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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  Breakdown - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PAUL - October 2 - 7:16 pm

  I started my trip from texas and brokedown in ind., With a grinding in the right front wheel. The dealer said that i should not be driving the car, with 3000 miles on it. They gave me a rental but was without the car for three days because they had to order the whole front wheel. We also had water dripping on my wifes foot from the air. Cond. They replaced the filter and filter door. It is still leaking with 9,000 miles and the dealer said that i should change the temp. In the car to correct the problem? We also had an emissions pump go bad with 8,000 miles and had to spend four hours at the dealers waiting for them to get the part from some other dealer.

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  I Love My Car But....... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Surgtechbri - September 29 - 2:35 am

  It will be a year this Jan. that i have had my pacifica. I love this car but it is really getting expensive. All the consumer reports are saying the same thing. We should not all have the same problems with these cars. In the past 4 months i have had to spend over $1700.00 in that car. Both of the fuel pumps died (yes i said both pumps). The dealerships know that there is something wrong with these cars. They are really nice to look at but Im starting to believe they are lemons.

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  Love This Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donna - September 24 - 10:34 am

  This is my second Pacifica. I love this car. I have had Cadillacs and Lincolns and this car has a lot better ride. The comfort is awesome. People get in and cant believe how much room it has. I have heard that Chrysler is going to stop making them. I hope this is not true.

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  From SUV to Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Landmonger - September 21 - 10:00 am

  For anyone that needs the size of a minivan, but without the awful looks and typical stereotype of one, this ride is for you. Got ours fully loaded and enjoy all the toys and performance of the Mercedes platform. Hey Chrysler, you did this to me on the first Grand Cherokee with the straight 6. Throw a V8 into this ride and were home!

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  love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By patricia s. - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had a lot of my cars.. mostly foreign.... this pacifica is one of my favorites.. its so roomy and luxurious!! Get one... you wont be sorry!!

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  I GIVE IT A 10+ BEST AWD CAR IVE EVER O - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ROBERTA WITT - September 21 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST CAR DESIGN I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. THEY THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING. THE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT FOR THE GAS & BRAKE PEDDAL IS WONDERFUL FOR SHORT PEOPLE. LOVE THE SECOND ROW CAPTAIN CHAIRS

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  Very dissapointed! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By IHATEMYPACIFICA! - September 15 - 10:56 pm

  I was shopping for a new SUV and looked everywhere for great price. Well finally found it and this crossover has been horrible for us. First thing wrong 4 days after buying it car shuts down on expressway no reason, next oil leaking, next starts making clapping noise, next starts kicking back while driving as if changing gears! Next had to have pulley tensioner replaced now making horrible noise that wont go away, now alternator is failing! What else can go wrong, this was supposed to be my dream car n turns out to be a nightmare!

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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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  Keep building them. improve MARKETING - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LUIS YGLESIAS - September 12 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this car after testing it in Canada for two weeks under severe weather conditions. It is the best overall car that I have owned so far. My friends and myself dont understand why Chryslers new owners want to stop production. I think they dont know how to market the good product they make and they havent listen to us their customers.

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  I guess Ive been a lucky one! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Winter1227 - September 11 - 10:36 am

  Ive had my 2004 Pacifica for almost two years now & I am the 2nd owner. It rides *SO* smoothly (& weve had to take MANY road trips for work) and with my 8 month old son, I feel VERY safe. Only been to the mechanic once for a U joint--other than that, no problems at all. I have a base model, no GPS or DVD, & the 3rd row was a bit snug when me and my SIL sat back there once (and Im 58" and she is 510") but my husband is 61" and is a SOLID 245 and has ROOM to stretch in the front two rows, and has great head room. With the side air bags, I dont worry about my baby as much on the road! If I won the lottery, Id buy this car again.