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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  Excellent "Sports Tourer" - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 3.8L - September 13 - 5:58 pm

  Owned the Pacifica for a while now, and still love it! Wanted the base model so we would only have two rows of seats. Engine performance is very good for only 200hp and a 4,400lb curb weight. Really powerful around town, breaks the front tires loose easily. Passing power (45-70) isnt that great, but not too bad. Handles curves very well considering larger size. Surprisingly, its a very good tow vehicle. Hardly can tell the trailer 2,000lb trailer is back there. Interior has held up well, but the seats get dirty very easily. Regardless, interior is beautiful and well put together. Love the sleek exterior, the car gets many compliments. I average 22mpg. Around 18 in the city, 25 on the highway.

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  It Eats Oil - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dontbuy - September 11 - 8:44 pm

  Dont Buy! I bought this car w/ 27kmi & from beginning it consumed oil. They denied it was a problem for yrs. Had to change oil at 2500mi or it would run dry. Struggled w/ Chrysler to fix for years. Finally, at 80k, w/ a lot of screaming at manager. threats of attorneys, & 50 posts printed out of others w/ same problem, they looked into it further. Consumed 3/4 quart oil every 500mi after the first 1000mi. Finally they replaced engine. Mechanic said it was written all over engine. 3 broken motor mounts, exhaust leak, computer malfunction all not covered under top Chrysler extended warranty. $500 each repair. At least warranty paid for engine. Just dumped the car for a more reliable Toyota.

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  Should of done the research first! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By billfari69 - September 10 - 10:06 pm

  We bought our Pacifica used in 06 with 28000 miles on it. Too good to be true.At 34050 miles The oil was completely gone, and there was one oil change done between that time. Good thing we bought the extended warranty. WRONG! Chrysler claimed it was our fault for not checking oil every time we bought gas. After months of fighting with Chrysler we had to give in and purchase a new used engine for $5500. We are now stuck with this car, we are so upside down its ridiculous. Do yourself a favor and upgrade now before its too late.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Pat - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We recently leased the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and it has been a hit with the family so far. We all enjoy taking it out on the road. The "kids" big and small, love climbing in the back and watching videos. So, if you have kids this is a must have feature. We were hesitant about the seating because we are a family of five which would put one person sitting alone in one of the rows but we have found that having the extra seating, elbow room,in the second row is nice.

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  Never Again....... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cassandra - September 5 - 1:48 pm

  After my beloved 97 Explorer went into the shop yet again, I began to look for a new vehicle. My needs were gas mileage, interior room and ample storage. I liked the looks of the Pacifica and really liked the 25 mpg on the sticker. Well, the gas mileage runs about 16 mpg and it spent the first 3 months in and out of the shop including and a new transmission, abs sensor and on and on. Lets not even talk about the people Ive cut off on the highway in the blind spot(s). Would I buy another? No way.

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  the best car experience ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mr banrs - August 29 - 2:00 am

  its the best car drive

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  Dont Buy It!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Badchkam - August 25 - 11:41 pm

  If you dont mind the possibility of engine problems then I guess this car is ok, but any Mfg that thinks it is ok for the engine to burn a quart of oil every 1000 miles is out of their mind! I dont like the idea of buying a new engine that we are now faced with since the low oil censor light also failed to work!

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  I love my Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By justlivinlife - August 24 - 10:39 am

  I bought my 2005 Touring Pacifica in June of 2005, and have love it ever since. I have put 95,000 miles on, It has not had any mechanical problems. It actually needs its first repair, which is why Im online looking for information. The Pacifica needs a EGR sensor. I only have one issue with it. With just one child at home now, I feel that it is too big.

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  Mixed emotions - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lexi - August 22 - 9:06 pm

  I do love my Pacifica, it has everything I could possibly need in a car with 2 children and a husband. I love the DVD player and the navagation and heated leather seats and 6 disk cd changer. The all wheel drive makes it awsome in the snow. I love the trunk space, I can fit a double stroller and my second stroller and still have room for my groceries, or we can empty it and go out for ice cream and sit on the edge of the back. It is reliable even thought it is in dire need of repair, needed brakes/rotars for over 8 months and it still stops for me, I have had many noises coming from the front end and now my power stearing is going. I need battery. already replaced muffler/tires. 88,000

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  Great Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BillyG. - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Real good time to select AWD version of this vehicle. Handles well in snow and nasty weather. Interior room a real plus. Ample amount of room for six adults with third row of seating. Instrument layout very attractive also.