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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  pure fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wayne carrington - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were getting ready to buy a toyota sequoia, we were at a car rental store saw the pacifica and decided to buy one the next day after a lot attendent showed us the pacifica from top to bottom. its right up there with the big boys.

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  Great Road Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mrpops - May 14 - 10:05 am

  I bought my vehicle in Oct 2004. We travel a lot and always use this vehicle. It is comfortable and road steady. All vehicles should have the same feel. I wish the floor was flat when the rear seats are laid down. Good capacity.

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  Everyone should have one! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bret - May 12 - 8:14 am

  I had originally thought the Pacifica was lacking in aesthetics, but now I feel completely different. It shares its sleek design with the similar Mercedes crossover model. Well call it unique. Performance is A++. The 3.5ltr engine pumps out 250hp and is very capable of breaking the tires loose from the asphalt. Fuel economy is average, but certainly acceptable for a full-size vehicle. Interior comfort is a huge plus for those in the front as well as back seating areas.

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  2006 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 2006 Pacifica - May 11 - 11:29 am

  Comfortable for 4 people, quiet and rides good. I have over 23,000 miles and have had no problems. It does have some bad blind spots that you have to get use to driving with.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By b hastings - May 11 - 10:00 am

  after one year, meets all hype and expectations- great family car with car ride equal to prestige cars with realistic buy cost and maintenance

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  Rides and Handles Like A Dream - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ikoco - May 10 - 8:50 pm

  The Pacifica was the perfect car for me. The ride and handling are really impressive. Most of my driving is inner city and my SUV handles like a sports car while darting in and out of traffic. The suspension is firm enough to corner well, but still smooth enough for the sunken streets and potholes of New Orleans. I have carried five full sized teenage boys across Louisiana to playoff basketball games in comfort. The rear seats offer ample head and leg room. The Infinity surround sound system and DVD player provides the highest fidelity of all the other autos I test drove. My 3.8L engines allows me to pass just about everything on the road but a gas station. I get 16/24 MPG.

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  I love Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jenny1 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I cant convince you....GO DRIVE IT. Youll leave your SUV behind like I did.

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  Year and a half, strong solid car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kevin_msu - April 22 - 5:14 am

  Ive had my Pac for about a year and a 1/2 now and I can honestly say I really enjoy it. If you drive low mileage, this may not be the car for you. My mileage was great at 22 mpg when my commute was 20 miles each way, but now that its 4, Im down to 16 mpg. Aside from that, this car drives great. it turns so tight and smooth and its responsive to the wheel and the pedal, with enough juice to get you going if you need to accelerate. More than a few people have told me that my Pac is a joy to drive. The guy that fixed my tire for me was like "I was tempted to just keep driving. Thats a great car".

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  Neat Car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KD Norman - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  I really love my Pacifica. It drives excellent, is extremely comfortable and has a lot of features like steering wheel radio controls, heated seats, DVD player and 6 bucket seats that make it an awesome car to own and drive. I just hope that Chrysler is a reliable make.

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  Great Buy! Is this really a Chrysler???? - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Great Buy! - April 20 - 6:51 pm

  I was very reluctant to buy another American vehicle after two Fords. However, I ventured into getting the Pacifica after reading some reviews. I will never regret it. This car is absolutely luxury, how it rides, feels, and looks. No difference to a Mercedez or BMW. I had it for 6 months, and I am still in a honeymoon with it. Pure driving solid pleasure.