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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$36,000 and you have to pay extra for navigation!! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
By Brad - June 6 - 9:40 pmBe aware that you will not get navigation unless you purchase the Touring L Plus and add the navigation package. Any lower package with the 8.4 inch radio requires a dealer install and additional cost of $600 and no free map updates. Yes the vehicle is nice but come on!! I have friends who have navigation on their $15,000 dollar cars and it was included!!! Chryslers response to me is they will put it under review so I am putting it on reviews. Honestly right now I would say dont buy anything from Chrysler.
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Loving every minute of it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Chenango Mango - June 5 - 5:10 amTraded in an Audi A4 Avant because I needed a bigger car with the addition of a new child. Read all the reviews, test drove the VW Passat, Volvo XC and Audi A6. The Pacifica just has so much more room and functionality and, suprisingly, its darn fun to drive. It doesnt hug the corners like my Audi did, but thats little sacrifce based on what Im gaining. This car has done very well in the snow with all-season tires but I do plan on getting snows for next winter. If Chyslers quality sustains itself over the next 3 years, I will easily lease another one. Right now, I have nothing bad to say about this car based on 1 month and 1000 miles. I love it.
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Extremely Pleased - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
By Vincent Black Shadow - May 26 - 10:07 amTraded an 03 Town & Country that served us very well. Couldnt be more pleased with the Pacifica as a replacement. Refined and quiet, well done interior and great performance for a vehicle of this size. Havent had it long enough to judge the fuel economy but Im really not concerned. This is a very well made and well thought out car. Not to mention 30% off sticker from a dealer that was on the "list".
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Big BUCKS in GAS - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By azsummer - May 24 - 10:00 amWe just purchased ours a few days ago, paid $34395 they sold us the extended warranty and gap insurance (dumb, right?). Paid 27355 before taxes, etc. Drives nice, stereo is OK, cloth SEATS GAVE US A RASH! We get about 7.7 miles to the gallon. NOT GOOD! We thought the mileage was better, we feel very angry, wish we could take it back because at 8 miles a gallon, its gonna cost a fortune to use! Its a mini van basically. Now I heard about a POWERTRAIN recall?? Whats that all about?? Its pretty though, but the stereo sucks. Seats itch, having the moonroof put in today - wish me luck!
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Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Davland - May 24 - 2:00 amPacifica is a wonderful ride,but lacks in MPG.Love the smooth HANDLEING.
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Doesnt get estimate gas mileage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Hamlet1000 - May 24 - 2:00 amI like everything about the vehicle except the gas mileage. It is nowhere close to the advertised 17/23 city/hghwy mpg on the MSRP window sticker. More closer to 14.5/20.2. Inquired at dealer got unacceptable statement of that the "engine needs to break in". Thanks for insulting my intelligence, Chrysler. Called Corporate Headquarters to also be given the run around until I demanded a ticket be opened to investigate. The dealer stated Chrysler knows they have a problem. The question is will they do anything about it?
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What Problems???? - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
By Phill - May 15 - 7:54 pmI have owned my Pacifica for almost two years and it has never had to go back to the dealer. I give it regular maintenance and it drives like a dream. I use the car for everything and I average about 22 mpg (Not too many long hauls in Hawaii). It gets up to speed quickly and stops quickly and straight. I have experienced the chatter of the trans between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 1st at slow speed and that Chrysler "cure" was a flash to the engine computer. I have not taken it to the dealer as I dont want it to end up worse than it started. I have not had the opportunity to speak to other owners as Pacificas are not that prevalent here.
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So far, so good - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
By Sean - May 14 - 1:51 pmOurs is 3 years and 45k miles old and has done well so far. No serious reliability problems to date. Yes, its heavy, meaning: fairly slow and thirsty. It was bought with safety in mind, so the weight is part of the package. Good in the snow, good on highways, nice interior, nice exterior and the 6 seats come in useful. My only reservations come from reading some of the other comments here about reliability, but this one has behaved and has a 100k extended warranty from a non Chrysler company.
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LOVE IT - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
By SILVERMOON103 - May 10 - 2:45 pmThis is the first SUV/Crossover owed and I LOVE IT! I have the Touring edition with the navigation/dvd/6disk changer and wouldnt give up anything! At first learning to back up in it was a challenge as there is a slight blind spot on the drivers side but after some getting used to, hardly noticable anymore. Replacing tires is expensive but if that is all i have to replace then i am very content to pay whatever needs to be paid to get them taken care of. The seats are extra comfortable especially with lumbar support and easy to drive on long trips. The performance is great and handling is easy!
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Love/hate relationship w/ my Pacifica - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
By Gerald - May 7 - 12:05 amMy 2017 Pacifica replaced my 2014 Odyssey. From a driving perspective, it’s a class or 2 above the Odyssey. It’s so much quieter and smoother to drive. However, from a functionality and reliability standpoint, it fails compared to the Odyssey. My Uconnect has many quirks and does not functionally normally. I’ve spent over 3 hrs on the phone w/ tech support but there are still many quirks that tech support can’t fix and they recommended that I take it to the dealer. Who has time for that?! The Pacifica’s interior is stylish, but it lacks many nooks and crannies for storage compared to the Odyssey. Also, all the seats are extremely difficult with car seat installation – seat bottom reclines too much, headrest protrudes too much, latch and tether difficult to use and limited 2nd row width to accommodate 3 car seats together comfortably. The Odyssey was 1000x better in this respect. So far I’m enjoying the drive. But I miss the day to day functionality of the Odyssey.
