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 THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Islesmiles - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I only have this car for 2 weeks and 800 miles but I just think its GREAT!!!! Ended my lease on an Infiniti early to get the Pacifica. I kept looking at other croossovers and kept coming back to the Pacifica....so glad I did. Very safe and solid ride. So many features I didnt even know about. Gas mileage is fair but hopefully will improve.

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  Pacifica - PERFECT - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By saumsieglescott - August 15 - 2:00 am

  What a car/SUV! I have 3 small kids, plenty of room. Unbelievable utility. Nice leather interior and set up. Plenty of options to move seats, use space for luggage and trips to Home Depot. Large roof rack for additional storage. No problems in ice and snow, quiet and very comfortable

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  Awesome Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CJ, jr. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best we ever owned. It is quiet, rides like a dream and a very luxurious feel.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KatVon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pacifica for a week.I love it

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  2007 Pacifica Limited - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Raymond Nice - August 8 - 2:36 pm

  The Pacifica Limited is very nice looking - exterior and interior. We love all the features (it is loaded) and they all perform very well. It is very quiet with lots of power and I am sure that it will go well in the snow. We love the radio and the backup camera. If it is half the car that our Intrepid is (it has over 200,000 miles), we will be very satisfied.

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  07 Pacifica Torque Converter - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kragtj - August 8 - 10:02 am

  Just replaced my wifes 04 Pacifica with an 07 WD Signature Series. The bigger engines was definitely a big improvement. This one has much more zip, even with A/C on. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet. I could drive this thing all day. The gas mileage isnt the best...not yet close to the rated mpg. We like the style and the feeling of safety of this big vehicle. However, I just took the car back to the dealer at 3,000 miles as the transmission "shudders at about 1800 RPM while moderately accelerating thru the gears. There is a TSB indicating this is a problem with AWD 07 Pacificas and the torque converter should be replaced. I hope this solves the problem. Otherwise, we love it!

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  60,000, never in the shop - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - August 7 - 10:52 am

  It handles excellently. It accelerates smoothly. It has minimal road noise. It has never needed a single repair.

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  Happy customer - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By p-51driver - July 30 - 7:02 pm

  Agree with excellent ride, great handling and DVD and video, ipod hookup etc are all great. Our in town mileage is 14-15. Our highway mileage is 26-27 at 75mph on the cruise control. Very comfortable and quiet for driver and passenger.

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  A Great Crossover - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Michael Franks - July 24 - 11:30 am

  2007 Pacifica really takes this car to another level. New 4.0L V-6 and 6- speed tranny provide the performance transfusion that makes this a fun to drive vehicle, and fulfills its promise as a true car-like crossover vehicle. Steering response is improved, interior noise is down and the rear camera is helpful. Nice job Chrysler.

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  I really love my car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Connie Hawkins - July 23 - 6:56 pm

  We had a Pacifica as a rental car a couple of times, I liked them so much I bought one......I love the way it handles (was awasome in the snow)it zips in and out of traffic like a small car but has lots of room like a big car. Has a lot of get up and go. I love that it feels so posh inside and is so very quite it relly is like being in Benz. I have a bad back so one of the things is, it is easy to load up (it is a great level) and the seats are fanny level, I dont have to climb up or drop down. I have had it almost a year and have no problems.