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:

• 

  FAVORITE CAR - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By drenee - July 27 - 8:41 pm

  We have loved owning this vehicle since the day we bought it! I do not like driving in the snow/slush, but have felt very safe in the Pacifica AWD. It handles VERY VERY good in the snow! Weve replaced the brakes once on it at about 60K miles. It does burn a little oil at times - but not too bad that it worries us. The headlights have gone out once on each side. Otherwise, there are no problems with it. We love how it handles & drives & would recommend it to anyone!

• 

  Best buy!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chrissyws - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  My husband and I just purchased this vehicle a month ago and are in LOVE!!! We traded in a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and do not miss it at all! There is no commparison. The Jeep had horrible gas mileage, very noisy and bumpy, and uncomfortable. We have owned luxury cars and to us this car is above them. The ride is so smooth, handling is wonderful, and overall a fun car to drive. I was a little hesitant due to my minivan phobia but could not be more pleased. You do need to watch carefully when reversing but that is the only concern I have. All our friends have also fallen in love and one is actually going to purchase the Pacifica. We highly recommend this car!!

• 

  I got a good one - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bone - July 16 - 2:09 pm

  Bought car in Oct of 04 with 17k, now has 75k and still going. The only problems Ive had, power seats went out about 4 years ago, but warranty took care of it. It does have a loud popping noise coming from front end, but they all seem to do that. Motor mounts are now shot, but the worst is that the dealer doesnt have any, so Ive been waiting since April and they are still on back order. Other then that its been great! Sturdy car, hit a median on the freeway in Cali going 70 mph and nothing happened, didnt even get a flat, just had to change the tie rod ends & rack, but that was my fault and warranty covered it. One more year and its paid for. I hope it continues to hold up.

• 

  Luxury for less - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Still rolling in ny - July 16 - 8:40 am

  I too had to replace what seems to be the "defect" items on my 2004 Pacifica. The tie rods and the Fan Relay at roughly 60,000 miles. I bought mine certified in 2006 with 19k miles on it. I now have 69000 miles. For the amount of accomodation this car offers and all the high end ammenties I am glad I bought it. The pros by far outweigh the cons. I am a car dealer and I sell foreign cars for a living. They have yet to make a non luxury brand tourer with a ride quality and creature comforts as the pacifica. Toyota just put out their overpriced offering but I will pass and keep my Pacifica until the end. As for the creaking noise, I have learned to make peace with it as you may also have to.

• 

  Sedan with room - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Moose13 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Much better ride than my SUV but then again its not meant to be an off-road vehicle. Smart looking with good lines and clean dashboard. Many stares from passers-by and positive comments regarding its appearance. Couldnt really answer the reliability question...lets wait a year or two. The power and response is enough for me but if you like zip its slightly lacking.

• 

  Under Rated Over Performer - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Garth - July 12 - 1:23 pm

  This car is great. We had a killer winter in New England last year and we had a set of Goodyear snow tires installed and with 4 wd this was a cacoon against anything that winter threw at us. Braking and confort are out standing. We had one mechanical problem with a transmission axel seal that was repaired under warranty. The car is quiet and the six speed transmission is very smooth on acceleration but sometimes get confused on quick stops or when doing a rolling stop when the light changes before a complete stop. It clucks and Chrysler flased the transmission which has improved shifting. The 4.0 L motor is a gem and works well on regular gas (89 octane is suggested). 5 star crash rating!!!!

• 

  Poor Build Quality (Lots of repairs) - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brent - July 10 - 7:34 pm

  Weve owned this vehicle for close to 4 years and have had many problems. Two ABS wheel sensors have gone bad & have been replaced ($150 ea). The EGR Valve went bad, but a $4 can of carburetor cleaner & a set of tools with 15 minutes under the hood fixed that problem. The EGR Valve would have cost about $250 at the dealer. Both rear windows needed the regulators replaced ($300 ea). The front left CV Joint needed to be replaced ($200). Most of the wheel bolts have broken off and needed replacement. Our gas mileage is poor 15 / 19 mpg. If this car was more reliable, we would really like it. It is great on long trips & has plenty of room. Now I wish Honda or Toyota had built our car!

• 

  BEWARE 2004 Pacificas - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave Blair - July 8 - 9:10 am

  I am reasonably satisfied with the ride and comfort of this car but it is in reality an overweight, underpowered car with poor rear visibility, mediocre mileage, and poor reliability (early production 2004 model). It has the ever recurring belt squeal/whine noted on other early 2004 Pacificas. Repeatedly taken in for service to fix and never is fixed. Chrysler has offered a courtesy trade back for the purchase price less mileage adjustment BUT I must buy another similar product (from the same maker of my "lemon") and swap the "refund" to be applied to a new car at full MSRP. What a crock. Sell me a lemon and REQUIRE me to buy another potential lemon at full sticker. Chrysler stinks.

• 

  Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By carparts - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been ten years since I had bought a car, so I was ready to get into something new. Believe me, I took my time in evaluating different vehicles, since I knew it may be awhile when I would buy another one. After taking the car back to work, my son saw it and immediately liked it. In fact, everyone liked it, and the more I showed it to people, the more I enjoyed it myself. By the end of my 24 hour test drive, I was completely sold that this was the vehicle for me.

• 

  Excellent BUT! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chowguy - June 28 - 7:29 am

  Car now has 42,000 miles. Thus far Im pleased except for the following issues. Have replaced 3 batteries. They just go dead in the garage. No reason that I can see. Have replaced the backup sensor utility which was under warranty thank goodness. Car is fun to drive but does have some "blindspots" you need to be careful with. The battery issues is a puzzling one that just nags at me.