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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  Force Chrysler to make this car a recall - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By talya - November 14 - 9:33 am

  When u read everybodys comment about the pacifica. i totally agree that this car has a whole heck of alot of problems from ABA light on & off, motor mounts, hoses coming apart, breaks.Certain things chrysler need to be held accountable for.

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  mmm...Ill pass. But thank you!! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wallace Greemiel - November 5 - 12:05 pm

  An OK vehicle. I just cannot see myself using it as a daily driver, particularly with the dismal black seating. It may have been tweaked, but it screams "suburb soccer mom".

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  Good car with reservations - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vict - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the first time I have bought a family car and selected the Pacifica based on the interior and safty rating. So far the car is functioning as expected. My 2 main concerns with the car after a year is reliablity (2 recalls in a year) and the engine. So far we have averaged 16.5 mpg. This would be acceptable if the car had good acceleration, but it does not. The ride is smooth, but you have to really think ahead if you are changing lanes, since acceleration is minimal.

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  Touring 2009 Model - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ani - November 4 - 9:07 pm

  I have to post this here because there is no place to do the 2009. Our daughter bought the new 2009 Touring Model in January. She loved it at first but it has given her nothing but grief. Bad motor mounts. Transmission knocking and dealer says that is normal. One more thing also that I cant remember. She is so disgusted. In the garage again and again.

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  leased it then bought it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bobby henderson - November 4 - 6:50 pm

  I originally leased it. Silver W Black leather, 6 seats 3 ranges of very cold a/c. lots of off the line punch, smoke the front wheels if you push it hard. decent milage in the city about 17-18 hwy 26-28mpg @ 70mph cruise on.Only problem when new abs light came on panick stop produced 4 wheel lock up. Repared under warrenty. Oh almost forgot motor mounts went bad replaced w 4.0 ltr eng.looks great lots of hybred potential here. big mistake with ugly replacement. great alternative to not drive minivan, i,ve had 4.pacifica was a big mistake to kill instead to improve on a great cuv and lots of choices. sunroof,electric rear dr,6 bucket seats,nice stereo, 4wd,back up sensors police invisible...

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  Reliable Ride - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jeff - October 29 - 5:11 pm

  I first leased the vehicle in 06 and at the end of the agreement Chrysler gave a great discount and bought the car. I have 50k miles on it, still original tires. I have replaced both headlights, and the front brakes and the oil regularly its been a tank. The highway ride is great, they improved the engine in later years and then just gave up. Youll see them on the road for a long time to come.

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  Diamond in the rough - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Baxter - October 28 - 6:00 am

  I researched all of the similar vehicles on the market, regardless of price, and decided that the Pacifica was the best value for us. With all the amenities that it has, it feels like a luxury vehicle. I drive a Corvette in the summer, my wife drives an MR2 Spyder - we both love the way the Pacifica handles. Now, if it can just pull our boat this summer, we will call it a winner all year long.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kbern - October 27 - 1:50 am

  Exceptionally comfortable ride. Good cargo space. A lot of car for the money. Good engine pick-up. Very pleased with the quality of the vehicle. For being a small six cylinder it has very good pick up.

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  Superb all around - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tyler - October 27 - 1:42 am

  Got rid of my 2000 Honda Accord LX, 3 transmissions in 64,000 miles nothing but stress. I was very interested in buying Chrysler because of the power train warranty. I have not needed it because the Pacifica has been perfect. Driven it to Bend, Portland, New Mexico, Texas, Santa Barbara, San Diego and many other trips between. 38,000 miles already in 2 years and I have no worries. It is a great looking car in addition. Everywhere I go someone mentions how they like the design. Cadillac and Toyota liked it so much they copied it. I added a roof rack and a trailer hitch for the gear and bicycles for the longer jaunts where the Pacifica shines due to its comfort. Keeping this car forever.

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  Fine example of German & American Tech - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marco Espinosa - October 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car definatly worth the buy, however were I live (Mexico City) the Pacifica (Fully equiped) cost me 45,000 USD. It was worth it, my Durango 2000 had nowhere near the gas milage and the pacifica is bigger, more comfy and very luxurios.