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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  Big Mistake - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe Smith - January 15 - 6:27 pm

  I bought this car against my better judgment. I did some research, and found most of the reviews to be negative. Ive had to replace the blower module, both headlamps. The heater controls never seem to work right. It burns a quart of oil in between oil changes,and the front end makes all kinds of noises when turning. By far the worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Just got mine...LOVE IT!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pud2 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  We just picked up our new 2004 Butane Blue(delivered from factory last week!) Pacifica. Absoluteley AWESOME car/SUV/mini- van/whatever! Have put 500 miles on it this week, no problems or issues yet....seems to be VERY well built, drives super, and a luxury interior that cannot be beat! I am getting about 19.5 MPG at this stage, not bad for a new one, I am sure it will get better as it breaks in. We have no "power" issues...a drag racer its not, but power is fine for everyday driving...yes, INCLUDING passing! If you are in the market for a "crossover" type vehicle, consider the Pacifica...you will be pleasantly surprised!

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  beat out Lexus rx330 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lacy11 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my RX300 for the Chrysler Pacifica. I tried driving both and hands down the chrysler beat the 330. Love it!

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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tom johnson - January 15 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle sold itself. We got in it and just had to have it. I am 64" 270lbs. and I fit in the third row seat. Along those lines the 2nd row seats are just as comfortable as the front. My children love the DVD player and my wife especially loves the wireless headphones. We find ourselves fighting to stay under 65 on the highway due to the exceptionally quiet ride and feel at highway speeds. The power lift gate is a must with children. The only draw back is the small cargo area with the third row seats up.

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  MY PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DUANE DEW - January 15 - 2:00 am

  ANGLE OF A-POST. ATALL PERSON WILL HIT THEIR HEAD. THE STEERING WHEEL ADJUST IS A LITTLE BIG , COULD BE MISTAKEN FOR THE TURN SIGNAL. THE RADIO VOLUME NOB IS A LITTLE CLOSE TO THE SEEK BUTTON GETS KNOCKED OFF THE STATION.THE DVD BLOCKS THE VIEW OUT THE REAR WINDOW. THE CAR IS A EXCELLENT CAR AND IM VERY HAPPY WITH IT A B+ FOR ME.

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  overall fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bugjune - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Had window gear replaced. Clicking noise in tight turns. Was told it was in transmission. Both were fixed and is still working. A air noise in sunroof is still there after two inspections. Service manager says he hears it. But they dont have a fix. So it is declared a "No compromise". I guess tha means they hear it,cant fix it, so live with it. Hard to ignore when its right over your head. I have heard from other chysler owners having the same problems with sunroof on other models. Other than that I really do enjoy driving my Pacfica.

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  I LOVE MY PACIFICA!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TahraLynn - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had two back surgeries and we purchased our Pacifica because of the lumbar support for the drivers seat. I is awesome! I have driven other cars since our purchase and I cant wait to get back into my car! I love the way it handles. I have had to avoid unsafe drivers and my Pacifica has gotten me out of the way each time! It manuvers wonderfully! I cant say enough about my Pacifica, honestly. I recommend this vehicle to everyone who asks!

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  Great Crossover - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 2nd Pacifica - January 8 - 1:48 pm

  I bought a 2004 Pacifica AWD when they came out. Great crossover! My family and I have driven all over the U.S. no problems. Lots of cargo space. Just traded in on a 2008 because of all that is on it unlike Ford/GM. A lot for the money. Sorry that Chrysler is not going to continue building them.

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  1 year update: More problems with technology - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim - January 6 - 9:11 pm

  Bought the car on June 25. 2016 It was In the CJ dealership for 6 days trying to get the "free" Unconnect Access to work. ( U Couldnt connect to register) Chrysler Corp HQ finally helped by getting Uconnect service people in contact with me. Why the dealer couldnt fix it was baffling. Update: 7/25/2017. Two long trips, good mileage on the highway (over 28-29 mpg) smooth ride although transmission has started slipping or clunking on a quick start. Seems to have trouble finding the right gear. Front fascia keeps slipping out of position on right front and the back up camera features are off. Camera shows a picture, but Yellow lines showing where you are going are gone as well as the warning beeper when you approach something in your way. Went through the instruction in the owners manual and selected the proper boxes to check. Took it to an out of town dealer while travelling and they couldnt fix the missing features. Cell phones just stopped system pairing. Oil changes cost a lot! Synthetic spec and an extra filter. Dealer says change every 6K. Why synthetic oil then?

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  Lemon Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By petew1007 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  This Car was in the Dealers Repair Shop for 16 days straight trying to find out why the battery went dead and would not start the car... They finally replaced the Dashboard Cluster Guages... Along with all the Safty Recalls and all the other Problems with this Car I`m Filing Under the State of Iowa`s Lemon-Laws to get rid of this thing..... I`m 62 years young and have had 6 NEW cars and 2 Program cars... Of those 8 cars I have never had So Much TROUBLE with a car as I`ve had with this CHRYSLER PACIFICA it`s been a PAIN...