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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A Mercedes with a Chrysler Badge - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By William - May 28 - 10:00 am"Refreshing" would be a good choice of words. Purchased our Pacifica in Oct. 2003 and went thru a normal winter in the northeast. The vehicle drove under winter conditions as if it was mounted on rails.The vehicle is rock solid and has the handling & feel of a Mercedes M class SUV.Our fuel economy has been acceptable for a 4000lb.+ vehicle. We are consistantly experiencing 17 mpg local and 22+ in highway with 10,280 miles The V6 delivers ample power.A bit more touque would be helpful. The plush interior, premium sound system, advanced nav.system, high intensity headlights,& power equip.are well engineered. A "Mercedes" with a Chrysler badge & price.
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Crossover - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By TwelfthNight - May 23 - 10:00 amThe Chrysler Pacifica provides a smooth ride. The suspension is amazing going over speed bumps and street driving. The electronic features are well designed and the instrument panel is classic and easy to read. The Pacifica corners well and is fun to drive.
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Poor mans Benz - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Benz - May 14 - 10:00 amI was really surprised with the build quality of this vehicle. You can feel the quality of this car just by closing the door! The features are endless, there is even a seperate driver for the navigational system. The ride and drive is impressive, power could be better, overall I am very happy. Ex Lexus owner:)
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Way to go chryler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By GH - April 26 - 2:00 amI belive that the Pacifica is the perfect car for the family with kids older than 4. It has the room of a van, but a look and handling of a car. The way they brought together the easy or use and high dollar look is a great sign for Chrysler..Way to go!
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Thrilled that I bought it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By CharlieinNJ - April 26 - 2:00 amAfter purchasing my 2002 Acura MDX, I remember seeing an artists rendering of the 2004 Pacifica. It was love at first sight! I said, "If it looks as good on the inside as it looks on the outside, when it comes time to trade in my Acura, Ill certainly be visiting my local Chrysler dealership". I now have a Pacifica. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT! People have remarked they wish it had more horsepower....I just dont find that to be the case. Overall, I find this vehicle to be an amazing home run by Chrysler. I have no regrets buying it, whatsoever. Ill take my Pacifica with an extra $10,000 still in my pocket over buying another Acura MDX, ANYDAY!
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Pacifica gets an A+ for safety & style! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By islanderscafe - April 21 - 2:00 amThe Pacifica gets 5 stars overall. Its safety ratings are #1 in all categories. The comfort and ride is luxurious and the standard options match most luxury SUVs on the market. The 3.5 6 cyclinder 250 hp engine can be added to for a better 0-60sec acceleration rating (currently at about 9-9.5sec). Maybe with an additional 25-50hp or a V8 option this too will improve. The vehicle does well with its passing acceleration. As for price the Pacifica cant be beat since Chrysler added a $3,000 manufacture rebate. Many dealer will add to this with between $500 to $4000 in additional rebates making this vehicle the best buy for under $30,000!!
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Old Timers Cruiser - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
By Bob - April 16 - 8:51 amChrysler has reinvented the minivan again, buy with complete confidence and satisfaction.
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Great review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Lemke - April 6 - 9:16 amI am totally satisfied with the Pacifica and comfort, performance and overall qualtiy and design. It seems like they thought of everything for the driver. The only down side is all the small buttons on the radio, cd etc...however after some time you get use to them. Having the radio controls under the steering wheel is just great. You can keep your eyes on the road and still control volume and change stations. The ride is great.
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The Best - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Maysoon - March 27 - 10:00 amWe are truely happy with our purchase of the New Chrysler Pacifica. This car is truely one of the best.
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Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By rlouden - March 21 - 10:00 amWe testdrove the Pacifica on the way to buy an Acura MDX at the dealership next door. We were "wowed." We still went on to buy the MDX though because we just couldnt adjust to buying a Chrysler product. After opening and closing the MDX liftgate by hand a couple of times, we decided to put our purchase on hold while we did further research on Chryslers recent products. We ended up with the Pacific with all the toys and after 2 months we couldnt be happier. We LOVE this car.
