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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  this car is junk - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By michael bratcher - April 16 - 8:46 pm

  when we purchased this vehicle,we were hoping for it to be the last one for a long time.Know we are falling back into the same situation again.The car has been nothing but trouble,we had to have the front tierods replaced at only 36000 miles,and it has been burning a half a quart of oil between oil changes and know the egr valve is going out with only 46000 miles on it.I dont know if there is anything that can be done about this but I would really like to know.

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  Pretty to look at, expensive to repair - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 5shumates - April 13 - 10:47 am

  I bought my AWD Touring Pacifica in February 2006. The AWD system had to be replaced after only 13 months. The transmission had to have major repairs at 15 months. Also had a throttle sensor replaced at 15 months. This repair work was done under warranty, so it didnt cost me anything (thank goodness!). Replaced rack and pinion steering system at 45,000 miles. This was $1200 repair on a 2 year old car. Have also replaced the headlight lamps 2 times each. This is the first and last Chrysler product that will be purchased by me.

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  most important feature - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Country Girl - April 10 - 9:13 pm

  I never expected to write a review, but after the accident I am a #1 fan of this car. Say what you want about gas mileage, rear visibility, or repairs, this car is built like a tank. A driver ran a stop sign and hit me square on the left front drivers side. His car was a total loss, I had major (but fixable) damage to the fender, headlight, and bumper. The hood was undamaged due to the height of this vehicle. The car was still running even after a major impact and my young daughter and I got out without a scratch. I had reservations about driving such a heavy car when I only need to haul more than 4 people on an occasional basis, now I am a true believer in the 5-star safety rating!

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  Not for me... trading in for a grand caravan GT. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paul - April 9 - 10:31 pm

  My wife always leased a town and country and we have always loved them. Well Chrysler decided to kill off their best selling car and replace it with this and I knew I should have just bought out of old van. First of all, we do a lot of traveling. The town and country had overhead storage bins that we used all the time and it also had halo lighting like a limo above our heads. It was pretty cool. I was already disappointed that they dropped that feature. Another feature I miss from the town and country is the power vented 3rd row windows. This van cost so much more money and it already is missing 2 features I frequently used. Next, the 9 speed transmision (which I already know is a disaster) is awful. It will be totally fine for a day then the next it is shifting all weird and hard. When this happens the car literally will jump forward and it scares the daylights out of us. Have taken to the dealer 3 times for this and they tell me it is 100% fine and there is nothing wrong with it. This is very aggravating because I do not trust this vehicle on a long road trip or even driving in general. Also, another thing this van is missing is the 3rd row tailgate seats and flashlight from my old van are missing. I dont understand why they dropped some of the best features from the old van. The uconnect system works ok, but freezes every once in awhile which is aggravating. Also I dont know what they did for this van but it is not nearly as insulated as the old town and country. I hear every road noise, every chip, every sound on the outside. Its almost like you cant even enjoy driving it because its so loud. I do know about the active noise cancellation but it truely does nothing. I had the dealer look into this too and they told me everything is working as it should and it is normal for Pacificas to have "some road noise". Its like they admitted this car was loud inside. And reading about the sunroof letting in all the noise is absolutely true. Its terrible. I basically do not like this car at all. Even the way it looks is ugly compared to the town and country. Now for the good: the sound system is great despite the loud noise while driving. If Im on break at work I like to sit and listen to music in it and it does sound pretty great. Also the ventilated seats are nice in hot weather. It is nice to have a big touch screen compared to the smaller one on the town and country. And having a 3rd row charging port is great too. Also having a button to move the driver seat forward for stow and go is very convenient. Second row seats are very comfortable also. Overall, this car feels like an expensive downgrade from my town and country. My wife wanted another town and country because we have never had any reliability issues with them and we also like the look and features much better. We were disappointed to find out they killed it off. I did complain to the dealer about this car and they did tell me many people are going from the town and country to grand caravan because its not for them. I just dont like the huge bulky look of the Pacifica either. I know its a minivan but they really could have done better with the looks on it. I am taking a huge loss but I would rather drive a grand caravan then this van. Ordered a grand caravan GT and should have it by early spring. Cant wait to get away from this vehicle.

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  Dead and Gone. - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OyVay - April 5 - 6:50 pm

  Test driving many mid-sized SUVs and crossovers I fell in love with the Pacifica.I was pretty pleased with the vehicle: beautiful styling, quiet cabin, smooth ride, ample space - definitely a passenger conscious vehicle. Just before 50K the transmission went out. The amount of torque on the trans coupled with the weight of the Pacifica is Not a good combo. A part shot through transmission case causing a hole about the size of a quarter and all the fluid leaked out. The transmission began seizing one day while on the highway and nearly caused an accident. It was in the shop for nearly a month and fortunately I bought a 100k warranty on the thing. Afraid of further part issues, I traded out.

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  Perfect (except for milage) - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Adamson - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints about this car/wagon/ minivan. I wish the milage was better, but I knew what I was getting when I bought it. I rides very smoothly, is quiet, has lots of room, and is not a SUV. The dealership was great and I got a price below what Edmunds told me was TMV. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By goodie - April 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love to drive the pacifica- it rides great- easy to get the kids in and out of and with the 3rd row of seats makes it great for parties of 6.

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  my Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By B06robert - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have only been driving the cat for a month I have put 2000 miles in it, It drives exellent not much more that I can say at this time than very satisfied

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  Love my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By brookside100 - April 3 - 9:45 pm

  I bought mine used @ 30,000 miles, and now I have 131,000. I have had the same problems that I have seen in these reviews...broken tie rods, funky noises when turning, motor mounts cracked. But I love my vehicle!! It is so comfortable, sturdy, and solid. I love the look inside and out, and I have enjoyed the extras. I drive a lot, and I have put on lots of miles, but Ive enjoyed it so much. I would get another.

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  hard to say good-buy - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ferggsluck - April 3 - 8:56 pm

  just had to upgrade are pacifica for a 05 sienna xle, [two babies growing fast],we already miss so many of the features, of the pacifica,the on board computer,had so much more detail,then even the seinna,,we have taken the pacifica on numourous raod trips[out of state] and in 70,000 miles brakes where replaced 1 time and driver side head lamps lights twice ,but thats it ,are milage averaged 18-19 ,[same as the seinna, 19-20-mpg] I woud and maybe someday will own another pacifica,I already also miss the solid feel and ride of the pacifica,outside of the honda oddesey ex-l or the toyota seinna xle,everything else was a down grade,and even those two, the pacifica,s intruments, where superior