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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  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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  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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  First Lemon Ive ever had - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jeff K. - October 23 - 11:29 am

  The complete buying experience was awful. Problems right from the start between the transmission, front end, reversing, AWD. It was endless and the dealerships were not helpful in the least. Currently involved in Lemon law case with vehicle.

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  not at all happy - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By unhappy dad - October 12 - 4:41 pm

  Bought the car for my wife and three kids . Over look of car great . Big issues hear AWD , car just shut off on a highway with my three kids in the car . And would not stay running for more than one minute . Dealer sent me over the edge. No help at all . This first and last Chrysler Ill ever buy . After talking to some other owners have had same problems . Upset in DAD PA

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  looks are deceiving - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By D - October 5 - 3:34 pm

  Nice looking car, but its only skin deep, interior is cheaply made, gas mileage is poor, lots of things missing that should be there like a glovebox light, ipod input, switches to shut of dome lights. The absolute worst car I ever bought. Tranny shifts hard, car starts roughly and stalls sometimes.

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  Never again - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ernie - September 13 - 9:52 pm

  I bought my pacifica thinking I was getting the newest trend. The only thing I got was the shaft as in the drive shaft. I had to replace both within first year and both motor mounts. The transmission is terrible and is slipping. It does not handle well at all. Never again will I but one.

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  I hope it is just ours! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By skidsmadawg - June 2 - 11:03 pm

  We picked up our 2005 FWD Touring Pacifica in July. The car has less than 4k miles on the clock, and it has been in the shop more than 8 times! This thing just has one problem after another! Chrysler is luckey we leased this Pacifica, otherwise, they would have by now, either givin us our money back, or replaced the car! Also, the Sound System is HORRIBLE!!! It is nothing like any oher DCX car i have rode in, and Is it just me, or is there a horrible blind spot on the car?

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  Ive said this before... - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OhNOO! - May 16 - 7:01 pm

  But this time I promise never to buy another piece of c**p from Chrysler ever again! Antiquated engine and transmission. Lumber wagon ride and handling, really poor mileage from the very old design PUSHROD engine that has been around since 1989! And talk about quality, it is not anywhere to be found! Misfitting dashboard, poor assembly, mismatched colors, really bad leather that appears fake in the way it wears and fades. We bought it new and the depreciation really hit hard. Sold it for pennys on the dollar! Avoid at all costs, it does not even belong in a rental car fleet!

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  Transmission Night Mare - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sagdds - February 9 - 10:38 am

  At 35000 miles transmission began mis-shifting, jerking, 11 weeks 5 visits at dealer between 35 and 67000 miles Told transmission OK rebuilt AWD. Told I believe they thought I had unrealistic expectations. Mis-shifting when down shifting 60 to 80 mph. At 67,000 miles on the highway transmission failed completely. Dealer told me transmission not repairable. Fortunately had extended warranty. Now low gear shifting OK still mis-shifts at high speeds. A bad quirky transmission.