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 - What is It ? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JJDuffer - July 21 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good ..... Interior design is top notch, ride is smooth and much better than previoius Crysler product (2001 Sebring LXI) ...... Gas mileage good be better ...... What is this vechicle ? A car , van, station wagon or SUV ? No one seems to know for sure. Seems to have alot of benz like qualities ............

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  pacifica review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jlopez - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica is very roomy, though the rear seat is only good for short people and for short rides, has good leg space, but not ample head room. It is very functional when we are by ourselves for our hobbies, when our college kids visit, and to transport large items and our big dog. It is very nice to drive and the bucket seats counldnt be more comfortable. It has enough power and i like the fact that it drives more like a car. The visibility in rear needs improvement, its difficult to back up and see well behind you. It feels solid and i like the safety rating, since its important for me to drive a safe car.

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  great ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PENandMIC - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Much more than a minivan. As comfortable as a full size car. More fun to drive than any other suv or minivan.

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  Pacifica should get higher ratings - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ao5ed - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We travel from LA to Colorado a few times a year so we wanted something that could handle the snow and our gear, would still be comfortable and would get better milage that the big SUV we had. We got it. This car is amazing. It handles beautifully, is fun to drive, has a much better interior design than any of the other crossovers we tested (Including the SRX) and we got a great deal on it. We did a lot of research and test driving. We were willing to spend the money for the Cadillac, but liked this better. This is the best of the crossovers.

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  Best initial quality Ive ever experienc - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jeepjcp - July 21 - 2:00 am

  DaimlerChrysler has a winner here. Whereas it may be slightly underpowered it certainly has enough to do what I need. Comfortable, stylish,economical--- what more could anyone ask for?

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  Best Vehicle Purchase - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By theresa - July 17 - 8:43 pm

  Love this vehicle. Comfortable riding and great interior space. My husband is over 6 ft and he has no trouble at all getting in and out of this car. Such a nice riding car. Took it to TN last week and it was just wonderful.

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  I love My PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jlhschoen - July 17 - 8:53 am

  I just got my PACIFICA recently and I love it! It has a great design and feels great to drive. What a wonderful car/minivan/SUV - whatever it is!

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  pacifica review part 2 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By my wife - July 15 - 2:00 am

  first review on 10-15-03. since then have a problem with fuel gauge. can read up to quarter tank off. dealer re- wired both floats in the tank. it still doesnt read correct sometimes, but now it sounds like something is knocking around in the fuel tank.driver information center has never worked. i just found out i have it. vehicle is going back to dealer next week to address these items. wind buffeting very bad between 40-50 mph with moonroof open. outside trim warps a little, am worried about first 100 degree day. i also have had liftgate open when keys are placed in pocket.

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  Love My Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brandi - July 12 - 10:12 am

  My husband and I are looking to start a family soon but since we both owned small, two-door cars, we knew it was time to upgrade to a more family- appropriate vehicle. The Pacific is a perfect fit for us! It is the most comfortable ride Ive ever had in a vehicle, and the price was right for all of the "bells and whistles" when you consider the power seats/locks, 2nd and 3rd row seats that fold for storage, etc. There are just too many great things about the Pacifica to list here!

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  Pretty fun car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carlos - July 8 - 11:39 am

  This is a very nice family car but is also very sporty.....nice car