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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  Think Twice - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lmccloughan - February 25 - 11:08 am

  One week after purchasing my 2007 Pacifica we had to have the drive train replaced. A while later it was lunging forward and jerking at times when accelerating. Dealer could not find anything wrong. Took it back several times before they finally found the problem. It has been in for transmission repairs 4 times. Last week when I went to take my kids to school, it would not move. The emergency brake spring broke and shot through my rear brake. ABS light and traction control problems are constant! Look up complaints on the Pacifica and you will find out a lot. I would never purchase a Chrysler vehicle again. I do not feel like my family is safe in this car.

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  Good solid family car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Todd - February 17 - 1:12 pm

  I like this car. It has done everything we needed it to do. My wife and I have three young kids and the car fits them and their car seats fine (one seat had to be taken out, though). It is much safer than any minivan out there. The handling/braking of the Pacifica is very good and definitely could factor into avoiding an accident.

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  Love our 2005 Touring FWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TBrown - February 3 - 5:16 am

  Weve owned this car just over two weeks, and we love it. We still have lots to learn about this vehicle, in terms of manipulating all of the controls which are readily available at your finger tips from either front seat. The overall interior design is excellent, with only a couple minor exceptions/possible improvements. If you have kids and you dont like minivans, you need to look at the Pacifica with 3rd row seating. From the standpoint of vision, the Pacifica feels more like a SUV because you sit higher than you would in a sedan, but it drives like a sedan. As a driver you feel safer, but not intimidated behind the wheel. Backing up in tight spaces is taking some getting used to.

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  Truly and all in one vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kym Beegl - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The styling is a head turner. The interior really takes you by suprise. The power vs my old 300M with same engine should be boosted in future Pacificas. Sound system is truly remarkable. Overall out of 1-10 I give the new Pacifica a 9, only due to lack of power from the engine

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  Found a new favorite! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kraz_Eric - January 25 - 12:53 am

  I have finally found a new favorite car. I bought it used, with less than 100,000 miles and only one owner. It looks and feels nearly new. It handles well, with the basic outward size and feel as a large sedan, but the internal size is spacious and comfortable. Plenty of room for family and cargo. I truly love the style and comfort of this vehicle. It looks both classy and sporty. It is as comfortable as any luxury auto. And has the space of a mini van. I have found the perfect vehicle only to learn that 2008 will be its last year.

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  Ready to trade - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SereneMoments4U - January 22 - 12:38 pm

  I fell in love with the stylish look of the vehicle and the roomy interior. After a brief test drive, I purchased the Pacifica. Now, after several months of driving my Pacifica, Im ready to trade. There is a terrible blind spot on the drivers side, and backing up, unless you have the backing assistance, is a nightmare. You simply cannot see out the back due to the design of the car. There is more interior noise than I anticipated. The Pacifica is pretty to look at, but Im anxious to trade this one off.

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  Love my Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By berdan - January 21 - 3:36 pm

  I have four children who are older, I came from many minivans. We couldnt give up the space because sometimes the kids are with me for traveling. Also I like having space for when I buy furniture. I like a car that I feel safe in. This car offers all that. It drives like a dream. The seats are not so comfortable! A road trip to Florida proved that they are not meant for comfort.

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  Crossing Over - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry McCarthy - January 21 - 2:00 am

  We started our search for a new vehicle envisioning ourselves driving off in a new Santa Fe. We deceided to test drive the Jeep liberty to have something to compare to the Santa Fe. When we walked into the dealership we saw for the first time the Pacifica. It had everything we wanted and then some. If you "Dare to be different", then this is a vehicle to consider. Comfortable, roomy, quiet, unique, stylish, all apply to the pACIFICA. Sure I wish it pumped out just a few more horses, but the 3.5L, 250hp standard engine is smooth, and quiet. So far, so good.

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  Tbear review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tbear - January 21 - 2:00 am

  The gas mileage is very much less than the stated amount on the sticker. Various features dont always work, maybe 50% of the time, (auto lights off and on. garage door opener feature etc) the brakes squeek.

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  Great vehicle! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dianebkht - January 17 - 9:06 pm

  Really nice vehicle, inside and out. The down side to the Pacifica is fuel usage. Drives great! Interior is protected, therefore making it easy to wipe off stains. Lots of space, no outside noise like the Town And Country I just traded in. Lots of leg room. Cargo is huge enough for a body (example people only) My Pacifica did not come with DVD so I will have one installed along with rims. I really got a great deal on my new Pacifica with me trading in a Chrysler. Now is the time to buy! Love the safety features as well! No bad experience at dealership nor with vehicle so far!