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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  Not that impressive! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JJP - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Nice look and features. Visibility is very poor in this vehicle because of lots of metal but little glass. As a result, some people mentioned it feels like a hearse. Blind spots are HUGE. Also, very poor access to the 3rd row of seats, which we use often since the second row only has 2 captain chairs. Overall, I regret the purchase. Its not as convenient as a van, not as smooth as a wagon, and has virtually no 4x4 abilities.

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  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jay09 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Troublesome vehicle, lots of electrical problems, problems the dealer has not been able to fix. Have taken it in 4 times now. Engine is underpowered for and does not feel very refined. Seating is not as flexible as I was hoping. Enormous blind spots.

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  Good looks - Poor Quality - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Steve Libson - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the good looks of this car influence you into buying one. The quality of this automobile is as poor as any car I have owned in the past 30 years. Ive owned this car 6 months now, have 7000 miles on it and have had it in the shop 6 different times for a total of 13 days for various problems - mostly with the drive train and steering.

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  Stalls While Driving - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Heather Moraitis - February 27 - 10:10 pm

  I have had this car for 2 months and it stalls while I am driving. The power steering freezes and I cannot maneuver the car. It has happened around town and while I was on the interstate. I am fortunate I have not been seriously injured along with my 2 children. The dealership cannot identify the problem and therefore says that nothing is wrong. I am taking steps towards filing a lemon law complaint. I am trying to get help from Chrysler, but the customer service representative told me there is nothing they can do unless they can determine the problem.