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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  trade in trade up - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By trade in,trade up - April 1 - 7:27 am

  I traded a Dodge 1500 pick up. I am in the army and do a lot driving from state to state. The pacifica is great to drive and comfortable to ride in. I can still pull my 22 ft. Mako boat on the weekends, while driving me and 5 of my fishing buddies in comfort. I dont miss the gas I had to put in the pick-up.

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  I Will Never Buy Chrysler Again! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By shannon - March 31 - 12:04 pm

  I used to love my pacifica until this last Nov. 08. The motor mounts were cracked and Chrysler was unable to provide new parts(which I would gladly pay for) to fix my car. I searched everywhere and was unable to find the parts. My Pacifica sat in my driveway for 5 months undriveable! Chrysler denied my repeated request for a rental car replacement. I called Chrysler customer service every week for updates as to when the part would be available. First I was told the part would be available in March of 09, then Feb., then March again, then April. I finally found a mechanic who got the part for me in mexico. I was told there are 2000 other Pacifica owners going through the same ordeal.

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  Investment - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By hmg - March 30 - 9:25 am

  Traded up from a GM product. This vehicle is fun to drive and the interior is great in the touring signature series. Chrysler cant fail with more cars at a good investment price and this stand behind bumper to bumper warranty coverage. No more pacificas, too bad. At least I got mine! Cant wait for a summer road trip.

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  Excellent Minivan with a few quirks.. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eddie K - March 27 - 5:52 pm

  I have owned several Honda Odysseys over the last 9 years and coming straight from a 2014 Odyssey to the Pacifica is a genuine pleasure. The ride is sooo much quieter. The handling is actually great for a minivan. The engine and transmission are fantastic - very smooth and has tons of pickup when you put your foot down. Very very comfortable inside and the styling is 2nd to none. The kids LOVE this car. They prefer it over my wifes Audi Q5 for the space, comfort and technology. Some very minor gripes...... Its not possible to enter a destination into the NAV when the car is moving and thats just ridiculous. You have to stop driving before using the NAV. Forget it. Use Waze. Chrysler - why cant my passenger enter a destination? There are a few other strange bugs in the system.. Listen to XM with your phone charging via USB and then select NAV/Climate and the system transfers the audio so that i plays through your phone speakers. Meaning you have to then pickup and unlock your phone to stop it playing. I also cannot turn off the 2nd row heated seats from the front console for some bizarre reason. BUT dont let these minor issues stop you from owning what is an excellent vehicle.

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  Most bang for your buck - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BeachDriver - March 16 - 6:29 pm

  After hours of internet research and days of test driving vehicles, I finally purchased the Pacifica. Im so happy with this crossover, or is it a small minivan? Nobody really knows what to call it, but I call it awesome! Its so luxurious, sometimes I forget Im not driving a high end sedan. It rides smooth, my 3 kids fit in it comfortably as well as my husband and I with room for our baggage. Posh extras like 1st and 2nd row heated seats make it truly the best bang for your buck. The only con I can think of is its hard to see the lower part of the road clearly when you back up, so be sure to check behind you before you get in. I really love this car.

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  I wish I could drive my wifes Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr. Brunkhurst - March 13 - 2:53 am

  This is my wifes ride but I wish it were mine (and Im only 38 and a car enthusiast!). I am very pleased with our Pacifica (and I thought Id never buy a Chrysler). Since I bought in July 04, I was able to get what I think was a very good deal with rebates and dealer discount. The ride is sporty yet comfortable. The car in silver with Chrome wheels looks great. The AWD really helps when the roads are wet (cant wait for snow) and the Michelin tires are awesome. So far, I am very happy with the vehicle except for tyring to back it up in the dark. The back-up lights are miserably underpowered.

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  We love it - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Retired - March 12 - 9:01 pm

  Replaced a 2006 3.5 4 spd with this 2008 4.0 6 spd. 06 had a transmission problem that could not be fixed before we had to travel. What a difference. Must faster from the light, better milage on the highway but about the same mpg here in the Arkansas mountain community. Did replace air filter with K&N and use synthetic oil. Rides and drives better than any vehicle we have owned. Can drive 800 miles a day with no problem. Sorry theyre going to discontinue. Guess with the bumper to bumper lifetime warranty well drive it until it wont go.

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  The Luxury SUV that Jeep should have.... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David - March 4 - 7:53 pm

  I have had my Pacifica since 2/1/05. I have about 1,900 miles on it now and I LOVE driving it. I had a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee which I loved, but wanted more luxury inside a better ride and better handling, with All Wheel Drive. "BAM" out comes the 2005 pacifica to fill the bill. This has to be my most favorite vehicle to date. It does all the SUV and Van things, has almost all the goodies you could want, but it looks and rides like an expensive luxury machine. Dare I say Mercedes ? Easy enter and exit, awesome leather interior, as much cargo room as my jeep with the third row seats down and super handling on snow and icy roads. THUMBS UP Chrysler.. NICE JOB !

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  Sad to see this baby go - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jtg1961 - March 4 - 7:34 pm

  This is the second Chrysler Pacifica Ive owned. I was happy with my 05 but wanted to upgrade to the 08 with 4.0L engine and 6 spd transmission. The difference with the extra power and smoother shifting is incredible. Too bad they didnt get it right initially but they have it right now, just in time to discontinue the line. What a shame, this is one of the best vehicles Chrysler has ever made. I bought one of the last of the 08 model year and hopefully itll last a long time. The lifetime powertrain warranty should ensure that it does.

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  Beware - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mickey - March 1 - 6:51 pm

  When the Pacifica first came out, we did buy one and ended up having the dealership buy it back because of a large amout of trouble with it... In 07 we purchased a Pacifica Limited all wheel drive....And well needless to say, here we go again...I will sell this thing after i get it fixed, and then I am done with Chrysler! Its a very pretty car, lots of room, but a cant trust it...