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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  EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE TO AN SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JAMES GATTI - January 2 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE IS WONDERFULL JUST TO SLIGHT PROBLEMS BLIND SPOT WHEN DRIVER TURNS TO LOOK BACK AND COULD USE A V8 THE ROOM IN THE VEHICLE IS EXCELLENT THE DESIGN EXTERIOR IS GREAT ,NICE SOFT LINES WITH CLASS,

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  Pacified - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacified/brianwalsh - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Chrysler marketing is not handling this well at all. I think by next year this car will be accepted/perceived as one truly great crossover SUV

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  Got Oil? - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lisa - December 31 - 12:39 am

  I love the style of the car and all of the features are wonderful! The DVD/suround sound is also a good feature. Having 6 seats is also an added bonus, but with all of that being said, my car burns more than 1 qt. of oil in about 800 miles. This has been verified twice by the dealership and Chrysler refuses to deal with the problem.

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  Perfect for Us - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By laservision - December 29 - 8:13 pm

  My wife had a spinal fusion and needed a vehicle that would have easy ingress and exit, give excellent back support and have a smooth, smooth ride. The Pacifica fit the bill on all accounts. The seats are very supportive and adjust to any posture. The ride is buttery smooth, even over the most potholed of Michigan roads, but the car rides flat on curves- no rolling typical of a large American car. We are very impressed by the build quality and interior materials. No plasticky feel or cheap-feeling surfaces. On the downside, the gas mileage is pretty bad with a huge range- from 13.5 city to 22 highway. The sound system has a lot of bells and whistles but the sound is rather poor.

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  2004 Pacifica..first is worse - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sternys - December 27 - 1:13 am

  This Chrysler product has been the worst vehicle from the car to the dealer! I owned Jeep products for 15 years but I never had a car I cant wait to get rid of! From the blind spot, the low gas mileage (17mpg), continuous check engine lights, the rear hatch, limited interior room to the dealer that cant fix things, its been a real dog!

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  Excellent Performance - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By J Bentley - December 26 - 3:23 am

  I just purchased this vehicle in late December for $9,000 under MSRP. My wife and I are expecting our first child in June and need a vehicle to accomadate. The front, rear and side 5 star impact rating was important in our decision to purchase. The exterior styling is very aggressive and sporty looking. The interior is well designed but I understand why people have commented about the cheap materials used for construction in newer Chysler/Dodge vehicles. The performance and ride is what makes this vehicle stand apart from the competition. Acceleration is outstanding and the ride is very smooth and quiet. Caught myself speeding a few times well above the limit. Can corner fast without fear.

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  Chrysler has another winner here - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Persh - December 24 - 3:33 am

  Great overall vehicle and its not a mommy car, despite what some may think.

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  Roomy, Classy, and Fun to drive - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sajed - December 20 - 8:46 am

  Just purchased a new 2007 Pacifica and it drives like a car, but feels like your sitting in a studio condo =) Gas mileage is average for this vehicle, but the 250 HP engine makes up for it. We have taken our Pacifica to Canada and back on many occasions, and all around its a comfy ride, very spacious, and my son loves it!! I would recommend the AWD touring edition for snow dwellers.

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  Very Happy Pac Owner - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Happy Pac Driver - December 19 - 5:06 pm

  I recently purchased an 05 Red FWD 3.8L 5 passenger Pac and have been very pleased so far. Those that knock the performance must be expecting too much. I transitioned from a Turbo Volvo S40 and I have been pleased with the performance. The car is assembled very well and exhibits surprising handling, comfort and has a quiet cabin. All in all a very satisfactory experience. I purchased mine by way of the dealers internet offer page. My price before tax,tag and title, 19,995! That included the beautiful red metallic paint and the alloy wheels. I think that at that price, my pacifica is a whole lot of car & value for the money.

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  Irritating hissing noise "characteristic - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mmeyers - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Comfort and options are very nice but apparently has a common problem that DC refuses to address ..... a hissing/spitting sound that telegraphs across the front of the vehicle when the AC compressor is engaged. Without masking noise (radio,etc.), it is like a "mosquito flying around your ear". Never had this with any other Chrysler product (98 Intrepid ES, 2001 Town & Country). Even the most inexpensive Dodge Neon doesnt do this.