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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  2006 Pacific Experience - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DCB - March 17 - 7:59 pm

  I very much enjoyed this vehicle. Comfort, Style, Reliability, Performance, Road handling have exceeded my expectations from an American made auto product. However, I have just exceeded 36,000 miles and seem to be burning oil. I know this was/is a problem for the 2004 and 2005 model years. Wondering if any other 2006 PAC owners have same experience with burning oil between changes?

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  Great daily driver, pleasantly surprised - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 4stichs - March 16 - 8:51 pm

  I leased this car 3 years ago and Im due to turn it in next August. I got a great deal on the lease and Im happy I got it. Its the very base model, no addons and its still plenty loaded. Power everything and keyless entry. The car has been fairly dependable. One of the tie rod ends failed and had a problem with the front passenger side airbag sensor. All fixed under warranty and the problem has not come back. The car is quiet to drive, has pretty good pickup and handles bumps in the ride just fine. Its not going to give race car performance around turns, but its also not a sports car. I would consider another one if the lease price was right. But its being discontinued...

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr Steve - March 16 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT PURCHASE any car from ED VOYLES CHRYSLER in Marietta, Georgia. When my new Pacifica was delivered to me I found 2 dents which had to be removed. My battery died while my car was parked in my garage after owning it for only 1 week. The dealer installed a moonroof and DVD screen. They left metal shavings all over the interior and the DVD screen has a large red dot in the picture. The sales staff slammed their door in my wifes face after a stupid understanding.

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  Worth the money - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark30214 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica handles and rides excellent. Small to medium holes in the road are barely felt when driving. Very quiet inside the car while driving. Sound system is excellent. I like how the second row adjust front to back, and the center console is great for storage and drinks.

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  Kool Ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By chiefshorty - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Saw the Pacifica at the 2003 Pittsburgh Auto show. Wanted a change from the Town & Country vans we have been driving. Love everything about the car except two things. Being 67" I need leg room. I would have more if Chrysler would redesign the tilt lever and also move the ignition placement. Twice Ive hit the key with the car running and have shut off the engine. My left knee is a tight fit between the door and Tilt lever. Chrysler please fix. Other than that its a great vehicle. Ordered the INFERNO RED car with light Taupe interior.

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  Great Family Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jim - March 13 - 5:50 pm

  The interior is beautiful and comfortable. The ride is smooth and quiet. You can have a conversation with the front seat passengers from the back seat-try that in a Honda Odyssey. The style is nice and the car accelerates and handles well.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By charger - March 12 - 9:33 pm

  Great ride. Getting 18 mpg local in winter. Engine and trans work great get 22 mpg on hwy. My wifes Liberty got 21 mpg at 85 to 90 this one might do better at higher speeds than 55 to 65

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  Wondering about reliability - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Craig - March 12 - 12:40 am

  We got the full featured model with DVD changer, etc. Its an excellent balance between SUV solidity and the handling of a car. Weve had some mechanical problems though. The brake rotors were warped, and when the rear windows are open an obnoxious ear-deafening vibrating sound can be heard. Visibility is really bad with the small rear view window. Our driver side mirror makes clicking noise and has limited mobility; this was reported to dealer mechanic, but they didnt do anything. The tire sensors continuously go off--its very hard to keep the air balanced accordingly. Avoid dealer mechanics at all costs-- boy do they rip you off! I only get 19 MPG--which is much lower than sticker

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  39 Month lease - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JDK - March 8 - 7:40 pm

  I leased my 2005 Pacifica Limited in Dec 04 on a Chrysler 39 month lease. It’s due up in a few days and I am 100% satisfied with the Pacifica. There have been a few recalls but other than that… it has been flawless. The quality and drive have been great. I’ve owned and/or have driven most other makes and the Pac is equal to anything out there for the money. It stickered for around 38k so that puts in the same class as some Euro and upper Japanese makes which I think it is equal to in quality, fit, and finish. We have always felt safe (as safe as one can be on the road) in the Pac. Final thoughts. Great quality and safe car for a small to mid-sized family that likes to cruise in style.

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  04 AWD Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brian - March 5 - 9:24 pm

  Needing a vehicle that seats 6, but not wanting a minivan or an SUV necessarily the Pacifica caught my eye. I love the clean lines and the luxurious ammenities in this car. It provides a very comfortable ride and is fairly responsive. The number of options for the price are amazing. Particularly love the DVD player, sound system, memory seats and heated seats. The only negative is that the engine is average at best for this year. It probably would have been OK if I hadnt drove an 07 with the 4.0L. With a budget in mind, we went with the options over the more powerful engine. This vehicle was a steal for the price!