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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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike - May 28 - 4:03 am

  Great riding car however it feels slightly underpowered even though it has a 250hp engine. Fuel economy is not great but not that bad for the size engine. With the addition of the auto-on headlights and memory seats the car would be perfect.

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  Perfect - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim - May 18 - 2:26 pm

  This is the most practical vehicle Ive ever seen. My wife didnt want a minivan and we didnt want to deal with a huge SUV, this was a perfect marriage of both. Lots of room, rides like a car and built like a tank - it actually gets decent gas mileage. Chrysler really needs to market this vehicle a little better - there is nothing like it out there.

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  Gas mileage 35-40 off listed - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By deflated mpg experie - May 14 - 5:16 am

  Handling and finish are very nice as was my dealer experience. However, I have had the newest software downloaded but there is no improvement in my mileage. I drive @90% highway and have constantly experienced 16-19 mpg. and in town 13 to 15mpg.

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  A cross country delight! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Erickson - May 9 - 10:40 am

  We have had our Pacifica for about five weeks. We ordered our Pacifica early last summer. Shortly after it arrived in late Sept. we drove it from our home in Northern MN to SW FL. We now have almost 4,000 miles on our Pacifica. It has been several years since we have owned a van the last of which was a 2004 Honda. We could not be more impressed with our new van. We averaged between 28 and 30 mpg on our trip to FL often driving into headwinds at freeway speeds. We paid extra for the safety tech pkg, which provides blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane departure monitoring all of which are great safety aids. The Pentastar V6 with the nine speed automatic work flawlessly providing great performance as well as outstanding fuel economy. This vehicle is very smooth and quiet. It has a very solid feel with no rattles or vibrations and handles surprisingly well for a van. The seating position for the driver is outstanding providing a great view of the road. The Uconnect technology system is very intuitive and easy to use. The stow and go seats are an engineering marvel. They are very easy to use and make the Pacifica a very capable vehicle. The hands free doors and tailgate are an added bonus. We expect to own our Pacifica for many years. In recent years we have owned Two Lexus RX 350s, a Honda van and two Jeep Grand Cherokees. While I know some people have questioned the quality of Chrysler products our experience is they are as good or better than the other brands we have owned. If you are in the market for a van or full size SUV you owe it to yourself to test drive the Pacifica. You wont be disappointed.

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  Value, comfort and safety - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wirv - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed driving this vehicle for the past two years. With 2 children, one of whom is handicapped, this is a roomy, functional and comfortable vehicle. The styling is refined externally and internally. The Pacifica is equally at home at the opera or at the vacation cabin. This is one of those vehicles with a wide divergence in rating between the drivers (more positive) and the professional rating groups.

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  Loving my new Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S.B. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Did much research prior to buying and just finished the 300 mile break-in. I think it is a beautiful blend of comfort and style. Drives nicely and ride feels good, but does lug a bit when picking up speed at on ramps. It is a large car, but I feel extremely safe in it. I love the many features it has - it seems to me everything you can imagine. The first time I test drove I felt some knobs etc. seemed a little cheap even though they looked nice but was comparing to a friends 150K mercedes sports car, so go figure. Im liking the whole package and the leather interior is very nice! I do park further away to make sure I can exit easily! Will update review after a few thousand miles.

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  Handles Great - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kedrinscott - April 15 - 4:10 pm

  We live in Palm Beach County, Florida and as evryone who lives here it can ran pretty heavy and This Car can handle driving threw the worst of down pours, You can drive threw a puttle doing 45mph and the car will not hydro- plane. The only problem is that sometime the car stalls for no reason and the paint chips easy and the roof rack makes noise when driving. Other that that we love it..

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  Great car for small family - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tmlhump - April 13 - 9:20 am

  We have had our Pacifica for over a year and have a few minor issues but overall the car has fit our needs perfectly and I recommend this car for a small family situation. The Pacifica is very versatile. Long trips are a joy. Carrying our two dogs around is easy. City driving is ok with the higher point of view and quick acceleration. Great combination of style, comfort, and performance. We also had the cutting off problem. That was scary. If you have experienced this problem, IT CAN BE FIXED! Tell the dealer that the TSB# is 18-039-05. The condition only effects 2004s and half of the 2005s. Go the NHTSA website, reference ODI# 10159114 for more info.

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  WOW - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MDV - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Extremely comfortable and a real head- turner. Impressed with handling and performance; DaimlerChrysler/Mercedes has a winner with the Pacifica!

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  Top Notch Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Rollin - April 10 - 3:30 am

  Have owned this vehicle for about two months now and Im pleased with our decision. Did not need to trade but like this model since it was first offered. One gets the "Mercedes" feel when driving. Having been a Mercedes owner for several years when working and driving in excess of 50,000 miles per year I know the ropes. Only negative thus far is gas mileage which is around 16-17 mpg. Great safety feel and comfort. Most of the needed add ons are standard. Great vehicle.