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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  outstanding - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kathleen collins - April 8 - 11:06 pm

  this vehicle has exceeded expectations. the ride is great, handling superior and the safety ratings speak for themselves. I have 30,000 miles on the vehicle with no major problems. all I have done is change the oil and rotate the tires.The one real surprise was how helpful the GPS system is. I will not buy another vehicle without it. The day I purchased the vehicle I test drove the honda pilot, toyota highlander and the pacifica. The pilot was third, the highlander was a very close second, but the pacifica was much more vehicle for what I paid. The highlander and the pacifica came in close in price, but the pacifica had many more features (options) and a better warranty.

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  2005 Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robyn - March 31 - 12:40 am

  This vehicle is extremely nice and comfortable. The design was well thought out. It drives like a car and not so much like a minivan. It is very sporty looking and was a nice transition for me from a minivan (where I felt a little frumpy driving it).

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  SUV + MINIVAN = PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By onelexave - March 24 - 2:00 am

  A good, practical car with nice interior details. My wife and I decided that it was a nice compromise between a Minivan (too pedestrian and lacking in style, no 4 wheel drive on the Honda available) and an SUV (too large, difficult to get into 3rd row for our 3rd young child, and poor mileage). It has meet our expectations in almost every respect (the exceptation being that gas mileage is well below the official City and Hwy ratings) and I would recommend the car provided you can get it in the low 30s for a fully loaded version. (FYI we got about 6K off the sticker)

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  sure beats a van - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By cla1125 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We moved to the Pacifica from a grand caravan. This rides much better, goes anywhere (we live in the country,and is much more pratical for our family.(5 total). our kids think the seats are confortable and i feel safer driving this w/ the additional air bags in the backseats.

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  A pleasant surprise !!! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Saxman - March 18 - 5:13 am

  We were told this vehicle had bad blind spots, but after a test drive (and using the side view mirrors as they were intended) we found no blind spots. Its fun to drive and is very comfortable on long trips. The V6 accelerates nicely and merges into highway traffic easily. The interior is spacious and the instrmnt & contrl panels are well designed. We needed a vehicle with alot of leg room and after trying the Japanese suvs the Jeep Commander and some mini vans the Pacifica beat them all! Ours has alot of options but if I could choose only one it would be the rear-park-assist its worth it. My wife and I love this vehcl and recommend test driving it and forming your own opinion. A Great Ride!!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bls8195 - March 9 - 10:33 am

  So far I have had the car for about a month, and I love it to death. Very Roomy, comfortable. Very fun to drive. Only thing I wish I may have gotten which I did not was the navigation system. Wish Pcifica got better gas mileage.

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  Nice touring car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Waldo30101 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car for my wife who wanted something luxurious but taller sitting seat wise. We have taken two trips, one over a thousand miles round trip and were comfortable the whole way. It could use more power but it had no problem cruising at above legal speeds up hills and valleys. Our previous car had a 5 speed transmission which I think would have helped this engine. We receive a lot of stares and positive comments about the car. Everyone seems to like it. Especially mini van owners.

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  So far everything is working fine - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stan Czapka - February 14 - 6:29 am

  Vehicle only has 1000 miles and no problems. A good experience at the dealership just too long.

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  DVD troubles - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By James Autry - February 9 - 6:57 am

  Almost totally love my new Pacifica. Only problem is the DVD/CD system. Loading and playing a new disc takes at least 60 Seconds and can take more than two minutes if it is a well used disc. There is no hour glass or spinner to indicate it is working but there are pop ups that you end up futiley pressing on the touch screen. When it finally starts playing, on screen prompts like "fast play" or "extras" do not respond so you are forced to wait until they time out and watch the previews every time you play the disc.

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  Pac Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jdub07 - February 6 - 12:20 pm

  Car seems to be okay thus far in our ownership. We have every single option that came with the 04 pac awd. Even the tow package. Weve put this through the wringer so far on trips and its held up pretty well. I am meticulous though with oil changes (every 2K miles), detailing the car whenever possible, constant fluid checks and undercarage checks. Already bought a new set of tires too. Basically Im treating it like our Audi that requires vigilant maintenance in order to keep it tip top. I think the Pac will serve us well if this is continued. Pacs are such a new concept with the interior and electrical one needs to be persistant in keeping everyting up to par.