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:

• 

  Great SUV crossover - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cindy - May 28 - 1:13 pm

  Its a fun car to drive. It handles well in snow. I like the idea of having a minivan size but a SUV look and handling features. Its comfortable to drive with lots of storage and plenty of sitting.

• 

  Safe & Beautiful - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sandi - May 26 - 12:47 pm

  We bought this car for its high safety rating. We are tall people (59 63") and can fit very comfortably in the front and second row seats. The gas mileage we get is not very good. This is our one disappointment. The extras (which came standard on this model) are outstanding.

• 

  What a wagon! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr Mapes - May 22 - 10:08 pm

  Test drove 2005 & 2006 models before falling for the 2007 model with 4.0 and six speed automatic. Bought a fleet car with 24,000. Just finished a 2500 mile trip. Average city MPG is 18.5 and 26 MPG on the highway doing 75. Would get 32 if I kept it at 60-65. 10% ethanol cuts mileage by 10-20%. Tons of room in front and 2nd row. Acceleration is great. Havent driven in the snow, but dont have any worries based on experience to date. It has the capacity of full size SUV, with gas mileage of mid-sized sedan.

• 

  Very Junky Car - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Johnny - May 21 - 6:38 pm

  The car may look nice but it is a piece of junk. I bought this thinking I got a steal but this has been the worst car I have ever driven. The brakes are very very bad, the acceleration is decent, the steering is not up to crossover standards. Its an overall piece of junk.

• 

  Hard to go wrong - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ozzallos - May 20 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased this vehicle as high mileage fleet, and have very few complaints. The interior is comfy, the storage capacity positively huge. Ive had one burnt out turn signal and a wiper replacement in the year Ive owned it so far and its handled, all the weather Indiana could throw at it.

• 

  Pacifica 2005 - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carl Scarborough - May 18 - 4:33 am

  This is the second year I have utilized a Pacifica as my primary car, having had the 2004 initial model also. Aside from required maintenance, only minor repairs have been required. The 2004 model needed a warranty covered computer chip replacement, and the 2005 had a recall to replace headlight wireing.

• 

  Ive said this before... - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OhNOO! - May 16 - 7:01 pm

  But this time I promise never to buy another piece of c**p from Chrysler ever again! Antiquated engine and transmission. Lumber wagon ride and handling, really poor mileage from the very old design PUSHROD engine that has been around since 1989! And talk about quality, it is not anywhere to be found! Misfitting dashboard, poor assembly, mismatched colors, really bad leather that appears fake in the way it wears and fades. We bought it new and the depreciation really hit hard. Sold it for pennys on the dollar! Avoid at all costs, it does not even belong in a rental car fleet!

• 

  Nice Car - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve - May 14 - 10:07 am

  What a nice vehicle. Powerful comfortable. Just a treat to drive until you pass a gas station. I thought with the 6 speed transmission it would get halfway descent gas mileage. About 16 in the city, 27 or so on the road. (Im sure I can do better on the highway). My 96 Grand Caravan did better in City driving. Overall this is a very nice car. I really like it!

• 

  Thank God for Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brandy Crenshaw - May 11 - 7:39 pm

  Overall I think that you cant beat what the Pacifica offers to a family being small or big. Saftey and comfortability is big in my book. The Pacifica offers this and then some with its SUV sporty look. And with a pinch of class, it offers self comfidence and worth.

• 

  PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JMP FLORIDA - May 10 - 10:00 am

  THE PACIFICA GIVES A FEELING OF COMFORT AND STYLE WHILE DRIVING IT WHICH MAKES YOU PROUD TO OWN IT. THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT IS VERY QUITE WITH NO WIND NOISE AT ALL WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SOUND SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT AND EASY TO OPERATE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. OVERALL, I AM PROUD TO OWN THE VEHICLE AND HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLIMENTS ABOUT IT.