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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  Dont Believe the Hype!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By patronabk - June 3 - 7:44 pm

  We purchased a 2005 Pacifica in 07 seeking a car with a sleek exterior design, ample space for three children, durability, and good gas mileage. Unfortunately, the vehicle only met 2 out of 4 of our expectations. Though the first 2 1/2 yrs were trouble free, the remaining 2 have been horrendous! Despite performing regular maintenance, weve had to repair/replace sensors, valves, hoses, batteries, and the entire break system. Right now, the car is in the driveway in need of a new transmission...and its only 6 years old! I beg you to save yourselves the trouble! Do not purchase this car! You will regret it in the long run. :0(

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  Can last forever... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rcunning6 - May 26 - 9:34 am

  I feel very qualified to write a review on the Pacifica in that Ive had my 2004 model since April 2003 and have amassed over 277,000 miles on it. Ive been fairly consistent with routine maintenance and have had a few more significant repairs, but nothing to indicate that the vehicle cant make it to 300,000 miles. Its been relatively fun to drive, not exciting, but fun. Definitely luxurious and comfortable. Of course, the 3rd row doesnt work well for adults, but the versatility of the car with the fold down seats makes it an excellent choice for a luxury/practical/family car. If you take care of this car, it will take car of you...no regrets.

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  Chrysler Ignores Customers and Known Problems - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By time4sax - May 24 - 9:59 pm

  Chrysler has ignored every issue from AC to brakes to accelerator sticking to loud clunking noises to car stalling and on and on. All issues are known to Chrysler and they refuse to fix them until someone is injured are dies. And they wonder why Americans dont buy US vehicles, poor quality vehicles.

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  Favorite car thus far, but starting to show her age... - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kickkiki - May 12 - 9:44 pm

  I loved this car the moment I first drove it down the road. Actually drove 3 different Pacificas before deciding on the 06 Touring FWD (at the time I worked at a Chevy dealer and we had 3 used ones on the lot). Weve been driving this car since Feb. 08. Started with 32K & just rolled 97K early this week. We do a lot of traveling & it has always been the favorited reliable car to use. No real major issues. Do have occassional squeak in driver seat from bolster (Chrysler dealer would just adjust it & say it was corrected.Aggravating). Just recently ABS light comes on intermittently and only once actually felt a shutter in braking (as though ABS kicked in) just before lite came on. :-/

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  POOR WORKMANSHIP AT ITS BEST - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By lemonsbeware - May 4 - 9:10 pm

  I am about to trade my 06 Pacifica in. Since I bought it: left front axle broke as I was leaving a parking space, emissions leak x 2, ABS malfunctions, lose power steering after driving in the rain, car shuts off immediately after sharp left turns, replaced struts. Now: front and rear motor bearings must be replaced, entire oil pan needs to be replaced, belt tensioner needs to be replaced, AND THIS DOESNT COVER THE OTHER EXHISTING PROBLEMS. I am a single mom of two. I do not drive like a lunatic and I use it to run local errands take me and the kids to and from school and work. This car has cost me so much money it makes me want to cry.

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  Great used buy...if youre a grease monkey - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By werx - March 22 - 5:18 pm

  Lets first all agree that cars are built to break. Every car is going to have problems and failures...its how much you enjoy driving the car and how practical it is for your particular needs that makes a car worth it. That being said...I love driving the pacifica. It rides great. Its quiet. Its loaded with features. Its safe. Its big enough to haul to 2 kids also. Ive had to replace the usual Chrysler culprits like suspension bushings and motor mounts. The regular maintenance of the car (oil,brakes,transmission fluid) are all on par if not above par with every other car Ive owned.

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  Good car, good investment - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kerryg3 - March 7 - 4:09 pm

  I bought my Pacifica in 2006 with 17,000 miles on it. 5 years later, now with 107,000 miles on it, I have had limited trouble. The rocker arm went out, but the dealership covered it under the extended warranty. I have noticed a huge usage in oil, so its just a matter of checking it more often than normal. I also had the motor mount replaced which I am being told is common in these cars. Other than the few minor repairs, the car runs great, is very reliable and fun to drive!

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  Way too many problems-time to recall!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kelly021480 - March 3 - 8:38 pm

  Within 3 months of buying our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring we started having problems. First the rear brake sensors went out. This caused the cars brake pedal to grind when pushed, and sometimes, not stopping like it should. those were replaced at $200 each. Two weeks later, front sensors went out. Car has stalled 2 times while making a sharp left hand turn. Currently, front sway bar is bad, and causing a loud roaring sound while driving. I am not the only one having these problems, Ive read HUNDREDS of reviews with the same problems. When is Chrylser going to do something about this?? What a waste of money buying this car!

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  Best Ride Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tdsparty - February 13 - 9:50 pm

  Had our Pacifica for almost 2 years now, and am very happy so far. Seriously the nicest vehicle Ive owned - that includes Toyota Avalon, various Fords, VW Passat... The interior is very quiet, the sound system is great, the ride is smooth. Car feels so solid - it has a big wheelbase, very sure footed. Engine isnt the perkiest, but doesnt labor and has acceleration when needed. Only service needed so far was to replace ABS sensor (ABS light was on).

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  Our Family Truckster - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By abartel - January 27 - 6:16 pm

  Based on the looks compared to mini-van and suv options, my wife chose a red Pacifica Touring with 3.5L engine for our family car purchase in Spring 2005. We have owned the vehicle since new (now has 76000 mi), experiencing a few problems including 1) tie rod end replacement, 2) motor mounts twice, 3) blower motor (under warranty), 4) egr valve cleanout at 70,000 (relatively normal for many cars). Cant say Im happy about making ANY repairs on a vehicle this new ... but in retrospect ... total repair over 6 years ownership is less than $2500. Yes, I too have experience the oil consumption issue. Using Shell Rotella-T 5W40 oil (1 qt consumed/3000 is ok for me).