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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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Brooks - February 3 - 8:56 am

  To this point , 10,000 miles, I have had little or no problems with the vehicle. This is our 4th Chrysler and the only rap is with the gas mileage. I think the Chrysler engineers could have improved the mileage by changing the gear ratios as I have noticed the rpms are higher in the Pacifica than in my 96 and 01 sedans. Other than that, I think its one of the sharpest SUV designs around.

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  Sold on Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BearMtn78 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  After over 2 months of driving this vehicle,it is hard to find anything wrong with it! Gas mileage is surprisingly good for its size (18/city and up to 24/highway). It is comfortable for a family of 7, with no complaints from tall adults in the second row, & 3 kids love the comfort of the third row! Ride is smooth, handling is reliable, and soundproofing (enhanced by dealer undercoating) allows for comfortable level of conversation or listening to radio. Only suggestion would be that prospective owners consider installing the backup warning system at the dealership if not already installed. Chrysler has a winner here!

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  Great van.... so far - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By seth - January 24 - 10:22 pm

  The 2017 Pacifica overall has been great, I have had it for only 3 weeks but so far so good except the combined gas mileage on it stays between 18-20 mpg which sucks and also there is no CD player!? WTF?!?!

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  Disappointing - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By RonFromOregon - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica did not live up to my expectations. It handles like soggy sponge, rattles from the back, and has very little headroom. The 3rd row seats are a joke. The DVD entertainment is broken. This is hard to explain, but the AWD tracks the road like a big truck -- it feels heavy and slow. Exterior styling is very good, but not enough to justify the $7000 over MSRP the dealership was asking. Until Chrisler figures out how to give this wheezing car a triple-bypass, youre much better off in one of the new 2004 Toyota Siennas or a Lexus RX- 330.

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  The future - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bronson - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is the future of US automobiles. Powerful, safe and more politically correct than a big old SUV. It looks prett smart too. It follows a prototype Mercedes Benz developed a few years ago that suggested that there was a gap in the market for demand for a cross between an SUV and a station wagon. Faster, safer and better looking etc. It will allow mini-van drivers to not look like there driving a bus. More power to their elbow. It looks set to be a big hit for DCX.

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  Its about time! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wesley R - January 9 - 2:53 pm

  I woke up this morning and had that proud feeling that I did something for my family. Just acouple days ago I got one of the most beautiful vehicles I have ever had so happy with its comforts and style. I feel so safe on the road Its the absalute smoothest vehicle that we tried family of 5.

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  Loyal Chrysler Buyer - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Geoff - January 5 - 10:23 pm

  This SUV drives and handles more like a car but has a SUV feel. Easy to navigate, comfortable on trips but needs additional stowage behind 3rd row seat. Fuel economy is accurate except in mountainous terrian. Is pricer than a Van with fewer passanger space and stowage area. Improve 3rd row seating to accomodate adults.

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  Pacifica Honeymoon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Labrador - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our Pacifica for just over 7 weeks and we just love it! We have owned several new Chrysler AWD Town & Countrys over the last 10 years and this vehicle is a sporty as well as a refreshing change. Fun to drive and safe. The power is a bit on the light side and the fuel ecomomy is not were it should be yet. Perhaps after it breaks in? The finish and fit is excellent. We just has 17 in. of snow and the Pacifica handled as if it was on a dry pavement. Stable and solid! The creature conforts are premium and the toys (DVD and navigation system) are fun too. We are on a honeymoon and hope it never ends.

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  Pacifica: Versatile Family Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry Bernhardt - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The Chrysler Pacifica is a well designed, very versatile family car. It incorporates the excellent 3.5 litre engine used on Chrysler 300 vehicles. Its ride is one of the best we have ever encountered. Its wide wheelbase and large wheels make it extremely stabile on the open road. Whenever we park our Pacifica in a parking lot, we look back as we walk away and smile.

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  my car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By msrp - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a van or an suv and this Chrysler Pacifica combines the best of both types of vehicles for me. A pleasure to drive. I drove it across country just after buying it. Loved every minute of it. Look forward to driving it every day. It also has features I need and the room for my family, dog,and anything else I need it for. Thank you Chrysler.