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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  Love My SUV/CAR - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jill - January 4 - 10:50 am

  The pacifica is NOT a car and is NOT an suv.....and definitely is NOT A MINI VAN....if anything at all it leans more towards a luxury suv. I LOVE IT!!!

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - January 3 - 10:50 pm

  The Chrysler Pacifica is really the only car that I considered buying when I began looking for a new one. It has great style, comfort, room and interior layout. My only complaint is the mileage compared to the EPA ratings. Not even close and Im definately not over accelerating this car. Aside from that, its a great car. I would recommend it to anyone but when asked what I dont like, I always mention the mileage. With gas prices at current levels, its not a cheap car to run.

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  New Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vincent - January 3 - 10:43 pm

  I really like this car. It is a pleasure to drive. I have a fully loaded version and all the features are great. You really feel safe in this car and in control of the road. I get about 22 MPG highway and about 17 around town. If you drive with the engine cold, it is very thirsty, but this resolves once the engine warms up. The rear DVD system is a lifesaver with my son, get it if you have kids. The rear bucket seats are great and very comfortable. The navigation system is well worth it, but mine did "get lost" twice, and I had to shut off the engine and restart the car to reset the navigation. Acceleration is moderate, but for transporting kids, it is just fine.

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  Mileage not that great - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissymom - January 2 - 5:35 am

  Never get over 18 mpg on highway, lucky those who do. I get the clumping also, and my pedal sticks (my 1996 Saturn did this also) how annoying. I love the style, the drive, the look. I wish that there were no console in the middle of the 2nd seats for ease of getting into the 3rd row-- my kids have footprints all over it.

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  Love or Hate? - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Leon - December 30 - 1:38 am

  My wife and I fell in love with the looks inside and out on our 15th anniversary and drove it off the lot. We have noticed as others have (low fuel economy, bellowing noise with the back windows down, some obstructed view in the rear, but most of all look out at 45000 miles. Rocker arm repair will hit and with a short warranty period you are looking at $1300+ in repair costs. After some complaining about the pre-mature defect Chrylser helped out with the repair bill. Koodos for that. Now that we are going on to 50k we are feeling some trans. shifting issues, but could it be the lack of a warranty jacking with my mind. Over all to this point I like the car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By T Grabill - December 29 - 7:23 pm

  Lots of room. Love extra seats in back or fold for extra storage. Handles very well in curves. Accelerates quickly & smoothly. Adheres to slick roads like the car & road were one. One of best cars Ive owned!

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  Do not buy - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KS - December 19 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this car because I wanted a crossover vehicle. I was pleased with the amount of room inside the car and also the interior. However, that is where it stops. The car has absolutely no power. It is hard to merge onto the freeway, oh and when you accelerate to merge onto that freeway you will watch your money fly out the window because it sucks up so much gas. The reliability of the car is horrible. I have had the car stall on me several times while driving, and then brought it into the dealer for them to tell me that there is nothing wrong with the car.

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  Great all around vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Watermaster - December 18 - 11:11 am

  I was ready to trade my van for a convertible sports car but, with a teenage son who plays drums and needed transportation to college, I gave into a large capacity vehicle. I made a great choice. The Pacifica holds a ton of stuff while providing the feel of a luxury sedan. It drives great, has an outstanding dashboard and electronics inventory, leather, wood trim etc. I can also get 22 bags of mulch into it any time I need to.

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  First and last - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shawn - December 18 - 1:26 am

  My ABS light kept coming on and I found out that my tire sensors were malfunctioning. That was $600 worth of heartache. The breaking system has always been loud and annoying and there are clicks and clacks in the axles. By the way, never drive over 40mph and lower the back windows. I havent studied enough physics to figure that one out yet. Neither has Chryslers engineers. There is also a bad blind spot in the drivers rearview. Also, my passenger side low beam light has blown 3 times in the last 6 months. They only cost $20 a pop. Oh well.

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  wonderful choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Robin Lindberg - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great choice I made. Very afraid to purchse another "SUV" after a bumpy ride experience with my last luxury SUV. This car has surpassed all expectations. Sold our Mercedes E-320 after driving our new Pacifica for a few days. Actually rides better than the Mercedes and has so many more creature comforts and room. Love it. Wish I had more places to drive it!