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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  Pacifica rocks!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bensonb521 - October 19 - 11:23 pm

  Traded off a 2002 Lexus RX300 and all I can say is WOW!! Daimler-Chrysler has a real winner here! Safety went into everything. Roomy cabin with excellent trim and driver features. Travels through Ice/Snow with ease and makes me feel all "fuzzy" inside. Turns heads and makes me feel good! Nobody has anything over on the Pacifica. Sorry Toyota/Lexus and anyone else trying to compete!

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  My wonderful Pacificia - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ron/Judy - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Previously owned a SUV and never felt comfortable driving it due to its size. I feel very comfortable driving my Pacifica. It rides like a million. I do not have all the bells and whistles but I dont care. Two thumbs up on style and comfort to Chrysler.

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  Headlight Control Problems - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chips4748 - October 13 - 5:47 pm

  At 22,000 miles, new problem with auto control of head lights - set on auto, they do not go off set on auto, the are on in daylight set on manual off, they dont go off for 2-3 minutes.

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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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  2005 Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dan J - October 11 - 9:40 am

  I traded in a Nissan Pathfinder for the Pacifica and feel the Pacifica is a much better value. The comfort of the ride and the handling are much better. I also feel the standard options and price are much more competitive then the Pathfinder. The Pacifica is also much cheaper to insure because of its excellent safety record. The Pacifica does seem, however, to lack acceleration despite the 250 HP engine.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By barbara - October 9 - 12:33 pm

  I have wanted one of these since they first came out. I finally got one and it is the best!!!!!!! A sleek look with all the room of my old town & country van. I couldnt be happier

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  2nd pac awd - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By k.a.hulewicz - October 7 - 2:23 pm

  This is the 2nd awd. The touring awd was almost mechanically perfect, only real problem, too slow. Brakes were warped by 34,000. 07 ltd awd is really a fast auto. A great improvement. Trans. seems confused at times. Will wait on the 6spd and new engine review. 05 was using a lot of oil?? at the end.Changed it at 3000, went to 6000. and it was down 2 qts at the end? 1 of, If not our best cars still.

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  Love this car! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dlh - October 7 - 10:18 am

  This is an excellent family car that is still fun to drive. It drives like a luxury car, not an SUV. I would buy another one. Highly recommend it.

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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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  Well done, Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jeff Stevens - October 5 - 4:06 am

  This car screams luxury. Comfort and driveability is top notch, second to none. Versatility is key with this vehicle.