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 buy, Enthusiastic after 7 months - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Phil - February 10 - 10:57 pm

  Wanted to replace a 10 year old stationwagon with another one. After looking for two months at all makes and models of wagons, decided the Pacifica fit all my needs. After 7 months and 13,000 miles I wasnt wrong. Its more than what I expected. Great sport sedan handling. I sit up there with other SUVs and P/Us. Its one of the best kept secrets in the car world. The only thing missing is the pointed 3 star in a circle, but my bank account is not out an extra $20,000. Its the first time Ive owned an AWD and even though I lose a couple of miles a gallon, at 65 years old Ive got peace of mind while driving on ice and snow. A safe car for hauling my grandkids around.

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  I love my new car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Linda - February 9 - 8:06 pm

  Im very pleased. As a parent, I love that this car is so safe and holds the road so well. It feels very solid. Ive only put about 5,000 miles on so far, including one longish trip, but every mile has been a delight! Its the perfect blend of sportiness, convenience, comfort, style. I had an Olds Bravada and a Subaru Outback before this (refuse to get a minivan!) and this is my favorite of the three.

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  Rating my new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Revell - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive over 50,000 miles per year and this is one of the most comfortable and road worthy vehicles I have ever driven. Extremely comfortable when I am driving and very sure footed in adverse weather. Only dissapointment is that I get just under 21 mpg. and that really is not that bad for this quality of a vehicle.

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  Bought it Used and Love It - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donna - February 6 - 11:35 am

  I love to drive this wagon/suv. I bought it used it had 37,000 miles. I did have three experiences with the car stalling in about a weeks time(two after it sat outside in the cold and one on the highway), but it hasnt done it since. I also chalked it up to letting the gas mileage get below 30 miles in the tank before I filled it up.

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  Great Car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SGT Penny - January 26 - 8:39 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 2006 as of today I have 48000 miles on it. I got this car for my wife and are 2 babies, they love it. The dvd player is great on long trips. I have had no problems with this car. One of the best on the road. To young for the mini van, already have a Yukon XL, this is much better. All the people whinning about mpg, they arent driving it right. I get anywhere between 19.2 to 24.7. It has the get up ad go if you use the auto stick, thats what it is for. Ever car has blind spots, stop being lazy and mover your head around.

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  I love It.. Drives like hgh end auto - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By e. hough - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was an suv that I didnt need a ladder to get in. Drove a lot of the 2004 models, They all had the suv dumpy ride on the passenger side and back seats with the exception of the Acura and Cadillac. Lexus is far too small for more than 2 passengers until you go to their very high priced model, found that with most I tried. I didnt need or want all the bells and whistles except safety features i.e. air bags. The Pacifica Touring 2005 is perfect for me.

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  Pacifica...King of Crossover - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Buy American Made - January 20 - 7:50 am

  Very roomy, plenty of power...I like being able to "downshift" exiting or entering expressways. Large cargo area

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  Im happy with it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jp almeida - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Don’t understand why people complain about gas mileage. THERE IS A HUGE STICKER on the window with HUGE numbers on it that shows the gas consumption. I don’t buy people’s complaining about it. You pretty much know what you are buying prior to close the deal. Want a better gas mileage? Buy a Honda Civic then. I love my Pacifica. Love everything it has. No complain as far how it handles, comfort, luxury, happy wife (that is what really counts). Only one thing to improve though: blind spot. Not a big deal for me. You get used to it after a few back-ups. No needs for sensor or anything, but I know that some people might need it.

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  Glad I checked it out - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bwicklund - January 13 - 7:32 pm

  After my 98 Audi wagon died (engine freeze at 80,000 miles), I needed a new wagon for size, comfort, and utility. Id owned German cars for 34 years, but could not believe the prices! Checked out the Pacifica and found the perfect car. Comfort, great design, and functional luxury for over $20,000 less than the European equivalents.

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  Chrysler Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By coffman - January 9 - 8:54 pm

  The over driving experience of this Pacifica has been excellent! The ride is one of the best that Ive ever had and I drove Town & Countrys and Caravans on the road for over 15 yrs.. The Auto-Shift is wonderful.