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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  Great Ride - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Todd - January 13 - 9:22 pm

  Switched from minivan after 9 years, great styling and amenities, along with awesome v-6 (4.0L) and six speed transmission combo - Less utility than prior owned Grand Voyager, but better gas mileage. Somewhat loud on initial acceleration. Great safety features (rear view camera, air bag canopy, ESP and traction control a plus)

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  Glad I checked it out - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bwicklund - January 13 - 7:32 pm

  After my 98 Audi wagon died (engine freeze at 80,000 miles), I needed a new wagon for size, comfort, and utility. Id owned German cars for 34 years, but could not believe the prices! Checked out the Pacifica and found the perfect car. Comfort, great design, and functional luxury for over $20,000 less than the European equivalents.

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  Oil Eater! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By antrod - January 13 - 2:01 pm

  I love the styling and the third row seat, but that is it! My biggest complaint is that it runs out of oil at 3500 miles. Chrysler claims that 1 quart every 1000 miles is within "normal parameters" and they cant seem to find my cars problem and claim it is "within their parameters". They voided my warranty after 3500 miles between an oil change which is over the recommended 3000 Miles. 3500-4000 between changes should be no problem. Yet this car was almost dry at 3500, 4.5 out of 5 quarts low! They see that a car may have a major problem and will find what ever it takes to not stand behind the vehicle. 3500 and its void and your problem and your cost despite the $2000 warranty we bought.

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  Im Unhappy - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LavandaDolce - January 12 - 8:37 pm

  Forget this vehicle if you live in snow. My Pacifica Touring has 24,000 highway miles. The ABS System is poor. Grinding stops on light wet roads. 2 occasions in which vehicle "sped up" on its own. Poor visibility when looking to back out of a parking space. Sorry that I fell in love with the interior as the car itself is very scary to drive. Its going to dealership to find out what the problem is with the ABS system. Handles absolutely poorly in snow and/or wet roads. Fact is, I refuse to drive my car until dealer proves whatever is wrong is fixed.

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  Chrysler Pacifica 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By coffman - January 9 - 8:54 pm

  The over driving experience of this Pacifica has been excellent! The ride is one of the best that Ive ever had and I drove Town & Countrys and Caravans on the road for over 15 yrs.. The Auto-Shift is wonderful.

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  Bushs Review of the 2005 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica 4 dr tour - January 7 - 5:33 pm

  This vehicle is stable on the road and is gives a very comfortable ride. The interior is very appealing; the dash appears to wrap around the front which is especially nicely designed. The drivers seat is quite comfortable for me, and I am a short person. I especially like the extra lumbar support. The vehicle recently took four children in booster seats and car seats on a short outling; the ride was quite comfortable for the two adults. Cargo space is limited when using four car seats for children, but I do not haul more than two children on most occasions. The children and I like the extra vents that help to circulate heat and air conditioning.

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  Very pleased with our Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ek900 - January 5 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased a FWD base Pacifica about a month ago, to be the wagon for my wife and myself. We had considered several $25-30K competitors (Volvo and Volkswagen wagons, Hyundai and JEep SUVs), but the PAcifica won out because: 1. Its got enough room to put just about anything in its range to shame. 2. It was much more of a car than the SUVs we test drove. Its handling, particularly considering its size and weight, is very impressive. 3. Its flat out a lot more luxurious than a Volvo or Volkwagen that costs more. We take a lot of highway trips, and the Volvo V50 in particular seemed a bad highway car. The Pacificas seats are great, and its visibility is excellent for a taller wagon.

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  A Bad One? - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Amy - January 3 - 6:48 am

  I leased a 2004 Pacifica and loved, loved, loved it. Naturally, when my lease was up, I decided to purchase a new Pacifica. This one - not so good. There was a recall on it before I drove it off the lot and the dealership never told me. Then my transmission started acting "funny", now my engine light seems to always be on. All I can say is that I am not happy with the performance of my 2007. If I could give it back, I would. Sorry Chrysler but you lost me with this one.

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By NKlesat - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Traded a 2001 300M that we loved. Needed seats for six. This is better in all areas. Comfort, handling, mileage (surprize), and fun. Kids love the DVD player and wireless headphones.

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  2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By n power - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best car we have bought in the past 20 years. It has all the latest electronic gadgetry available. What sets this vehicle apart is the styling in the interior, and the quiet ride.