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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Perfection - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By c/o - September 22 - 2:00 amIts abeautiful car with lots of features. looking inside reminds me of the benz so much. It needs just a little bit more speed and the front grill has to be refined it needs to look a little more pretty than that.
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I love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By kbp - September 22 - 2:00 amI went from a PT Cruiser to the Pacifica. I love the look & style of this car. The interior is very quiet, love the stereo system & while I thought the DVD player was unneccesary I must say it keeps four kids very quiet!
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I love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Char - September 22 - 2:00 amIts a great riding car. Its very heavy so I feel very safe in it. The quality of workmanship is there. It could use a little more power but the weight holds it back and once you get going its great. The radio and disc player has great sound feels like you are at a concert.
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MOST ENJOYABLE - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By BRUCE DIAMOND - September 22 - 2:00 amI was looking for a replacement of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and was test driving many vehicles that were in this price area that would be a good replacement. The dealer let me test drive for 20 miles both in city and interstate conditions and that really impressed me with comfort & handling. I have a back injury and many vehiles are not easy to get in and out but this is the easist of any I tested,
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Over the Mountains - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By SoutheasternEyeCare - September 22 - 2:00 amWe needed a vehicle that would get us between two clinics in a mountainous area that is a major route used by many 18 wheeler coal trucks,etc.We ended up with a new Pacifica,which goes beyond our needs in almost every way with the slight exception of power on take- off,which is a little sluggish!
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great - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By garybear - September 16 - 2:00 amHad a pt cruiser frist never bought chrysler cars before but this is my secound one have never brought a car back to dealer for any reason other than an oil change never had any mechanical problems. Enjoy the quiet ride kid loves the sourond sound DVD not bad on gas used more in pt crusier everything at good reach distance well designed car .
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Needs some improvements - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Pat Haley - September 16 - 2:00 amThe vehicle is very comfortable to drive especially on the highway. I feel it is over priced for the following reasons. 1. Interior componets do not live up to a $40,000 car 2. Mileage is horrible, (does not meet window sticker) 3. Limited rear view (always feel as we are going to back into something or someone.) 4. Transmission shifts rough at times.
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Pacifica Perfection - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By ivanbosw - September 16 - 2:00 amThe Pacifica has excellent comfort, with ample room for my large 6 foot 3in. frame and is still very drivable for my 5 foot 2in. wife because of adjustable foot pedal height.The memory seat and foot pedals are programed into the key fob to work independantly for both our keys.Of course I do all the vehicle washing due to the roof height but its also permittable in car washes since the radio antenna is built into the rear glass. The freeway ride is very smooth and quiet the rear suspension with self- leveling shocks adjust quietly and quickly to accomadate friends or the trip to Costco. Kudos to Chrysler for overall perfection on my new Pacifica.
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Good Move on My Part - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By johnmac - September 16 - 2:00 amPacifica owner since June, I drive 500 to 800 miles per week in city and highway traffic. High marks all the way! A few more miles per gallon would be nice but averaging 18 mpg isnt bad for a 4700 lb car. Bottom line: Would I buy it again?... Yes, without hesitation!
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Excellent! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Michelle OBrien - September 16 - 2:00 amI have owned my Pacifica for 3 months, and I LOVE IT!! I traded in a 1999 Land Rover and the difference in the two vehicles is phenominal, the Pacifica is so much better, in many ways! I even had my husband clean out our whole garage just so my Pacifica can have a "clean" place to sleep! Thanks, Michelle OBrien
