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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  WE LOVE IT! Smartest Buy Ever! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Very Pleased - August 23 - 12:40 am

  Words cant describe how happy we are with our new Pacifica! My husband and I have a daughter and a little boy on the way, and we needed to get into a larger vehicle without putting out too much money. So we chose to lease the 5 passenger Pacifica. We love everything about it! The style, the way it drives (were already planning a road trip), the comfort, EVERYTHING! Other reviewers commented on the fuel economy. The gas mileage is fine with me. We bought it Saturday and on Wednesday are only at a half a tank. For the size of the vehicle, the gas mileage is fine. Trust me! If you have a small family, and cant afford the high priced Honda Odessey yet, the Pacifica is the way to go!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Happy Owner - August 21 - 10:50 am

  I was looking for a traditional SUV but fell in love with the Pacifica. It seats 5-6 comfortably, rides smoothly, and has a very distinctive look. I did a test drive of the new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (which was nice) but decided the Pacifica had a more luxurious and quiet ride.

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  chrysler pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By li yang - August 16 - 4:08 pm

  This car is a really fun and comfort.The reason we bought is that it can use for long distance travel to somewhere. The reason we choose pacifica is that its fuel effiency.

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  Lexus good looks, without the cost! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott S - August 14 - 10:38 pm

  After my wife and I were deciding between a Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, or another Ford Explorer, we found the Pacifica at the Chicago Autoshow. It doesnt have the best gas millage of the bunch, but its way better than my 2000 Ford Explorer AWD. (13 mpg) I drive aggressively, but manage to get 19 mpg around town, and 23 mpg highway. I told my wife I would only get it if we bought the Limited. I didnt like the flat black plastic lower panels, plain interior. The Limited really adds some class to the car, and after comparing it to my friends Lexus RX330, I think its as good of styling and I paid a lot less! The Pacifica Limited FWD is a great looking car that is a pleasure to drive!

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  Family car for older kids - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By David P - August 10 - 7:09 pm

  We have had the car for a week and used it for local and long distance travel. It is quite comfortable and the middle row console separates my kids (a great feature). Car like ride with high seating position trumps SUVs. Vehicle has a lower center of gravity than a minivan. Mercedes like suspension. This car exceeds the R Class for 25G less.

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  Joes review - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joseph Critchley - August 5 - 8:16 am

  Comfortable to drive, easily adapted from six passengers to utility use. Roomy yet does not feel large when driving or parking.

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  I was scared, but I bought it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shelia Faulkner - August 4 - 4:09 pm

  I was not too happy with long list of recall items on the website for the 2004 models, so I searched other types of vehicles and noted they too had a long list. I had the car fully check before I made a final commitment. And after purchasing the Pacifica, I really love it. Its fun to drive, and doesnt feel like a mini van. There is lots of run for the kids, Im tall and both my sons are tall. Its good on gas, and look really nice. Im totally happy.

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  This vehicle has set a new standard - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Shawn Evans - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Every where we go in southern California, we get more looks than when I am in my Porsche. My wife and I laugh at all the attention the Pacifica gets. The vehicle is the most impressive vehicle I have owned, ever! The ride is awesome and quiet, the amenities are great. We make excuses to go places just so we can drive in the car! Honestly, I believe the Pacifica has set a new standard for SUVs and Mini Vans in appearance and luxury.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mhogston - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Just bought a new 2004 AWD for my wife and two kids. After looking at the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Nissan Quest, Toyota Highlander and 4-runner, Montero, we test drove the new Pacifia. After driving it, we bought it a few days later. Its fun to drive and very well designed. We are very pleased with it. It looks good and its very practial for kids. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a mini-van or SUV. It better looking than a mini-van and gets better gas mileage than a SUV. What a winning combination!

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  LOVE MY PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JORDAN - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE LEASED TWO JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES IN THE LAST SIX YEARS. THE PACIFICA THAT I NOW DRIVE RIDES AND HANDLES LIKE A SEDAN. THE OVERALL STORAGE IS GREAT. I REALLY ENJOY THE COMFORT.