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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  Shopped around - no minivan - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By finz - September 22 - 10:00 am

  We shopped around extensively before making this purchase, looking at multiple minivans and SUVs. With a child due in 5 months, we needed a vehicle that would be safe, comfortable, and have enough room for all the "stuff" involved when traveling with a baby. The Pacifica met all our requirements in addition to handling the best of the vehicles, having the most comfortable drivers and passengers seats, and some great options. We believe we got he most for a money and a vehicle we will be happy with for a long time.

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  Love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MiniVan Mom - September 22 - 10:00 am

  After 6 years with a minivan, I hated the idea of getting another one. Once I drove the Pacifica, that was it. Have 3 kids and a large dog and still have enough room and comfort. SO much better then a minivan; you can go from hauling the kids to a night out on the town in style.

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  Love my Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Michele - September 21 - 2:54 pm

  I love my Pacifica! I have driven it for 6 months now and it is by far the funnest, most comfortable, family friendly, stylish car we have ever owned or leased. We have driven to Southern CA in it when it was 2 months old (to us) and it was a beuatiful drive. Very quiet and a smooth ride. Overall, I am very happy with everything in and on my Pacifica.

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  3 month report - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Nick Gainer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car from dealer and was treated extremely well. Car didnt have all the bells and whistles, but had everything I wanted. Best driving and riding auto Ive ever owned. Quietest Chrysler ive had (this is my 4th). Driving up mountains, it labored a little and lowered yyhe mileage. However, it s only gone 4,000 miles so far and has averaged 22 mpg on a 1,200 mile trip from FL to WV. Ive had more compliments on it than any car Ive owned. Love it and highly recommend it.

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  05 PAC AWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By turbanski - September 11 - 12:58 pm

  I have the 05 touring model with 19" wheels. Living in the northeast the AWD with 19" wheels has proven to be unstoppable in winter. Overall, no problems with the vehicle. I have returned to dealer twice for factory recalls, but did not experience any recall related problems.

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  Pacifica as compared to - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Glen Craft - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Dodge Durango that I traded on this Pacifica. Th durango more resembled a truck than a car.I get better gas mileage in town with the pacifica , than I did on the road with the Durango

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  2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ScottAijo - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Pacifica in June of 2004 and have been delighted with it ever since. I took it on a trip to Canada to visit family and the mileage was almost 28 mpg. With Canadian gas at roughly 4 bucks a gallon this meant a lot. It is a good looking car thats fun to drive. Its got some head turning looks, too. My only complaint is that the rear window should be wider.

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  Love it! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By al hum - September 2 - 7:40 pm

  The ride It is roomy, even with tripletts in car seats. The instrument panel is easy seen,and we love the memory seat and mirrors. And it is easy enter and exit the vehicle...like driving a "sports"van lots of room when third row seating not being used

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  Mercedes in a Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Waldo - September 2 - 10:00 am

  After driving minivans my spouse was more than ready for this! I do not know from where Ron from OR was talking about. I think the strength of this auto is its handling ability. What a smooth ride. I would agree that even with the 6cycl. it needs a bit more pick-up. AND, after driving fish bowls for the past few years the visibility is not as good--bigger back window needed. Do adults ever seat in rear- rear seats?!

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  Superb comfort - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kathy - August 16 - 1:51 pm

  We love this car! Comfortable for 4 adults on a 4000 mile trip, with room to spare (using a roof carrier). We consistently averaged 23-24 mpg on the interstate systems, driving 75 mph. This vehicle is a replacement for a Lincoln Town Car, and it is every bit as comfortable