiet and responsive....a real pleasure to drive. Seating configurations (third row) are many and provide max flexibility. Intermezzo sound system is very nice. UConnect works great with Bluetooth enabled cell phone. Overall an extremely well appointed and full featured car -- great for a family of four that wants the option to ocassionally carry 6 passengers.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lisa - February 19 - 5:46 am

  We chose to add all the available features to upgrade our car to include all the features we always really wanted in a car- the leather seat pkg., dvd and entertainment up grade, sunrooof, nav. system, ect. and the price was still reasonable. Compared to a comp. equiped Cadillac, Lexus, or VW it was a deal. It might not have the status of the previously mentioned models but its comfort and appointments are just as nice. Weare very pleased. The only real drawback we have found is the lack of visibility when backing up. This could be solved by adding the rear sensor option from Mopar. Other than that we love our Pacifica!

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  Ma Mopar does it right - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By plum - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a dream, perfer it over the AWD model

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  Stylish and Modern some details need improvement - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ann M. - February 8 - 3:54 pm

  Sleek Ride! I feel like I am in my own private modern spaceship with beautiful dashboard - all cushy leather and modern controls. It feels luxurious, spa-like. I am just engulfed in massage! Great 360 degree camera - beeps on the side that you are about to bump into! Rear camera is great because it also shows you your view from above. The most fun is the SELF PARKING! I love putting my hands high up in the air while the car PARKS ITSELF! Then strangers come over to me and ooh and aah! This is great for NYC parking!!! Here are the caveats: 1) NO SPARE TIRE -Chrysler swapped the interior space for spare tire for the vacuum system. I bumped into a curb on a Sunday night - the inflator was not appropriate because tire had a large hole. Needed a flatbed truck to tow it. Now I have to wait THREE DAYS because dealer cant get tire . 2) the vacuum system is a great idea but they need to improve details. Hose was not screwed down properly - so would not stay in place. Dealer is having trouble screwing it down (in the trunk compartment) because of awkward positioning Stowing the vacuum in the second seat side panel is not easy - this needs improvement. 3) seat stowage - the old town and country was much better at this - not so easy and does not stow exactly flat or hidden 4) the feature to kick and the door opens IS NOT AVAILABLE - false advertising

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  2005 Touring AWD - Very Pleased - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 2005 Pac Owner - February 5 - 4:20 am

  Ive driven 3000 miles and I am extremely happy with this auto. A third of these miles have been driven in bad Winter weather. The Pacifica with AWD has handled these Winter condition better than I expected. Far better than my previous SUV. The road handling is exceptional. I have never felt safer in an automobile. The engine power has incresed substantially since the first 1500 miles. It has plenty under the hood. I do not understand the reviews that complain about the lack of power. I drive on hilly roads and the Pacifica has plenty of get up an go. I have averaged 19.4 MPG after the first 1000 miles. This is all Winter driving with a mix of city and highway. Not too bad.

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TASC - February 4 - 10:00 am

  This purchase was a replacement for my dying Jeep... and although I still miss my Jeep, this was a great replacement buy! The vehicle offers much of the same options available in similar vehicles with about the same price line. o Seating is spacious and comforatble. o Once the vehicle gets moving, it picks up beautifully. o The ride is exceptionally quite (except if you have only one window open - then you get that buffeting noise :) ) o Mileage is better than expected (remember Im coming from a Jeep). Overall, I think this is an excellent buy especially for folks with older kids in the family - less fighting because theres no touching.

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  Best car we have ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By schwadave1 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is FUN to drive. We took it for a driving vacation this summer ... even after 8 hours of driving, we were all comfortable. Drives like a sports sedan, not like an SUV or Minivan.

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  Just got it! Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sitedrifter - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2004 AWD Inferno Red Pacifica last Saturday. This truck? This Car? This crossover? This whatever it is, looks great, rides great and has all the cool toys like NAV and DVD video. Got a great deal on it and I hope in 3 years it rides and looks just as it does today.