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:

• 

  Happy New Owner! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Andrea - July 12 - 5:03 am

  Just purchased the Pacifica after comparing to Highlander, Pilot and Volvo XC90. Love it! You definitely get more for your money with the Pacifica. A used XC90 came in a close second but after reading the reviews on Edmunds decided against it. We drove a Tahoe for many years and are now happy to find a "car" that fits our needs with snow, kids and sports.

• 

  Nicest car I have ever owned - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brian - June 29 - 8:43 pm

  This is a greate vehicle. It has a very quiet ride, very smooth, and feels very stable (5in off the ground). I knew it would suck gas, but 21mpg on the highway, I think they can do better. Although it does weigh in over 4700 lbs. Highly recommend, great family mover, tons of cargo space with bench seat down.

• 

  my new car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gary Skiles - June 26 - 4:33 am

  This is one great car the looks inside and out the way it handles and just the total comfort of interior

• 

  Family Vehicle of the new Mellinium - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By McAdory - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I would highly recommend this as the family car for the new mellinium. It doesnt look like a soccer mom mobile, yet still has a lot of room. It is high enough off the ground so you can see better, yet not so high you have to mountain climb to get in and out of it. The quietness of the driving experience allows you to easily enjoy conversations with those in the second row( I havent had anyone in the third row yet to test that).

• 

  Rods Pacifica Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By r2d24u - June 23 - 2:00 am

  The car when I first looked at it I thought it was small SUV but when I got a closer look I saw how really big it was and when I saw the inside and drove it I knew this was the car for me.

• 

  Love it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Massamma - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My wife picked this vehicle, and we both like it alot

• 

  Its the BEST! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By AS - June 13 - 8:13 am

  I just recently purchased this car and Im in heaven - I LOVE to drive it!! It is extremely comfortable, has a ton of power and rides very smooth! Its loaded with extras like steering wheel mounted radio controls, dual zone climate control, programmable garage door opener - lots of storage space in the center consoles, too. The third row seat has plenty of room even for adults which is unusual in a crossover or SUV. The step in height is great which makes it easy to get kids in and out of car seats. The only thing I wish it had standard was a back up sensor - the visibility from the back window is less than Im used to.

• 

  Iffy, but nice looking - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By coeys - June 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought our pacifica 2 weeks ago and it has been to the sho0p twice for some squeeking noise. The dealer said its a belt problem that Chrysler is trying to fix but how long will it take. Seem very embarrising to drive a new car with temp tags and a loud squeak to go along with it. But when I did drive it it handled nice gas of course could be alot better. Oh the squek starts when you start the car and driv for a long time. And please dont try calling Chrysler because they are no help at all.

• 

  2 month owner - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Rich R - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, lots of room and terrific amenities.

• 

  My First SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By raycuda - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This has been a troublfree vehicle fr the past 10 months. It is perfect for a family vehicle as well as for hauling the kids and their friends around town. It also comes in handy when you need to transport something large that does not fit in the car. It is a perfect all- around vehicle and I would not hesitate to get another one.