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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  Superior style, comfort and room - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tampa Lou - July 7 - 11:57 am

  The Pacifica has been one of the few cars I have owned that have kept the love affair going. We loved it when we first got and still think it is the best. We plan on getting another when this lease expires with some of the extra amenities we currently dont have.

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  Leased for 3 years, I bought it today! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave - June 30 - 9:19 pm

  I moved from a Grand Cherokee to my Pacifica 3 years ago. It is the best all-purpose vehicle Ive driven since 1956. Five Star service has been excellent, and I am pleased to see so many other Pacificas on the roads nearby. Approaching lease end, I considered several other cars to purchase/lease, and decided that keeping this one was my best balanced choice. Im looking forward to many more miles of very safe and very comfortable travel.

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  Susies Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sue Dukatnik - June 23 - 6:34 pm

  I just bought my pacifica and I love it. It has plenty of room with seats up or down, handles well and it is just pretty. I have always had a jeep but decided to try the pacifica, I am very happy with it. The dealership i bought my car at is great, the salesmen were very helpful and i have dealt with them before. I will again.

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  New Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By feliciana-man - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the first one sold in Baton Rouge, and absolutely love this vehicle. I just dont know what to call it--its not an offroad SUV, nor a van, nor a station wagon. Chrysler wants us to say "sports tourer", but thats clumbsy and not really accurate. Tourer YES, but sporty-NOT REALLY. Two hundred and fifty HP is not enough to to make it sporty. But it handles the corners with surprising agility. The interior is very well appointed, and VERY wide. The exterior design is very appealing, as is the interior. It is a real head-turner.

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  Chrysler? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Big Dan - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to be an auto mechanic , and knew better than to buy a Chrysler product"back in the day". Trust me things have changed!!! In 2000 I bought a new Concord [just because of the way it looked] and I loved it,traded it in 2002 for a Jeep grand cherokee , very happy with everything and planed to keep it for three years , but when I saw the Pacifia , test drove it , brother I had to have it , what an AUTOMOBILE !!!! Test drive one -you will buy it.

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  Very good wagon - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Anthony - June 20 - 7:55 am

  I shoped around for a while. Drove the pacifica, and I was sold right away. Ive sold vehicle, and was very happy about my selection. There has never been a better vehicle. Yes, there is a mercedes-benz feel. It is perfect fit for my family. We travel all the time. The wagon is a comfortable drive.

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  The Perfect Sized Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Onebzybvr - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like the size of the Pacifica. I have 2 teenagers, and it allows me to transport them and several of their friends comfortably. I feel safe driving it because it seems wider and lower to the ground. You dont get that feeling of being in a truck, like some suvs. I was recently rear-ended really hard, and the Pacifica took it like a champ. The damage was minimal. We only had to replace the bumper.

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  Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PRice - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Very heavy on the road. Wind doesnt seem to rock it. The seats are very comfortable(leather). Putting down the 4 back seats make a very roomy cargo space.

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  WOW!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By T-Roy - June 15 - 10:00 am

  WOW!! is all i can say one of the best cars that i have seen. Keep going with this and you guys are bound to be the first major consumer of next year.

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  THE BEST EVER - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sweikow - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is so quiet and smooth and fits like a glove, went from a full sized Ford van to this and have had no trouble adjusting.