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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  Engine Gone - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bryans Road - October 21 - 10:57 am

  I have had some many problems with my pacific. It started over heating in June 2009 and now Im in the process of purchasing a new engine. It stopped on the highway and I had to have it towed to a repair shop. $4500.00 for new engine. With a 72 month loan, I owe $4800.00. Add $4500.00 to it. Im convinced that Chrysler was aware of the problems and high maintenance. Oh, thats way its no longer in production. Hum!

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  Happy Owner - first Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dag - October 21 - 1:40 am

  I bought this car for my wife as safety and cargo were two of the biggest concerns when we were shopping. I cant believe how quiet this car is when driving on the road. Our baby loves it and falls to sleep the second we drive off. The grip to the road feels tight and acceleration is smooth. The car does not feel large and also sits higher than a regular car (not as high as larger SUV). Gas mileage is adequeate at best and fortunately only requires regular. We now have 1,350 miles and are averaging 14.9/gallon. I hope it gets better as the car breaks in more. We know two other couples who have since bought the car.

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  A Work in Progress - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gary Roberti - October 16 - 10:00 am

  UNDERPOWERED, HORRIBLE MILEAGE (14.2mpg @2500 miles so far)we live in FLAT southern NJ...17-22mpg on the sticker!!!! The quality of the interior items...carpet (very thin), switches, console doors...very cheap. Been back three times in 1 1/2 months for problems that dealers are aware of. Looks very nice and the kids love it though. Parents..think twice!!!!

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  My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JEH1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this vehicle. The Nav System is easy to use and read. Other exciting components are the DVD/CD, six CD holder, seperate radio controls for the rear pass., load leveling system, automatic tire pressure reading and automatic rear gate opener. It also has easy touch seat controls and memorizes the positions. 4 of the 6 seats have two level of heat control, and the rear passengers have seperate heat controls. I sound like a dealer, but Im not (Im a police officer in Maryland). My Pacifica is just fun to drive and it turns heads. I just love driving it and its extremely comfortable.

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  What a Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Proud Pacifica Mom - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything. I feel so in control of everything. Being short (52)the adjustable pedal control plus the driver seat settings allow me to easily find my comfort zone. I drive approximately 50-100 miles daily and dont experience any discomfort. My daughter wanted the DVD option and now rides in the back seat and watches a movie where ever we go. We also love the fantastic sound system. I went to purchase a Town & Country and left with the Pacifica. What a great deal.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Art Luttrell - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Granted,we have only had our Pacifica for 37 days, but weve had it long enough to say that it is the finest driving, finest riding vehicle we have ever been in-bar none. It is everything we wanted, and more. One interesting side note-it really seems to cause a lot of staring. If we pull up next to another vehicle at a street corner, more often than not, we notice people checking out the car.

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  what have i done - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By robin - October 11 - 8:28 pm

  i purchased my pacifica from carmax in raleigh and it has been nothing but trouble. i purchased it on 16 aug 09 and it has been in the shop 4 times and this last time they still dont know whats wrong with it. each time i took it to be repaired the techs kept telling me the noises were normal. it took the sup of service to ride with me to tell them the noises werent normal. the car has been with them more than with me. maybe they should be making the payment.

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  Good and Bad - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mary Ann - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a nicely built car. It is comfortable and delivers a fine ride -- BUT--the gas mileage in local driving is TERRIBLE!!! __Avg --9.5-10.5 mpg!!! and the worst part is that Chrysler says that everything is O.K.--Ha-Ha.

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  be careful!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mary dhedouville - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Pacifica for 5 months now and it has been in the shop with 3 MAJOR problems. The first time an airbag sensor went out and the part was on back order for 6 weeks!!! Thats right...no airbags for 6 weeks. Next an antilock brake sensor went bad...no anti lock brakes for over a week. And then a wheel hub assembly went bad..no wonder chrysler gives u a free loaner for this car!!!!!

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  Total Satisfaction - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mcjesq - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned! I required a larger vehicle for my newborn twins, their double stroller and a host of other things I need to haul around. I feel much too hip for a mini van and a little more sophisticated than a large truck. The Pacifica is a perfect fit. I never hesitate to tell people about my joy when they stop me on the street to ask questions.