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:

• 

  2006 Review - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frank - November 25 - 1:56 am

  Thought I would offer my comments on a 2006 Pacifica as there is so little information on them. I had ordered mine on the first day they accepted Fleet orders and took delivery five days ago. Already have almost 600 miles on it. The biggest complaint I had heard related to fuel economy. So far I have averaged about 20.6 MPG. It has been a mixture of city but mostly highway driving. It is a joy to drive and my kids were wild about the way it looks. .

• 

  Beats the XC90 Price and Otherwise - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By The Griswold Family - November 16 - 10:00 am

  After comparing the Pacifica with the Volvo XC90 (a direct competitor), we decided to save $15000 and go with the Pacifica. With its Mercedes M300 engine and full safety features, it was a great buy at $38000 (at invoice). This was the AWD model with navigation, DVD, and every option available. We love it and look forward to many years of enjoyment. We also bought the all- inclusive 7 year/100,000 mile extended warranty for just over $1000, negotiated down from almost $2000. It pays to bargain!

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Coowhie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I am VERY pleased w/ the New car. It rides better than my old Camry.

• 

  Pacifica Chrysler German engineered SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By annneil - November 10 - 10:00 am

  A very solid,quiet, and safe midsize body, handles, steers & brakes well. Responsive and fun to drive compared to my Lincoln Navigator. Quiet ride on chair-height comfortable seats. Top safety ratings. Exciting yet practical for Minnesota country estate living. Big, high, wide wheels and tires for snowcovered country roads. More people should know about the outstanding German engineering qualities of Pacifica not found in other cars.

• 

  Butane Bue and Beautiful! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gwsilvers - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I didnt want a "me too" SUV or a soccer mom minivan. I did want stability, safety, room to carry my mobile ofice and a certain level of class. I saw the Pacifica n the TV but had not run into one on the street so was taken a bit by surprise when I got to the Chrysler dealer. Its BIGGG! When you get behind the wheel you sit up high and feel like the King of the Road. When you start to drive you feel like your in a Mercedes. I drive at least 30K a year and now Im looking forward too every mile!

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ddramer - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This Pacifica has been one of the best that we have ever owned. It is a very fun car to drive. It offers plenty of comfort options, very good on fuel with today prices. Great car! its been the best we have driven. The Interior design is awsome.

• 

  Everything I was hoping for - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacificadave - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I previously had several minivans and was sick of being designated a "soccer mom" even though I have no wife and kids. The Pacifica in no way is a soccer mom vehicle and has most of the same utility values that a mini van does. While storage is not quite as good as the mini van, the appearance of the vehicle and the functionality out weigh that issue. The exterior design is attention getting and functional except for the rear window effects which make it nearly impossible to clean the window with a squeege. The dash is very attractive and unique with the backlit LED style and the digital information center. The leather seating is very comfortable

• 

  The Car is ok, but the service is awful - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MH in Richardson, Tx - October 12 - 4:03 am

  My 2004 Pacifica is probably the most comfortable car that Ive ever owned. Build quality and reliability are slightly above average in comparison to other cars that I have owned. However, all of this falls to the wayside after having a miserable experience getting warranty work performed. We had problems with the suspension was covered under the warranty. However, we were still charged for the work. Their explanations vague and evasive. They also kept the car several days longer than promised. Im not displeased with the car. But because of the hideous service from the dealer, I will NEVER, under any conditions, buy another Chrysler product.

• 

  A more Aerodynamic looking Red Van - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Treiber - October 8 - 7:09 am

  Over-all Im very satisfied so far( only 1 month). The navigation system is hard to set the destination in it. Keeps going to the wrong town, st. or address before I can get to the right one. Example( it goes to Oakbrook Terrace before I can put in Oakbrook,thats a big difference and very frustrating . It took guite a while to get home into it. Ill know more about the van after taking it on the road next month.

• 

  I wish....... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By new_car_blues - September 28 - 10:00 am

  The car drives OK except for the noise. I have three kids and it has to be loud for me to hear in the car. There is a sever flapping noise at 60- 70MPH under the hood. As it turns out it is the fender wells are not secured and flapping around. They tried to fix... still trying. If you roll down one rear window the buffeting noise is at the threshold of pain. Is sounds like the wheel is comming off.