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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  My New Graduation Present - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PCWOODALL - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Pacifica yesterday and I just love it! I find that it is perfect for my family with us traveling alot to soccer games. I like how it feels like driving a car even though we are sitting up higher than most cars. It is more aerodynamic than the boxy looking SUVs. I feel much safer driving it because of all the safety features.

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  Everything but gas mileage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By heelsfans - November 29 - 10:00 am

  If they build a hybrid of this car, I will never own another make or model. Love this car, its handling, its appointments and the thoughtfulness of the design.

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  We like it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lloyd Mims - November 29 - 10:00 am

  We wanted an SUV to complement the Lincoln Town Car we also have. However, all the SUVs we looked at were uncomfortable or not luxurious enough (unless they were very expensive). The Pacifica is somewhat like an old-fashioned "station wagon." It is easy to get in and out of but it sits higher on the road that a regular car. It is luxurious and comfortable and give good performance with adequate gas mileage. We like it!

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  Fun to own - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Greg901 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been looking at this car for the last 9 months. Its as nice of a car to own as I imagined. I am very pleased.

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  Review of our Chrysler Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim Burkhalter - November 22 - 10:00 am

  We have enjoyed our Pacifica on three road trips so far this year. Its one of the best road cars I have ever owned. Its a terrific ride in comfort and style. Im not as happy with the gas mileage, but the rest of the things we like makes up for it. Its a great trade off.

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  New car owner NOT happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By James Morrow - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my car in at least 6 different times for repairs. Three on the same matter I feel since Im a women bringing the car in they dont listen as well, my husband will be dealing with Quinn Chrysler in the future.

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  Watch out! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Unhappy - November 21 - 12:18 pm

  We bought this car used, was only 2 years old, fully loaded and great price. Or so we thought. Within 2 months, the handle broke from the inside, repair cost $350. Then the wheel bearings need to be replaced, $400. The the radiator hose collapsed, replacement another $180. Now the car keeps overheating when in a stand still position, repair cost unknown. Anyone else having this many problems, weve only had it a year! Many blind spots due to design, is comfy inside and kids love the DVD. Would I buy again? Never! Sticking to Chevys or Nissans, those have worked out way better for me!

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  Great comfort, reliability is a big sore :( - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Satish Mahankali - November 20 - 7:43 pm

  Really enjoyed my car for the first 4 months. After the first service, the Van would not start intermittently. Every morning is like tossing a coin if for start. I have taken this car 6 times to the Dealer in past 4 months and is there for most of the time. Every time the dealer says the problem is fixed, Id have the same problem in next 2 or 3 days. Dealership would not take responsibility and neither Chrysler would take responsibility. Chrysler would come back and say theyd take some action based on their discretion at some point in future. My Pacifica 2017 seems to be a good case for a LEMON. I am currently checking if I can invoke Lemon Law. Wish you good luck if you are deciding to buy this Mini-van.

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  ABS is only major issue - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By booger - November 13 - 8:26 pm

  This car has about 17,000 miles on it already, and I can attest to its great overall quality and performance. However, weve had 3 major issues with the ABS system which have required repair at the dealership. The ABS light would come on, and then wed experience some kind of brake force reduction or steering problems. The dealer told us that theyve been seeing a lot of Pacificas for ABS problems. Other than that, its been a VERY reliable car. I love the interior flexibility, the engine power/gas mileage combo, and the car handles kids and cargo with ease. I love its sharp handling and willingness to accelerate when needed, but the brakes also do a great job of stopping as well.

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  Very Happy with Purchase - Find - Price - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - November 10 - 4:21 am

  I have always liked the Pacifica style since it came out. I wasnt really in the purchase mode, but drove by the dealership and saw 3 new/used Pacificas on the lot. The gas prices were close to $4.00 a gal. & the price of full size autos were going down. Driving it easy, with the 6 speed transmission, I was getting 19.8 in town, and 29.9 on the highway. It rides so smooth, and the performance is unbelievable! It is totally state of art. Load leveling, traction control, ABS, anti-out of control feature? Over 250 HP. 3500 towing tounge wt. I love my Pacifica. I plan on keeping it for a long time. Again, due to gas price, I got a very good deal. monthly payment is $350. I have the FWD, not AWD.