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 Family Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim - March 13 - 5:50 pm

  The interior is beautiful and comfortable. The ride is smooth and quiet. You can have a conversation with the front seat passengers from the back seat-try that in a Honda Odyssey. The style is nice and the car accelerates and handles well.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By charger - March 12 - 9:33 pm

  Great ride. Getting 18 mpg local in winter. Engine and trans work great get 22 mpg on hwy. My wifes Liberty got 21 mpg at 85 to 90 this one might do better at higher speeds than 55 to 65

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  39 Month lease - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JDK - March 8 - 7:40 pm

  I leased my 2005 Pacifica Limited in Dec 04 on a Chrysler 39 month lease. It’s due up in a few days and I am 100% satisfied with the Pacifica. There have been a few recalls but other than that… it has been flawless. The quality and drive have been great. I’ve owned and/or have driven most other makes and the Pac is equal to anything out there for the money. It stickered for around 38k so that puts in the same class as some Euro and upper Japanese makes which I think it is equal to in quality, fit, and finish. We have always felt safe (as safe as one can be on the road) in the Pac. Final thoughts. Great quality and safe car for a small to mid-sized family that likes to cruise in style.

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  2007 Pacifica AWD-an under rated luxury - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pac07 - February 26 - 8:28 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Friends who have ridden or driven this car can not believe the comfort and luxury. Plenty of power and mixed city/highway of 18-20 miles per gallon. No complaints except for not having 10 position passenger sear (not available). This car was extremely under rated by the experts.

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  Best Used Vehicle for the Price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frenchr - February 24 - 6:01 pm

  I bought mine used with almost every option except Navigation (couldnt find one with it) for a great price compared to everything else for its size and utility and quality. Its been great but now I like the couple updates in the new ones - guess Ill wait until they come down in price.

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  Great car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Walt - February 24 - 12:12 pm

  Rides and drives great, very comfortable on trips, had no problems with it, better than an SUV in the snow. Grandkids love the DVD and heated seats in the back. We are very satisfied with this vehicle so far. Consumer Reports shows poor reliabilty for 04 & 05 models, but great tests in 06, I think they have the bugs worked out.

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  MY New Pacifica - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ubiquitous - February 18 - 7:32 pm

  This 2007 Pacifica replaced my 2004 Pacifica. Improvments include the 4 litre engine, 6 speed transmission, 19 inch tires. Otherwise it was quite similar to my 2004 Pacifica. A fun car to drive. Best car purchase since 1963...

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  Nice Luxury SUV at a decent price - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frenchr - February 18 - 11:00 am

  Ive had the Pacifica AWD for about a 1 1/2 yrs (bought it used at a decent price) and the only complaint is the gas mileage but I knew that buying it. My needs changed so I travel more now so want something similar with better MPG but cant havent found anything I like better yet but an 07 (4.0L engine) Pacifica. I have a loaded one and dont want to give up all the features.

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  Mr - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TIM WILKINS - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Bad to the bone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Dream Machine - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stephen - February 13 - 10:04 am

  Wonderful automobile. Too bad Chrysler has ended production. Well designed interior and a first class ride. Ive had many Chrysler products and this one is my favorite.