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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  very pleased with our pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By indeterminacy - March 29 - 10:00 am

  we are very pleased with our pacifica, the interior is gorgeous, our friends and family cant belive the price.A lot of fun to drive.

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  2007 Signature series, favorite SUV yet! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vkeiper - March 24 - 9:12 pm

  Just got the pacifica a few days ago. I was replacing an Eddie Bauer Expedition. I was able to find a Signature series with every option except the power moon roof. I love the location of the Navigation (in the dash cluster). The 19.5" wheels really make a nice add on. It does not lack any power and every gadget you can possibly ask for. We were looking at the Lincoln MKX but wanted a 3rd row seat and I am so glad we chose this vehicle. The ride is much quieter and smoother than the expedition was and not much less room. I was really surprised at the amount of space, I thought it was going to be tight once we got the whole family loaded in with the car seats and all.

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  Fuel Milage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Blueey7 - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Love the Pacifica. Purchased 9 mo. ago, other than oil changes and tire rotation no problems. Terrific in the ssnow. Very comfortable on long trips. Just completed a 2,865 mi trip thru NY state and the mid-west. 21.9 total MPG average with A/C. Without A/C add 1 MPG. One long leg of trip, Indianapolis, I.N. to Lexington K.Y. on interstate w/o air 25.5 MPG at 70 MPH. If you keep your foot out of the throttle the fuel usage is wxcellent for a 2 ton car. Optional hi-intesity headlights are fantastic!!!

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  My New Toy - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dworthamsmith - March 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Pacifica. When they first came out, I was not happy with the body. But, once I went to the dealer and checked it out, I fell in love with the vehicle.

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill - March 14 - 10:23 am

  Bought it used last year, has been a joy to drive. Even with 3 kids and cargo in the car, it is still solid on the road.

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  hold on to something - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By francis.hiebler - March 13 - 3:39 am

  The 4 liter v-6 w/ 6 speed trans is like a rocket ready to take off. At 50 mph there is no hesitation to 80mph. german autobahn tested to 115 mph when governor kicked in. I know theres more than that. smooth transition between gears and great handling performance around turns. snow is nothing in the AWD. worth every penny.

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  great experience - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TRETIAK - March 10 - 10:09 pm

  This Pacifica is Great!I through out my back this fall and it was hard to get down and sit in my sedan the seat height is perfect. I checked out 5 suv/ crossover types (Trebeca,XC90,SRX,Murano,Highlander),the Pacifica was the most comfortable seating the best support for my back. It is roomier than the others, the third seat is even comfortable with adults. The placement of all the controls are convenient when driving. I especially like the electric seat controls, they are laid out just like a seat on the door, the lumbar control,even the adjustable peddles,and the heat seat controls. Plenty of power with new 4.0 engine and the new 6 speed transmission with AWD and having 6 adults on board.

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  A head turning looker.... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr. PGV - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Black on black...I loaded this baby up with all the goodies...maxed out. A beautiful ride and the Sirius Radio is maximo funno....I laugh at my neighbors in their hulking Denalis and Expeditions,as they guzzle their way to work, and hulk around corners. The Benz dealer and Bimmer dealers were snobbish and haughty, and DID NOT LISTEN TO MY CONCERNS.I am a VERY PICKY Consumer, so the fact I chose this vehicle, says a lot.I was so impressed, I bought my wife a new Town and Country Limited. Congratulations! I put a Police Benevolent Society sticker on the rear window to PROTECT me...cause I am speeding along as we go.

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  Love my Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ltlredboomer - March 9 - 11:10 am

  I really love my Pacifica. Its easy to drive and performs very well. I get a lot of compliments on it, and "what kind of car is that?", and "Nice ride." I have carried many large loads with no problems. Very comfortable ride. You feel safe in it. Have never slipped in the Colorado snow.

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  Favorite things-No Complaints - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Fab4radko - March 2 - 5:40 pm

  Great handling. Happy with the mileage on long trips. The navigation system has helped many times I would have been lost.