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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  Great Crossover Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By atgigante - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks of this vehicle. Its fun to drive, very quiet and feels solid. Handles well in snow. The interior is elegant and so comfortable. The versatility sold me immediately. I got a great price deal (23400) and had to have it.

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  So far so good! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mick0212 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Just got my Pacifica, I have less than 1000 miles on it so far. Power is better than expected, and Ive gotten 19-20 mpg in 70/30 hwy driving. No glitches or defects so far, although I question how durable the power seats will be long term. Ride is very comfortable. Love the style and the high seating without the climb!

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  Road trip Please! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Charlene BETTENCOURT - June 14 - 8:40 pm

  We replaced a 2009 Town and Country with a new 2017 Pacifica. It is a really beautiful van and it is going to have to be quite the vehicle to replace our old van, which we loved to travel in. Although we dont even have 800 miles on it, we hope to be hitting the road soon. Love our van.

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  Pacifica Fun to Drive - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Big Chuck - June 10 - 2:42 pm

  This is my second Pacifica with even more refinements and comforts than my first one. I love the handing, performance and safety features. I like the feel of sitting up higher than an ondinary sedan and performance is fine with the 4.0 L six.

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  Its not a minivan! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hanne - June 4 - 8:17 pm

  I really like driving my Pacifica. Its great for scooting around town or long trips out of state. It is easy to get the kids in and out and they enjoy the ride also. Its a great vehicle for the mom that doesnt want to be a minivan mom. It rides fantasticly and the buffeting noise is an easy fix with a small adjustment in any window.

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  Chrysler steps up - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By justsaynotominivans - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After a heavy look and test drive of the Volvo X90, my wife and I were almost upset at ourselves because we loved the Pacifica so much. Chrysler we thought? Hey thats what our grandparents would buy. Boy were we surprised. I felt german influence as soon as I stepped in it. Once we test drove them both, it was hands down Pacifica. More for the $$ we thought. We got it loaded, and our two little ones in the back are living (sitting) like kings. Love the RCA inputs- My 15gig Ipod Rocks on the stereo! Wife loves the auto liftgate and sunroof.

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  New Pacifica is Terrific - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dejazra - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been all that I expected. It performed wheel on a summer trip from Birmingham to Myrtle Beach. Quiet and smooth.

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  New Car Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By summerawn65 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car really rocks. Its been a love affair from the first time we seen one. Even my kids love this car. Great family vehicle with a wonderful design. I just cannot say enough about this car.

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  Mommys Soccer Wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kurtt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all others incl. Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Acura & Infinity and Pacifica offered the most, by far, for the money. Bought fully loaded with the exception of the full sized spare and bargained hard at end of month. Chrysler has poorly marketed the car and they are sitting at the dealers so they will bargain. Wife wanted Pacifica most and we both are delighted. Perfect car to tote the kids around, no prolems and feel the fit and finish of the car is great. Biggest reason we chose this car was the safety ratings, very solid.

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  thrilled with new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Topdog - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Really have been imporessed with the comfort, performance, and the safety features of the pacifica. It feels luxorious and drives like a gem. Comfortable ride with a great sound system. The added features are great!