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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  Great road car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pinevaly - March 26 - 4:16 am

  This is a vehicle that is easy to enter and exit, for seniors who are tall. There are not many vehicles that are high off the ground that are not trucks. It has many refinements that make it a pleasure to drive, such as power everything. It is a great road car that is powerful and quiet. The door seals eliminate wind noise, and there is little road noise.

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  pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Rick Reinhold - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Love it, handling and design is great

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  Excellent SUV Alternative That Tows - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By E & S - March 21 - 6:18 pm

  Excellent Styling. Come on guys it gets very decent gas mileage for a 4400 plus vehicle. Great to show up at a wedding with, or tow your boat to the local ramp. Plenty of power with 250 H.P., however you some what feel the weight of this beautiful beast on a steep incline. I feel the designers of this vehicle did not market this vehicle right from beginning to end, if they did they would consider future production of the Pacifica with improvements. Shame on you marketing team.

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  Very Happy So Far - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bobby G - March 21 - 6:04 pm

  The vehicle is perfect for family getaways. Loads of room for everyone and everything! Gas mileage is great on highway and there is plenty of horses for passing.

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  best mileage in a long time - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By prof - March 19 - 12:02 am

  I have really enjoyed this vehicle. The 4 liter engine and six-speed automatic make it absolute fun to drive. I get about 16.7 mpg around town and 27.8 on the highway with A/C on and running at 70 mph. The only vehicle I have owned that bettered it was a 79 VW Rabbit Diesel. (Except for that Ive always driven large vehicles). My special-ordered vehicle has HID lights which I love and backup camera with nav system which is also very nice. No moon roof which I hate. Mine also has dual exhausts. The brake response is the best Ive had in many years. Likewise the steering. Throttle easily permits light, smooth getaways. Good drivers position. I also like the power liftgate.

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  Luxury in an SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lynne - March 18 - 7:26 pm

  We found out that we were having our first baby and knew that it was time to get a "mom car" for me instead of the sports car (we put that away for when mommy has some alone time!!). I wanted something that was safe, as well as having a sporty side to it. The Pacifica has it all. With all of the safety features and high ratings from the crash tests, I know that I can feel confident that our new baby will be safe when riding in the car. Even with the baby and all of his things, we still have plenty of room for cargo or more passengers. If you are looking for comfort than this is the vehicle for you as well. The handling is smooth and has an enjoyable ride. We highly recommend this car/SUV !!!

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  Great daily driver, pleasantly surprised - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 4stichs - March 16 - 8:51 pm

  I leased this car 3 years ago and Im due to turn it in next August. I got a great deal on the lease and Im happy I got it. Its the very base model, no addons and its still plenty loaded. Power everything and keyless entry. The car has been fairly dependable. One of the tie rod ends failed and had a problem with the front passenger side airbag sensor. All fixed under warranty and the problem has not come back. The car is quiet to drive, has pretty good pickup and handles bumps in the ride just fine. Its not going to give race car performance around turns, but its also not a sports car. I would consider another one if the lease price was right. But its being discontinued...

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr Steve - March 16 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT PURCHASE any car from ED VOYLES CHRYSLER in Marietta, Georgia. When my new Pacifica was delivered to me I found 2 dents which had to be removed. My battery died while my car was parked in my garage after owning it for only 1 week. The dealer installed a moonroof and DVD screen. They left metal shavings all over the interior and the DVD screen has a large red dot in the picture. The sales staff slammed their door in my wifes face after a stupid understanding.

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  Worth the money - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark30214 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica handles and rides excellent. Small to medium holes in the road are barely felt when driving. Very quiet inside the car while driving. Sound system is excellent. I like how the second row adjust front to back, and the center console is great for storage and drinks.

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  Kool Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chiefshorty - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Saw the Pacifica at the 2003 Pittsburgh Auto show. Wanted a change from the Town & Country vans we have been driving. Love everything about the car except two things. Being 67" I need leg room. I would have more if Chrysler would redesign the tilt lever and also move the ignition placement. Twice Ive hit the key with the car running and have shut off the engine. My left knee is a tight fit between the door and Tilt lever. Chrysler please fix. Other than that its a great vehicle. Ordered the INFERNO RED car with light Taupe interior.