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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  Our trip - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Edwinna Brubaker - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Hi. Just wanted to let you know that your pacifica rated excellent with us. This past summer my husband and myself took a trip from New Hampshire to Colorado and back. Im handicapped due to problems with my liver and other health problems so we werent sure if I could make the trip or not. My husband put both rows of the seats down and made a bed for me when I got tired or was in pain. The pacifica performed well. We had no problems at all with the car and were able to make side trips to see the presidents and I was able to rest anytime I needed to. Thank you again for making a car flexible for us to use. Sincerely Mrs. E. Brubaker

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  Best in Quality - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MImi - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Well really like my pacifica i gotta say its the most reliable car and it has a lot of luxury

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  Spot on - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jeanette - October 12 - 2:00 am

  First new car and I feel very fortunate. We owned a Honda Accord and it was constantly having transmission problems. Chrysler had the lifetime engine/transmission warranty and I jumped. Not a single problem that wasnt fixed within seconds at the dealership or under recall. The torque converter needed adjusting and thats it. 44,000 miles and no problems. I live in los angeles and the driving can be dangerous so the high marks on safety are a plus.

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  Please start making the Pacifica again! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Russ - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2007 base model for our son to tour with his band and we had been looking for a late model Pacifica for a while ourselves. A loaded Limited fell into our laps. We could not have been more pleased. Ride is great. Seats and all the adjustments and memory are required for us with me 6-4 and wife 5-4 although I dont give up the driving duties much. It is our long distance car and I love to drive it. Chrysler HAS to reintroduce this car!!

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  Just bought one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissy - August 17 - 1:24 am

  I accidentally stumbled upon this car at my 3rd dealership of car shopping. The sales guy said "lets just take it for a test drive. I wasnt planning on liking the car, and was just going to test drive the car for kicks, and then I was gonna leave, and go on to the next lot. And after I drove it, I fell in love with it. Although I had to replace the rotors and one brake pad, and a tire, (hopefully that will be it) I love the feel of the car, and there is so much more room than that of my Toyota Camry. I feel like I walked away with a great car. Hopefully I can say the same thing about it in 2 years. I will write more then! :)

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  Luv my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donna - August 12 - 9:42 pm

  I bought this car brand spanking new in July of 2004. I fell in love with it right off the get, did research for over a year and still came back to this one. It has 93,000 miles on it, I drive a lot, beautiful ride and comfort. Had a few problems, same as some noise and squeaking and clunk front end. Original brakes had them checked several times. So far so good, right now having issue with stalling, surging, ran codes and found nothing so far so keep"n fingers crossed. But all in all I love it. Going on a long trip this vehicle is like riding on a cloud, such comfort. I knew when I bought it about the gas so I cant complain on that. Its held up nicely so far. Also have a sebring. 2001

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  Love my Pacifica - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hunts - August 5 - 11:07 pm

  I own two Chryslers one pacifica and one pt cruiser. I adore my pacifica so much. When we heard they werent making them anymore we turned in our 2006 model for an upgraded Touring 2008. I cant even compare the two cars because they are so different. This is definitely my favorite car i have ever owned and love the comfort and feeling of safety traveling with my family. i hope it lasts forever, or they decide to start making them again. I wish both my cars were pacificas.

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  Excellent Crossover! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Leo - July 30 - 6:11 pm

  We had this great vehicle now for 5 years and our kids still love it as much as we do. From the tri-zone AC to heated front and rear seats, DVD 6 disc, sunroof, satellite radio and leather and suede interior - FIRST CLASS! My wife loves the memory seats W/adjusting break pedals. This vehicle plows through snow like a plow. I wish Chrysler still made this car because we would buy another one no-problem!

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  Just Great! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARY - July 13 - 9:03 pm

  I love it! Very comfortable, great fuel economy especially on the highway. 250 hp & 250 torque, really good for an SUV

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ed dugan - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned dozens of cars and rented dozens more. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is the best car I have ever owned or driven. It looks great, drives great and has a lot of Mercedes in it. It truly is an elegant car and I wouldnt do a thing to change it. Some of the features, like the second seat CD player are wasted on me since we have no children but Im sure it will help the resale value. However, I cannot imagine ever wanting to get rid of this ride.My wife has a serious back problem and we test drove 8-10 vehicles looking for seating that would be comfortable for her. This car was head and shoulders above the others.