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:

• 

  Hot Wheels - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By parents - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Perfect Car for a family of 4 - plus two dogs. Holds lots of hockey equipment! Great for costco runs...but doesnt make you feel like your driving a truck or a mini-van. Its sweet interior makes you feel more like youre driving a Mercedes than these other vehicles.

• 

  pacifica review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jato - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I like to car and get a lot of compliments, it is fun to drive and handle well on long trips.

• 

  A Pleasure to Drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By barHbar - June 7 - 7:53 pm

  I usually keep a car no more than 18 months. I have kept this care for 5 years and have 120k miles. Transmission rebuilt at 110k is all. I have only two negative things to say. 1) there is a bad blind spot on right rear window exceedingly dangerous. You really need to watch it. 2) Chryslers just dont seem to keep their value and because of that, no more Chryslers. The Car is great and I would buy another if they were to keep making them and I could get the price down to pay for the depreciation problem.

• 

  Pacifica is he TOPS - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By James Lowe - June 7 - 2:09 pm

  I had 8012 Honda limited and waited for the new 2018 to come out when I had looked at it and went directly and bought the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica loaded limited there is no comparison in the vehicles Chrysler has really done a wonderful job The vehicle has many more options then youre even available on Honda it is the most complete vehicle I have ever bought it has everything except a heads up display that you can put on the car I am really impressed and pleased with the Pacifica and it was $6000 cheaper than the Honda noted that wouldnt make any difference because this vehicle has many more options ChryslerI did not leave anything of this vehicle its amazing Chrysler is again the front runner in the van business

• 

  Its A Keeper! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob R. - June 7 - 8:05 am

  Quiet, solid, comfortable ride while driving. After test driving several mid-size SUVs (Toyota Highlander, Subaru Tribeca, Infiniti FX1, Suzuki XL, and the Veracruz), I settled on the Chrysler Pacifica. I think this is an excellent automobile. Chrysler should continue to produce it. It would be a shame to discontinue such a fine vehicle.

• 

  Unrecognized value and performance - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Will - June 3 - 6:03 pm

  This is a well planned vehicle from bumper to bumper. There is nothing that is not within easy reach of the driver. The options are super, with the GPS put in the proper spot, right on the speedometer display! Seats could fold a little flatter, but the third seats drop down very easy. We have riden with 7-8 passengers. Eight is a little tight, but no one complained. I have looked at them all. This car, known for its safety, has all the extras of a luxury car.

• 

  2005 Pacifica the best - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By margie - June 3 - 1:16 pm

  I have been driving Chrysler products since I was 17 years old and am now 56, this should tell Chrysler how happy I am with their product. My family of four have always and will always drive a Chrysler. It is a shame that Chrysler will no longer be making this vehicle. Where is Chrysler head? Bring back Lee Iaccoca maybe he can make the big boys understand that this is what people want. This is a mid-size SUV and there is nothing else but the larger SUV-Aspen. Is Chrysler working along with the gas companies? For those of you with a Pacifica inform Chrysler not be stop making this vehicle.

• 

  I hope it is just ours! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By skidsmadawg - June 2 - 11:03 pm

  We picked up our 2005 FWD Touring Pacifica in July. The car has less than 4k miles on the clock, and it has been in the shop more than 8 times! This thing just has one problem after another! Chrysler is luckey we leased this Pacifica, otherwise, they would have by now, either givin us our money back, or replaced the car! Also, the Sound System is HORRIBLE!!! It is nothing like any oher DCX car i have rode in, and Is it just me, or is there a horrible blind spot on the car?

• 

  Good buy if you get a used one - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jdt - May 30 - 11:44 pm

  I bought this vehicle because my wife and I wanted a vehicle with a 3rd row that wasnt a mini van and got better than 20 mpg. I picked this out because the price was right. I bought it used with 10,xxx at under $18k. Im a big guy at over 6 ft and 285 and I can comfortably get into the front and back seats, but I havent tried the 3rd row (I own it so I dont have to ride back there.) MPG has been around 21.5 since we bought it. It has more of a car like ride than most SUVs but you still feel some roll on harder turns (it is based on a mini van frame). It is a comfortable ride for long trips, and has plenty pickup around town. Overall Im pleased with what I got for the money.

• 

  I would buy another one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stacy - May 30 - 12:10 pm

  I really like my Pacifica, on short and long excursions. The vehicle offers something for everyone. My 4 children can watch their favorite Movies and we can listen to audio tapes or the radio at the same time. The navigation systems has saved me more than once from driving around for two hours. I appreciat the automatic rear door lift when carrying heavy items. I purchased my SUV a year ago and still I am impressed. Handles tight corners well, seat warmers are a must. This SUV truly rides smooth and comfortable regardless of age. Trunk is small, i miss the under the seat storage but love the curtain airbags for safety.