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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  Glad I bought one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Owner - January 1 - 3:30 am

  This vehicle is a quantum leap from older Chrysler designs. The interior is both stylish and functional. You can see and appreciate the European design influence on a formal evening out, and the interior room and practicality when driving your kids back to college. Its a bit sluggish in lower gears (leaving a stop light), but passing acceleration from 50 mph to 80 mph is excellent. Road handling and stability are outstanding. I am very satisfied.

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  A Real Famliy Tourer - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ms_mayor - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable ride for my family of four who does all our traveling by car. Higher stance than a traditional wagon yet you never get the feeling youre driving a truck or van. Easily accessible third row seat gives each of our kids the chance to bring a friend along to movies or outings, and makes arranging carpools much easier. For a mom who spends a lot of time taxiing her kids around, Im thrilled to have a comfortable and stylish vehicle to do it in!

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  Fabulous Value - Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By spdyfngrzzz - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Fun to drive and very very comfortable. Fabulous value for the price.

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  This is IT! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chrysler Terrifica - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Never thought Id want to trade my Expedition until I saw this ride. Took 6 months, but I finally test drove and never stepped back into my SUV. Didnt settle for anything less than ALL the extras and so glad we didnt, well have this one til it dies. We drove through a couple other "top end" dealerships looking for a car for the in-laws and at both places salesmen came out and looked it over inside and out and told us how great it is... like we didnt know!

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  The Eye Catcher - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Rugrats - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Since buying the Pacifica in July my wife and I have received more queries and complements about the Pacifica than any car we ever driven before. We only hope everyone gets a chance to drive the Pacifica and discover what we did. It handles better than any other car we test drove. The E-Class suspension makes the handling of the car superior to any other SUV in its class. The Pacifica offers a smooth and quiet ride. It is comfortable and has plenty of space for groceries, golf bags, or strollers. Having now own the car for three months now, our biggest problem is keeping our milage down. It really is that nice to drive.

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  A great vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charlotte - December 9 - 12:53 am

  Ive only owned my Pacifica for a month, but its a joy to drive. After driving a Jeep Cherokee for several years, the ride, handling and comfort of the Pacifica are excellent. After being injured in a side-impact taxi accident last October, its also reassuring to drive the Pacifica with its 5 star crash ratings. The rear area provides plenty of space for my 2 dogs in their crates.

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  noise - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joleen Breitbach - December 8 - 7:33 am

  Bad Noise when back windows are down partway and front windows are up. Creates a noise loud enough to break your eardrums. Almost had an accident on highway. Thought I blew a tire.

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  Great Minivan - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tommy - November 30 - 8:30 pm

  Had a Town & Country, this is so much better. It is so much easier to get in and out of. We just got back from a 500 mile trip and it rode great, wind noise was non existent. It also does not look like a minivan, they did a great job on styling inside and out. The only complaint I have is that the radio is always on. There is a mute button to silence it, however when you restart the vehicle the radio will blast you out unless you turned the volume down before turning off the van. They say it is just the type of radio, seems stupid too me.

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  Style and Fun - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Woody Mills - November 30 - 1:43 pm

  The Pacifica is stylish and fun to drive. With the onboard nav. system, at a glance of the speedometer cluster you can see the map without looking toward the center radio location as on most models. With fuel prices soaring, the average I get around town is about 20, and on a trip 28. There is power if I need it and economy too.

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  great car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By clcs - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I am very please with this car. I look forward to trying out its performance in the snow this winter. It was a great choice. I love the look and performance.