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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  Pacifica AWD exceeded our expectations - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Maldo - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Volvo XC90 and the Acura MDX but always came back to the Pacifica. Five star ratings for front and side impact as well as the beutiful look and ride brought us to the dealership. MSRP was $40.2K but got it for $35K. We love it! We find the acceleration more than adequate despite the reviews. The cabin speaks quality and it is extremely quiet at highway speeds. The rear bench folds flat on the cargo floor creating more than enough room. A volvo XC90 or Acura MDX would have costed us over $10k more than what we paid and still no nav system.

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  Love the Pacifica but wife not interested in miniv - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Gizmo - September 3 - 6:27 am

  I love the Pacifica I think its gone a long way from the boring looking town and country. The view from the inside with the panoramic roof makes me want to go on a road trip!!! The dash looks very clean contemporary and techy- great use of space lighting and "high end" appearing monitors. Ride was smooth and quiet and everything my family needed but wife wanted anything but a minivan so being that its her car she went with the pilot which is a great choice too but for me and our family of 5 (mom dad two boys and a baby girl) our trips to Disney would have been so much more convenient and spacious with the Pacifica! Happy wife happy life. Hope this helps!

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  Pacifica--The car no one knows about!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dora - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica has been a grand touring car. I have now owned it for 6 months and have taken numerous trips and used it a great deal around town and also have moved children to college. It is easy to drive, roomy and very comfortable. All the ammenities are ideal for my driving situations. Luxury is the key word for this car. The design, styling and details are amazing. Great job Chrysler! I have spent a lot of time presenting my Pacifica to prospective buyers. I love it and am proud to show others what they are missing.

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  pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By richard - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We just got our pacifica. Tired of vans. Great styling. Extremly comfortable. Every one who sees it loves it. Im really enjoying the car. Could use 300 ponies instead of 250. Like others have said, the power is ok though. Love the german engineering.

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  Satisfied owner - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paula - September 1 - 5:54 pm

  Fun car to drive. It rides much better than the normal suv. I like this car better than any other I have owned

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  Owned 25 new cars, this is the best one - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wewans - August 31 - 9:19 pm

  We love this car because it has all of the room of a minivan, but it is not a box. It has a very distinct and appealing style. It looks like a classy car, and when you look in the interior it is even more so. Gas mileage is not good, but that is a trade of because of the weight and safety of the vehicle. What good is it to save on gas if the vehicle is not heavy and safe. Is a family members life worth a few hundred dollars in gas savings over the life of the vehicle? For its size and weight (4600 lbs} fuel economy is not bad. Compare apples to apples, oranges to oranges, and 4600 lbs vehicles to 4600 lb vehicles.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ron Kelley - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with the performance of this car. I have not had a single problem. Quality of workmanship and design is excellent. Handles well on the road and you sit up like a SUV.

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  Chrysler builds a high-end sport wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Henry Menke - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The slightly de-contented “base” Premium package plus rebate represents a fairly high-end car for the money (mid-$20s out the door). The extra features in the pricey "Luxury" package are not missed – the base car still has a lot of bells and whistles. Substantial body and chassis with a hefty feel of quality. Guests are very surprised by such a high-end interior “for a Chrysler.” Only one quality fault so far: both front power seats stopped working after two weeks. Turned out to be a control module; dealer had to special-order the repair part. Overall we really love driving and riding in the car – we hate to take out our minivan or our pickup truck now.

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  Red Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By redpac - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides great on the highway, super quiet, brakes are best in class, drives much smaller than is. Second row is best in class.

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  Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CRITREALTY - August 26 - 9:38 am

  Great family travel vehicle. Especially great childrens vehicle with DVD player installed.