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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  I Love My New Car!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lovingmycar - October 4 - 2:00 am

  My new Pacifica is a dream come true. With a husband who coaches youth sports and two teenagers, I am constantly transporting kids from one place to another...and I am comfortable the whole time. There is plenty of seating room, the climate control really keeps the whole vehicle comfortable, the stereo is great (my teens love it), I feel safe driving in it, and I have received tons of complements on its exterior styling.

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  A Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By golfer1614 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica offers a great ride. I feel secure and over long miles experience minimal fatique, vs, other vehicles that I have owned. The quality of the interior and the placement of instraumentation is excellent. I rate this auto as one of the best that I have owned.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By spartyjim - September 29 - 11:19 am

  We bought this car new. One unique problem that was fixed even though the car was out of warranty. Headliner buckled and was replaced. No mechanical problems, it drives very nice and the ride is smooth. A problem common to all SUVs Ive had is the side visibilty. Pillars make you have to look carefully. Highway mileage is over 21 mpg with air on at over 75MPH. No oil use like some others say. We have the small V6

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  Great Car! So Far... - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brennen - September 22 - 10:06 am

  I absolutely love my Pacifica. I have the Signature Series with all the extras. Although I was worried that having so many power features could potentially mean expensive repair bills, this has not been an issue thus far. The Pacifica is extremely comfortable for four passengers, but it could have used a little more leg room in the third row. The seats are supportive, the the ride is smooth and quiet, and the engine and transmission perform well. I have had no problems at all with this car. I am extremely pleased my purchase.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By William - September 20 - 9:09 pm

  Just purchased a Base Pacifica, I am a traveling sales representative. It is nice to have room for samples and golf clubs. I put over 1,000 miles my first week and so far I like it. I hope it proves to be a reliable vehicle. The only complaint thus far is the large blind spots but the big mirrors help a little. William

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  I need to trade it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chocolategirl - September 19 - 7:24 pm

  I bought this car in 2006 after renting one and trading in a 2001 Ford minivan. I thought that this was gonna be a long lasting relationship with this car but I have already replaced both axles, and in 2008 I stayed at the shop with it. Now I took it back about a week ago to the dealership because I heard a humming sound and no air along with water hitting my left foot. As soon as I can I am done with Chrysler cars.

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  love it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By eli - September 18 - 9:04 pm

  No problems since ive bought it used in 07, used it in many trips - great comfort. Guess got lucky as reliability concern and so are our friends who own one. love it love it love it.

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  My New Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Peter Scudieri - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I reciently purchased this vehicle after owing a 200 300M for 5 years. I was impressed with the quality of my previous Chrysler. The car handles great and I love the way it looks.

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  LEMON - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robert Phillips - September 17 - 1:40 pm

  Purchased the Pacifica used with 5,900 miles on it. Nothing but trouble. We owned two 05s and they were good one great one fair. We liked the car. THEN the tyranny started bucking (Would not down shift when going up an incline, (Not fixed we were told this is a problem with the Pacifica. Motor mounts four sets in 20,000 miles. The dealer says this is normal and a better mount has not been designed because the Pacifica has been discontinued. Good luck when the warranty is up. The trim has (all but three pieces) has been replaced and is spotting again. The driverÂ’s seat shreds the seat cushion when the seat motor is engaged, AWFUL NOW a noise is starting to come in the front suspension!

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  worst vehicle made. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nick - September 17 - 7:02 am

  Car required 20 000$ in service over 2 years. Its hard to remember all of the problems, I havent had the car for two years now. I will give it a shot though, -tie rods three times, transfer case quit, heater quit ,glue on entire dash let go, steering rack, electric lift gate wouldnt work, tire pressure sensors never worked, computer in dash quit, ball joints twice in 50,000 km I owned the car for two years thank god I got rid of it, we literally couldnt keep it on the road. Simply the worst car I have ever owned. Will never buy a Dodge Chrysler again. Paid 45,000 car was worth 8000 two years later, awesome.