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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  I love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chedibot - April 4 - 10:52 pm

  I love this car, I have two little girls and we fit perfectly! I am not a van person and refused to be a "soccer mom" so this car is awesome for people like myself. I love the seat controls being on the door. I always have to adjust after my husband drives (He is 62 and has plenty of room). I also love the radio/cd controls on the steering, a must for me! My kids are getting old enough for friends, so when we have an extra kid, we just flip up the set and roll! I would recommend this car to any family on the go! We love it! Peace

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  Troubled - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Liz - April 4 - 8:39 am

  Bought the Pacifica when it was just a year old. 36,000 mi and already have ABS light on and some kind of leak from evaporator tank to gas tank. The only way to find this problem was through dealership because dashboard computer system "so sophisticated" my trustworthy mechanic wouldnt touch it. Also tends to speed up when I brake, hard choppy braking, sometimes feel like Im driving a Suburban with a trailer and boat attached. I live in a hot climate and AC does not cool enough. Hear a clicking in the steering wheel column. Very uncomfortable getting people into third row seats. No storage when all seats taken. Im a single mom with two children and this car is worrying me.

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  Go get one!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By laure - April 3 - 11:05 pm

  Im a mother of 3, ranging from 3 to 16 and we all love it! Its sharp looking inside and out, esp. Outside. Love the low wide stance. Ours is loaded-I mean loaded-leather, nav, 6 disc changer, power seats, Windows, mirrors, sunroof, heated seats, dvd, dual and rear climate controls, 17 in. Chrome wheels, power up and down liftgate, keyless entry, memory seats, power pedals. So you should get the picture. It drives like a car, its a blast to be in, period! I may just have a lead foot but can relate to the poor gas mileage and poor visibility out the rear. I love this car and Im sure most people will given the chance to drive it.

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  Chrysler Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Q Doe - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, fun to drive, all the advantages of an SUV, but safer; better handling characteristics; attractive, contain 40% Mercedes parts; very comfortable for all passengers. Good value for the money.

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  Pacifica in Denver area - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dogzilla - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Very nice ride, it fits a family of 64"+ people comfortably and has a lot of nice bells and whistles (like the low tire pressure "idiot message") Gets reasonable gas mileage for the type of vehicle too.

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  Comfort Plus - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Delores C Daundivier - April 2 - 9:24 am

  This car is great for over 65 folks as it is comfortable and spacious. Very nice crossover. Room to travel long distances plenty of room for everything and easy on tired old bones

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  grreat suv - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mike - April 1 - 1:16 am

  Just purchased my new car and love it. The motor has plenty of power and you get a lot for your money. Cant understand why they would stop making them.

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  Great crossover! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave - March 29 - 11:53 pm

  I found a used 05, AWD with all the extras & only 14,500 mi. I drove it 2,000 miles home with no problems. A great, comfortable ride. A bit underpowered for the weight but that makes it more stable, especially in bad weather. The room inside is great for our family and all our stuff. Leg room in the 2nd row is wonderful. All the extras like DVD, sunroof, etc. make it that much more fun to drive. I even managed just under 24 mpg on one stretch. Not as bad as I expected. Overall a great family vehicle that drives like a car with all the benefits of an SUV and mini-van. If you want an AWD vehicle that isnt a box, has some style and is comfortable and fun to drive, then this is for you.

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  Pacifica - A great SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By r windorski - March 29 - 11:53 pm

  My 2004 Pacifica replaces a long line of SUVs that I previously owned! Its design, interior comfort and overall performance are great. I drive between Arizona and Minnesota annually and now look forward to our next trip! I encourage anyone looking for performance and interior comfort to consider a Pacifica! rw

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  Love my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dockerylaure - March 29 - 9:36 pm

  This SUV is awesome! The body is sporty, sleek, and very attractive. It has everything you can get in a ride. Navigation, power lift gate-up and down-power seats, power adjustable gas, and brake pedals, rear entertainment dvd, theater sound, power Windows, mirrors, power front seats, heated seats, power sunroof 17 in. Chrome wheels luggage rack memory seats and Im sure I forgetting something but I will stop now.