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 Choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By happycamper2 - June 28 - 10:00 amThis car is definitely worth a test drive. I had my heart set on a different SUV but after driving this car immediately knew it was for me. Great buy for a car with so many pluses.
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2004 Pacifica - Chrysler should keep it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By John - June 26 - 7:56 amThis car gives you much confidence on the road. It feels extremely solid , very smooth at highway speeds and brakes that are powerful. Never thought I would use the Auto/manual trans but a trip through the mountains of W Va. made me very happy we had it. Seating for 1st 2 rows is excellent, 3rd row is the penalty box. Accessories are over and above what we need. At 47,000 miles we have had 1 "fit and finish" issue with one of the roof rails (dealer fixed on the 3rd try) and the fuel gauge stopped working (1st try fix). We were rear ended by a VW Jetta. Jetta was totaled. Pacifica, just under $3,000 for the rear bumper, exhaust etc. This car is very safe. Would buy another
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Touring sports car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By bill - June 24 - 1:09 pmDrives like a high priced sedan great ride and comfort great styling and room for the Family Chrysler has not done a very good job marketing this vehicle, Compared to the new dodge SUV there is no comparing the two the Pacifica is a far superior beast ! look for your self.
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Would Have Not Purchased This Vehcile - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Charleston,SC - June 23 - 10:26 amThe visibility on this car is terrible. Two of the ABS sensors went on it within 2 months of owning it. Anything you get on the seat stains because of the material. You cannot just steam clean it yourself. It stains worse. When stepping on the gas (at times) the RPM goes up to 4 and the car hesitates too much. I heard this is due to the new engines that have been put into these models.
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Wonderful car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By rockinsheppymom - June 22 - 9:24 amThis has been one of the best cars I have owned. For an SUV, it rides like a dream on the Mercedes chassis. It has been extremely reliable. The only minor problem I had was the setback button for the top part of the seat would not work, but the mechanic fiddled with it and got it working. I still have the original brakes at 57k! My hubby had an LHS when they first came out it was also one of his favorite cars, and he has since owned a Cadillac and two BMWs. I also owned a Chrysler van which had no problems either. If they made this in a hybrid, I would buy it again.
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So far, so good. - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
By cstrait37 - June 20 - 9:33 pmGot out of a lease on a 2005 Grand Cherokee (HEMI) and moved to more space, better MPG. Got 0% 60 months and a GREAT deal because of edmunds.com Wife loves the 6 sp tranny and the 4.0 L combined with the AWD. Signature Series a MUST! GREAT CAR! Downside: Anyone in the CT area should NEVER deal with Action Motors of Danbury, CT. Not enough space to explain all. For instance got out of the Jeep (gave it to the dealer), 2 months later we get calls from a collection agency asking for the balance of $$$ owed on the Jeep. Dealership never paid it off. 3 weeks and a LOT of phone calls later, it was taken care of. They are a MEAT MARKET. You are just a number at Action Motors. Go elsewhere.
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Im in love!! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
By danyella3_21 - June 17 - 11:05 amIve had my Pacifica for about 2 months and I absolutely LOVE it. The interior is huge and very comfortable. The seats all easily fold down for storage. I love the radio controls on the steering wheel..right behind it, in the perfect spot. Every seat has its own cup holder and air vents. I like the captain seats on the second row with the console in the middle. It rides 5-6 adults comfortably. The air bag in the front seat is cut on/off by weight, which is great for the 8-year- old that likes to ride in the front. Theres rubber in the bottom of the cup holders that pulls out, so its easy to clean messes! Dual air is great. Im seriously in love!
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A Pleasure To Own - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Bernie Coffay - June 16 - 2:00 amThe fact that this vehicle is the "first of a new breed" is what I enjoy about it most. I find it to be unique, yet very versitile and practical. It has the ride of a car, with the convenience of a van, and the performance of a truck. It is attractive (a definite eye catcher) yet it fills all the needs, anyone could have in a vehicle.
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grand touring - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By blueyes - June 11 - 10:00 amTHIS UNIT IS A TRUE JOY TO OWN, EXCEPT AT THE GAS PUMP. 18.7 MPG ISNT BAD OVERALL FOR AN SUV? OF THIS SIZE THOUGH. ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MAKES IT NIMBLE AND QUICK IN TOUGH PARKING LOT SITUATIONS. THE ADJUSTABLE AND RECLINING SECOND ROW SEATING IS GREAT FOR RIDERS AND THE FOLD FLAT SEATS MAKE CARGO HAULING A BREEZE. THE TRANSMISSION TAKES A BIT OF GETTING USED TO. USE OF THE BUMP SHIFT IS A MUST IN THE MOUNTAINS. USE 2 AND 3 AND FORGET THE D POSITION IN THE HILLS. PERFORMANCE IS GREAT THEN.
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Best Value on 4 Wheels?? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By kpmnd85 - June 10 - 2:00 amI had seen the Pacifica a year ago and was initially turned off by the price. The vehicle I saw was loaded with a sticker price floating towards $40K. Two months ago, I saw a local dealership advertising the Pacifica for $25K. I wound up getting another $1K off. Granted this is the base model but its content is similar to the Lincoln LS I was driving which stickered near $38K. Throw in the 4yr 0% interest and this has me wondering if its close to the best deal on four wheels.
