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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  Cute but trouble. - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By epv - August 21 - 3:01 pm

  We purchased ours used in anticipation of having out first child. We love the roominess on the inside and the style, but thats about where it stops. Weve paid $800+ for two major brake repairs which were not covered under warranty. Even minor repairs and maintenance are ridiculously expensive - $85 for the two headlights that went out within 3 days of each other and $150 per tire. There is also this awful rattling noise from the back that is very loud at highway speeds. The door light cover falls off when I close the door too hard. The acceleration to highway speeds is slow. The exhaust smells like it belongs on a 1970s car.

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  love my 2005 pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Susie91246 - August 16 - 11:03 pm

  I love my Pacifica. I have lots of cars including an MG, 69 Camero and an 84 Corvet loved them too but now with kids, this is the best vehicle possible. Wouldnt trade it for anything. the gas mileage could be better but thats the only complaint 18 around town.

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  It was nothing but trouble. - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By zion - August 14 - 6:04 pm

  My first Chrysler product - off-lease with only 20K miles! Overall we have enjoyed the car interior features, BUT: for the first two months I drove car only once - from a dealer, and the rest - car was in repairs battery died (less than 3 years old) could not move a shifter from parking position – little plastic part got broken (under- engineered) engine light and "gas cap" message came on - EVAP system problem /leak ABS light came on and stayed means ABS was disengaged - probably bad sensors two tires started slow leaking air and tire-shop mechanic pointed out on micro cracks (expensive Michelin tires!) I lost my feeling of safety customer service virtually not existed.

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  Dream used car is a Nightmare - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By unhappy in MT - August 14 - 2:16 pm

  Now has 59,000 miles. Loud clicking when turning to park and corners- mechanic cannot locate problem. Already fixed sway bar joints thinking that was the issue,nope noise still present. Interior leaking during heavy rains in 3 spots (front pass door jam, sunroof & along reading lights in front. 4 times this year that I have had get a jump start within hours of it being driven & they say the battery is good (March 08. Had to replace battery prev within 6 mths of owning. Within 1st 4 mths,driver window mechanism broke,window fell into door & had to drive to replace in 14 degree weather. Low tire light comes on for no reason. Depreciating at $500 a mth, so good luck trading in. DISAPPOINTMENT!

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  Not designed for tall drivers? - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike - August 10 - 11:29 am

  What were the designers thinking? I went to try out the Pacifica based on reviews. Adjusted seat and steering wheel but could not get into the van without undue difficulty as too low and cramped. Could not fit comfortably in front seat, roof too low, controls not placed correctly. Rear vision impeded by pillars and obstructions. Vehicle ground clearance is too low and long overhang beyond front wheels (not good for places that have a lot of rain/runoff.) Immediately tried out Dodge Grand Caravan. No problems with ingress or egress. Could adjust controls perfectly. Had several inches headroom. With rear seat/ headrests folded, had no problems with rear visibility. Conclusion - The Pacifica designers were all short people or maybe they only feel short people would buy one? . My sister-in-laws husband had the exact same experience in another city/dealer and he is shorter/larger than I am (I am 62.) Why design a minivan only for shorter people????

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  This car is destroying my savings!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pmgrun - August 9 - 12:41 am

  Purchased this car with 50k miles on it. Since purchase is has been to the dealer for a total of about 3 weeks. We had to rebuild the first motor, then replace it 6 months later. Had to replace the intake manifold, motor mounts 3 separate times. If it can break it will. It now sits in a parking lot awaiting a tow due to it stalling while idling through the lot. Cant get rid of this thing because its a chrysler and its worthless to the dealerships, 9k dollars upside down in the loan due to lousy blue book value.

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  Stay away from the car!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Klevrgirl - August 4 - 6:26 pm

  I have never written a review before, but am so upset with this car I chose to share with others so they can avoid the $ trap of owning this vehicle. First, the whole top end needed to be replaced after it started overheating repeatedly. Then the radiator hose kept dislodging due to 3 motor mounts which were broken. Then the air conditioning went out, and still isnt blowing correctly. Now?? It has the ABS sensors (all 4) being replaced, and I was told it may be more than that... Total cost?? with the extended drive train warranty?? Thousands... not to mention it is guaranteed to fail on you when you need it the most. Tow charges above and beyond AAA??--hundreds. I am stuck with a lemon.

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  We love it! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pk - August 3 - 10:20 pm

  Weve had the Limited Pacifica for about 6 weeks and have put about 3,000 miles and we all love it! The front seats are super comfortable and feels like a luxury car. Both my husband and I love the drive. The van feels very solid, no rattling at all. We did a very extended test drive on our van to make sure of this because of some of the reviews Ive read. No issues. I would agree that the second row seats are not quite as comfortable the Honda or the Toyota. Our kids dont seem to notice or mind and we love the stow and go option. That was a huge factor for us and I have used it multiple times. Actually our kids like the middle row stowed and sit in the 3rd row. Ive seen multiple folks mention the lack of 3rd row TVs. Every kid can see a screen. Also there are USB jacks in the rear for iPads, you could always but iPad/kindle holders behind each seat if you wanted. We love they van!

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  Gas Mileage - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kiddles - August 3 - 6:25 pm

  I recently bought a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica under the impression from the dealers information that around town, the car gets 17 mpg and 22 on highway. I found by tracking that Im only getting 13-14 mpg. When I questioned the dealer, they said it was a rough estimate. To me, 15-16 would be a rough estimate.

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  CATEGORY KILLER - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Blue Planet - July 29 - 10:00 am

  A great Car...this is a category killer...SUVs...move aside! Frankly there is no reason to have a "trucky" SUV when you can drive this "first class" sports tourer. Daimler- Chrysler have done a great job in not leaving any details out. It does not have the acceleration of my MERC 500, but then again I did not buy it for that reason. In all other respects, the PACIFICA has met and even surpased all it made itself to be. The muscular looks are impressive and the interior space is awsome. Better than the previous SUV.