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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  Bushs Review of the 2005 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica 4 dr tour - January 7 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle is stable on the road and is gives a very comfortable ride. The interior is very appealing; the dash appears to wrap around the front which is especially nicely designed. The drivers seat is quite comfortable for me, and I am a short person. I especially like the extra lumbar support. The vehicle recently took four children in booster seats and car seats on a short outling; the ride was quite comfortable for the two adults. Cargo space is limited when using four car seats for children, but I do not haul more than two children on most occasions. The children and I like the extra vents that help to circulate heat and air conditioning.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By NKlesat - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2001 300M that we loved. Needed seats for six. This is better in all areas. Comfort, handling, mileage (surprize), and fun. Kids love the DVD player and wireless headphones.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By n power - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best car we have bought in the past 20 years. It has all the latest electronic gadgetry available. What sets this vehicle apart is the styling in the interior, and the quiet ride.

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  EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE TO AN SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JAMES GATTI - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE IS WONDERFULL JUST TO SLIGHT PROBLEMS BLIND SPOT WHEN DRIVER TURNS TO LOOK BACK AND COULD USE A V8 THE ROOM IN THE VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT THE DESIGN EXTERIOR IS GREAT ,NICE SOFT LINES WITH CLASS,

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  Pacified - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacified/brianwalsh - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Chrysler marketing is not handling this well at all. I think by next year this car will be accepted/perceived as one truly great crossover SUV

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  Excellent Performance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By J Bentley - December 26 - 3:23 am

  I just purchased this vehicle in late December for $9,000 under MSRP. My wife and I are expecting our first child in June and need a vehicle to accomadate. The front, rear and side 5 star impact rating was important in our decision to purchase. The exterior styling is very aggressive and sporty looking. The interior is well designed but I understand why people have commented about the cheap materials used for construction in newer Chysler/Dodge vehicles. The performance and ride is what makes this vehicle stand apart from the competition. Acceleration is outstanding and the ride is very smooth and quiet. Caught myself speeding a few times well above the limit. Can corner fast without fear.

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  Chrysler has another winner here - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Persh - December 24 - 3:33 am

  Great overall vehicle and its not a mommy car, despite what some may think.

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  Roomy, Classy, and Fun to drive - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sajed - December 20 - 8:46 am

  Just purchased a new 2007 Pacifica and it drives like a car, but feels like your sitting in a studio condo =) Gas mileage is average for this vehicle, but the 250 HP engine makes up for it. We have taken our Pacifica to Canada and back on many occasions, and all around its a comfy ride, very spacious, and my son loves it!! I would recommend the AWD touring edition for snow dwellers.

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  Pacifica Touring AWD - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By farout - November 28 - 5:35 pm

  The Pacifica is a real quality vehicle. The ride is so smooth! Fit and finish are almost flawless. Attention to every detail is evident inside and out. The Pacifica has value and quality at an affordable price.

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  Fun! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By luxurycarlover - November 27 - 3:50 pm

  Our Chrysler Pacfica is great. It, in my opinion, is great looking. It has decent space, though obviously not as much as a minivan. It is comfortable, although people may complain about the comfort of the third row, it is usually only uses sometimes and by kids not adults. It can hold a decent amount of cargo. The electronics are pretty good, we got all of them. Over all, good car.