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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  Unrecognized value and performance - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Will - June 3 - 6:03 pm

  This is a well planned vehicle from bumper to bumper. There is nothing that is not within easy reach of the driver. The options are super, with the GPS put in the proper spot, right on the speedometer display! Seats could fold a little flatter, but the third seats drop down very easy. We have riden with 7-8 passengers. Eight is a little tight, but no one complained. I have looked at them all. This car, known for its safety, has all the extras of a luxury car.

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  2005 Pacifica the best - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By margie - June 3 - 1:16 pm

  I have been driving Chrysler products since I was 17 years old and am now 56, this should tell Chrysler how happy I am with their product. My family of four have always and will always drive a Chrysler. It is a shame that Chrysler will no longer be making this vehicle. Where is Chrysler head? Bring back Lee Iaccoca maybe he can make the big boys understand that this is what people want. This is a mid-size SUV and there is nothing else but the larger SUV-Aspen. Is Chrysler working along with the gas companies? For those of you with a Pacifica inform Chrysler not be stop making this vehicle.

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  I would buy another one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stacy - May 30 - 12:10 pm

  I really like my Pacifica, on short and long excursions. The vehicle offers something for everyone. My 4 children can watch their favorite Movies and we can listen to audio tapes or the radio at the same time. The navigation systems has saved me more than once from driving around for two hours. I appreciat the automatic rear door lift when carrying heavy items. I purchased my SUV a year ago and still I am impressed. Handles tight corners well, seat warmers are a must. This SUV truly rides smooth and comfortable regardless of age. Trunk is small, i miss the under the seat storage but love the curtain airbags for safety.

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  Great SUV crossover - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cindy - May 28 - 1:13 pm

  Its a fun car to drive. It handles well in snow. I like the idea of having a minivan size but a SUV look and handling features. Its comfortable to drive with lots of storage and plenty of sitting.

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  Safe & Beautiful - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sandi - May 26 - 12:47 pm

  We bought this car for its high safety rating. We are tall people (59 63") and can fit very comfortably in the front and second row seats. The gas mileage we get is not very good. This is our one disappointment. The extras (which came standard on this model) are outstanding.

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  Pacifica 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carl Scarborough - May 18 - 4:33 am

  This is the second year I have utilized a Pacifica as my primary car, having had the 2004 initial model also. Aside from required maintenance, only minor repairs have been required. The 2004 model needed a warranty covered computer chip replacement, and the 2005 had a recall to replace headlight wireing.

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  Nice Car - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve - May 14 - 10:07 am

  What a nice vehicle. Powerful comfortable. Just a treat to drive until you pass a gas station. I thought with the 6 speed transmission it would get halfway descent gas mileage. About 16 in the city, 27 or so on the road. (Im sure I can do better on the highway). My 96 Grand Caravan did better in City driving. Overall this is a very nice car. I really like it!

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  PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JMP FLORIDA - May 10 - 10:00 am

  THE PACIFICA GIVES A FEELING OF COMFORT AND STYLE WHILE DRIVING IT WHICH MAKES YOU PROUD TO OWN IT. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS VERY QUITE WITH NO WIND NOISE AT ALL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SOUND SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO OPERATE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. OVERALL, I AM PROUD TO OWN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLIMENTS ABOUT IT.

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  Best kept secret by Chrysler - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Farout - May 8 - 9:03 pm

  Why in the world has Chrysler kept this Crossover a secret from the public? This is one of the best made vehicles Chrysler has ever built! The AWD is fantastic, and the plush interior is top quality! The power from the 4.L seed automatic is better than you can imagine, and best of all the the great fuel mileage, we get 22 mpg in stop and go and have got as high as 26 mpg.

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  best crossover ever - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mark times - April 30 - 8:10 am

  Well when I first went to the car lot I was looking for a Dodge or a Jeep because I thought a car like that wold be very hard to get to so when he told me that hey young men it is possible to get a crossover like that I was so happy he said that he so the light lite upon my face then I still said to myself that there no way in gods holy world that I could get a car with sleek body style and hard cover face and a banging grill with wood all over the place and with also comes with a tv and also comes with a navigation system and so much of room also to top it off it also comes with a sun roof I also like the way that the dashboard is made how goes around