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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  I love my car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Spagal32 - September 10 - 7:03 pm

  I did a lot of research before buying my 2005 Pacifica. I have never been so happy with a vehicle purchase. The Pacifica is great for my family and its fun to drive. The kids love it. It drives smooth and so far seems very reliable. There were a couple of glitches at first..the back window switch had the window going down when I started the ignition, and the engine tension pully was squealing. All was fixed though. Overall I love my car.

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  I must be dreaming! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Moonsta - September 10 - 12:12 pm

  I have only had my loaded Pacifica for a couple of weeks and I dont see falling out of love with it! Solid, secure feel. Luxury plus! All the little details that Chrysler puts into some of their cars is wonderful. As other people have written, gas isnt great. But hey, its big, its AWD, what do you expect? I am very happy with it and mileage is about the same as my minivan. Finally I dont get asked if I have kids (no!) I waited a long time to have a car of this caliber and truthfully?? Id buy another.

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  I love my pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By debbie 2626 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fantastic vehicle I have owned. It rides good , its fun to drive and comfortable. It is everything rolled into one.

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  PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARKS - September 9 - 2:00 am

  NICE CAR. GOOD CROSS OVER BETWEEN SUV AND CAR.

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  nice ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Michelle - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Over all very happy making a change from having bigger SUV

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  Best Car I ever had - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By No - September 8 - 8:13 pm

  This is a great car. I was in a very serious accident and needed a car that would feel and be safe for me and my daughter. It is. The only issue is gas mileage and some poor rear visibility. Best Car I ever owned. love It

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  Love, Love, Love my Pacifica!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vs11972 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Did I say I love it??? I used to drive a Town and Country, and liked it a lot, but hated the "mommy" image. Ditched it for an Envoy. Nice, but felt truck-like, and then I started to feel like I was driving a cookie- cutter truck!!! When I saw the Pacifica, I fell in love. It has all of the features I want: 3rd row seat, fold-down configuragions galore, Great styling, lots of gadgets and gizmos (love the navigation system!!!) and best of all it is NOT a van or a Truck! My gas mileage has averaged 18 mpg overall...mostly city driving, at that. Not too bad, in my opinion.

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  Im mystified - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill - September 3 - 1:59 pm

  The title of my comments says it all. I dont understand why these didnt sell well. I know Chrysler didnt market them well but Ive had an S class Mercedes, a 540 BMW and 40 other cars and this is my favorite. It is great on fuel if you consider its 2 1/2 tons and gets 30+ mpg on the highway and about 20 in the city. Ive just finished a trip to New England and the miles are effortless and Im over 60 years old! Id recommend one to anyone.

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  Fun vehicle to drive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By spagal - September 3 - 2:46 am

  I think its a great car overall. It does have some mechanical problems off the bat such as faulty window switch and a noise under the hood that they cannot seem to find the problem. Overall a very fun car to drive lots of extras! The body design is nice as well as the interior color and layout. Not a lot of trunk space if using all passenger seats in back. In fact, one large suitcase is all it will hold.

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  Hasnt Let Me Down Yet - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By samuelb - September 1 - 9:28 pm

  We purchased our Pacifica FWD Touring Edition in June of 2006. It now has almost 85,000 miles on it, mostly highway miles from my commute to work. The Pacifica is a very comfortable and pleasant car to drive. The build quality has been pretty good and so far weve had no problems with it. One of the earlier comments about these cars being lousy in winter is incorrect. Ive been through 3 winters now with my Pacifica and it gets through the snow almost as well as some 4 wheel drive vehicles do. Gas mileage hasnt been spectacular, but I think I could be doing a lot worse. Overall, were quite happy with our Pacifica.