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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  Wifes new ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bprofeta - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I work with the high line automobiles, really liked the quality and styling of this new vehicle, Im impressed, more horespower would be nice but is adequate.

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  They Get it Right Then Kill It - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Garth - October 31 - 5:40 pm

  The first thing that struck us about this car is the styling. Although they built it in their minivan plant, it is a much better looking car. The updates for 2007 are a must have. The 6 speed transmission is giving us around 17 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. We see better than 22 if highway speeds are kept at a reasonable level. I agree that the more powerful motor and extra two gears in the transmission help the car to be quick off the line but it is also one of the most relaxed highway cruisers that we have ever driven. The crash ratings are unmatched in its class. The seats are very comfortable and the dual zone climate with rear heat control means that everyone is comfortable.

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  Good Performance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Peter - October 30 - 3:58 pm

  My first Chrysler. It is great price with the features to match. It have SUV advantage (big), but easy to turn on highway.(because base is low.) So, it can be called top performance. Dont know long term quality, because first day broken on road.It was one call back.

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  Not Reliable - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nothappy - October 30 - 12:30 pm

  I agree with many of the reviews that I read-- the car is a great design however, at 10,000 miles this car lost it. The transmission was "clunky" and with several transmission upgrades it seems to just keep coming back- as many of the others! It has broken down twice due to a gas gauge/ tank problems- as I am learning a not so rare issue. For this-- it is unreliable! After numerous trips to the dealer it still happens. I am tired of it! Why would this car come with a 6 disc DVD changer and no screen? Broken motor mounts- also common in the 2007.

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  Hate to see it go - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lee - October 28 - 8:38 pm

  So far this has been an absolutely fabulous driving and riding vehicle. Wife doesnt ask to stop every two hours to stretch and walk out the kinks. Gas mileage is not bad (22.7) on trips as long as you dont use ethanol. In 34000 miles the only problem is with an electronic sender that tells the torque converter to lock. Warranty covered. Hate to see them go, may drive this one into the ground.

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  Stylish and Functional - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By njscouter - October 28 - 2:00 am

  After driving minivans for 18 years I was ready for "something different". This car gave me the style and luxury I was craving along with a flexable seating that I still need for my teenagers. HoweverGas milage has been dissapointing. Backing up my dark driveway at night requires a leap of faith due to the tinted glass. Noise when rear windows are open when going over 30 mph is painfully annoying. I have not found the power of the vehicle to be a problem.

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  Mostly dealer ignorance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OHWHYDIDI BUY - October 27 - 1:04 pm

  Bought this car because I drove several test vehicles at work and was impressed. Tracked down an 07 (deals were sweet with employee price + rebate). Found an AWD Touring with the NAV package. Drove great for about 40 miles, then the suspension clunking started and the water pouring in through the rear roof at the first hard rainfall. The list goes on. Dealer resolved the leak (missing gasket on the roof antenna) and the other defects. The bad ball joint sound is still present and both dealers (went in 7 times in 2 months) say that its a "normal" sound. I wonder why the 5 I drove at work didnt do that. Dealer says its annoying but they all do it. Crappy uncaring dealers.

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  07 changes! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve - October 26 - 8:00 pm

  I just leased my second Pacifica and Chrysler made all the changes that the car need over the 05 model. Bigger engine, back up camera and just a few nice features to make a great car even better!! The lease programs on this car are the best out there! I am driving a $41,000 dollar car for under $600 a month on a two year lease! 15k per year and no money down. This deal cannot be beat! This is a lot of car!

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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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  The perfect combination - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bjbird2 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica has surpassed all of our expectations, and is a terrific vehicle for our needs.