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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  So Far, So Good - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mike B. - July 7 - 10:26 pm

  I had driven a Pacifica Touring AWD from SW PA to Dickson, Tn on several occasions and took a few different routes to see how she ran. I had my favorite time through the mountains of WV. It has an excellent ride shared with its Benz siblings, is quiet, and has beautiful interior. I have a Signature Series with two tone gray/black leather and aluminum trim where the woodgrain usually is. Gas mileage is OK for a 4500 pound machine, but the 19 inch tire option will kill you, $250.00 per tire! Using the Auto Stick it is peppy, but if youre not used to a revving engine to make power you may find it sluggish. It serves my family of 4 plus the neighbors kids well!!! Overall a great product!

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  Another Winner - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By katmandu - July 7 - 1:19 am

  Bought the 07 Limited AWD. This car is a total dream machine. The handling is sure and tight. The ride is great. The interior is luxurious without being over the top. The fit and finish inside and out is impeccable. This is my 8th Chrysler. My 1995 Concorde has 307,000 on it and only had to have a tranny rebuild at 200,000. I am having a ball traveling around the country in this car!!! My wife says it is the best yet. I wonder who the genius at Chrysler is that made the call to quit producing these after 08. Guess Ill have to buy an 08 and store it!!

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  Love Driving It. (FUN) - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gary Berman - July 6 - 10:25 pm

  This is my second Pacifica. My first was a 2005 and loved it. My wifes girl friend wanted it so bad that I sold it to her and bought a 2007 Signature Series model. The ride, comfort and features are great. I am getting an average of 21 mpg combined. Chrysler is making a huge mistake discontinuing this model.

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  MY NEW PACIFICA - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By C COX - July 5 - 8:53 am

  its not a truck and i love it. im a female that needed a multipurpose vehicle. whether im in my jeans and gym shoes or my heels and furs i still feel great and look great in this car. we are a cadillac family and the ride in my pacifica, the sound system, the moon roof all of the extras. wow!!!! im loving it

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  Love this Car! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By AnneA - July 3 - 12:53 pm

  Ive never bought a Chrysler before, Ive gone from an Alfa Romeo to a Mercedes to a Volvo. I needed a big, comfortable car that was still stylish and this is it! I absolutely love this car. It rides smoothly, the interior is luxurious and reminds me of a European car. There are so many cool features that its hard to name them all. Suffice it to say that Im very happy with my purchase and Id recommend a Pacifica to anyone.

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  Satisfied, Great vehicle - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Trail - July 2 - 5:20 am

  My first Chrysler and I feel we made the right choice, Great price with the features to match. Great acceleration, drives like a family vehicle without the look of a van. Plenty of interior space and leg room for even the third row passengers.

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  Happy New Pacifica Owners - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TexMorgan - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We puchased an AWD Pacifica a couple of weeks ago and just love it!! What a lot of car for the money. The MSRP was $41K but we got it for $34,977 (+$399 D+H) Chysler sent out a mailer for a free Nav System (about $1600) and we also got a $1K rebate from Chrysler. Made this quite affordable vs. the competition!! We have the DVD system, which is great for the kids! We looked at the domestic and import luxury SUVs, but one test drive of this car, along with the price, and the decision was made! This car gets a lot of looks on the road. Power could be better, as others have stated, but we have no regrets.

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  Great Choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By happycamper2 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is definitely worth a test drive. I had my heart set on a different SUV but after driving this car immediately knew it was for me. Great buy for a car with so many pluses.

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  2004 Pacifica - Chrysler should keep it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - June 26 - 7:56 am

  This car gives you much confidence on the road. It feels extremely solid , very smooth at highway speeds and brakes that are powerful. Never thought I would use the Auto/manual trans but a trip through the mountains of W Va. made me very happy we had it. Seating for 1st 2 rows is excellent, 3rd row is the penalty box. Accessories are over and above what we need. At 47,000 miles we have had 1 "fit and finish" issue with one of the roof rails (dealer fixed on the 3rd try) and the fuel gauge stopped working (1st try fix). We were rear ended by a VW Jetta. Jetta was totaled. Pacifica, just under $3,000 for the rear bumper, exhaust etc. This car is very safe. Would buy another

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  Touring sports car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bill - June 24 - 1:09 pm

  Drives like a high priced sedan great ride and comfort great styling and room for the Family Chrysler has not done a very good job marketing this vehicle, Compared to the new dodge SUV there is no comparing the two the Pacifica is a far superior beast ! look for your self.