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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  Pacifica rates high - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By xon57 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This may be the best car Ive ever owned. My only comment for improvement would be to add a larger power plant because the 3.8 litre V-8 feels a little sluggish at times. The Auto Stick feature is a lot of fun and the ride quality is solid as a rock. I love the lines and the build quality. A real winner.

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  Go Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike Bell - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have enjoyed driving the Pacifica for the last year and feel that it is a solid car and nice on the highway.

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  Mostly love - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Overall Happy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The German infulence shows. The handling compares to BMW or Mercedes. Glad I bought the FWD rather than AWD. The gas mileage is better and managed our PA snow just fine. I wouldnt recommend it for a young family dealing with car seats or car pooling but it works well with my 11 and 13 year olds who want their own seats and contols.

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  Early Results (2500 Miles) -- Fantastic - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vsroman@yahoo.com - July 31 - 10:00 am

  So far, an excellent experience. An great choice for those who need mini- van convenience but do not want to drive one. Excellent fit and finish, leather a must have.

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  Great - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wmb - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned. The eaze of getting in and out is unsurpassed. The handling and power of the vehicle are great. Great gas milage, too.

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  Marks - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark7452561 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in Oct 03. Has some initial problems with the AC control head and the torque converter. Steve Christys service department is awesome. They fixed it within the month (waited on some parts). Havent had a problem since.

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  Family Friendly - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By julrap - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving our new car very much. I test drove several different makes such as Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Highlander, and felt the quality of ride combined with the luxury and versatility of the interior were superior for the cost.

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  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ARTHUR KOENIG - July 25 - 10:00 am

  THIS REVEIW IS ON A 2004 PACIFICA.IT IS THE COMFORT & SPACE IS MORE THEN I EXPECTED IEXPECTED.WE TOOK A TRIP FROM FLORIDA TO UPSTATE NEW YORK IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR AND PUT 4000 MILE ON IT. WE AVERAGED 26 MPG AND COULD NOT BELEIVE IT.DROVE MORE THEN 10 HOURS AND NEVER ONCE FELT UNCOMFORTABLE. I AM 71 YRS YOUNG AND HAVE OWNED A LOT OF CARS AND TRUCKS. THIS BY FAR HAS BEEN THE GREATEST EXPERENCE FOR ME. . IF I EVER HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER I WOULD NOT CHOOSE ANY OTHER.LETS JUST SAY THIS IS THE BEST

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  Assembly defect. Please stay away. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stefano Fiorini - July 18 - 9:02 am

  We bought the top of the line showroom car, yes, the Limited trim with all the bells and whistles. I have never bought a car from the Chrysler group and never bought an American car because of all I have heard throughout the years. Buy my wife and kids wanted a spacious car and we rented a Kia Sedona and a Toyota Sienna and enjoyed the space. So we traded in out perfect (German built) Mercedes GLA 250 4Matic for this Chrysler Pacifica Limited. AS we drove off the dealer lot we start hearing a noise like something was loose on the roof. We had to stop on the way home and found nothing visibly loose outside. It sounded something was just loose on the top. We quickly found out it was the roof glass that was not assembled tight. Went back to the dealer. They took it in and filled the top with dirty grease just to tell me that the glass was not assembled correctly and I had to take the car in next week so they could work on it. All this is just plain unacceptable and unbelievable to me. As I take full responsibility for actually going to a Chrysler dealer and buy this car, I recommend you to keep your money. If you really have to buy a minivan, go for a Toyota or a Honda.

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  a great car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ***** - July 17 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever owned!!! thanks chrysler