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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  Best all-around vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dimitrik - November 19 - 8:02 pm

  My car is one of the first PACs made (I think manufacture date is 10/03) -- it is the 3.5L 4-spd. w/ AWD. One complaint is I average only 16 MPG (mostly city driving). But when taking all things into consideration, it is the best car I have ever owned -- from reliability, design, comfort, and usability standpoint. I have all the options, and feel that the telematics (DVD, NAV, Satellite radio, Bluetooth) are better integrated than on my wifes new Lexus IS250. Too bad the car was discontinued so soon!

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  It Saved My Wifes Life - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark G - November 19 - 1:40 pm

  My wife has driven 3 of these vehicles, 2004, 2006 and now the 2008 Touring W P Chrysler Edition. The car is one of the safest vehicles on the road and it built like a tank with Mercedes technology. My wife was rear ended (high speed)in a mulitiple car pile up on the freeway 5 months after getting the car and then hit a second time. She walked away without a scratch or bruise and the car survived quite well !! Why stop building this car? We would have bought them forever! Maybe decisions like this is why Chrysler went bankrupt. This car was heavily influenced by Daimler and was the best product to come out of their influence.

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  leased it then bought it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bobby henderson - November 4 - 6:50 pm

  I originally leased it. Silver W Black leather, 6 seats 3 ranges of very cold a/c. lots of off the line punch, smoke the front wheels if you push it hard. decent milage in the city about 17-18 hwy 26-28mpg @ 70mph cruise on.Only problem when new abs light came on panick stop produced 4 wheel lock up. Repared under warrenty. Oh almost forgot motor mounts went bad replaced w 4.0 ltr eng.looks great lots of hybred potential here. big mistake with ugly replacement. great alternative to not drive minivan, i,ve had 4.pacifica was a big mistake to kill instead to improve on a great cuv and lots of choices. sunroof,electric rear dr,6 bucket seats,nice stereo, 4wd,back up sensors police invisible...

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  Diamond in the rough - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Baxter - October 28 - 6:00 am

  I researched all of the similar vehicles on the market, regardless of price, and decided that the Pacifica was the best value for us. With all the amenities that it has, it feels like a luxury vehicle. I drive a Corvette in the summer, my wife drives an MR2 Spyder - we both love the way the Pacifica handles. Now, if it can just pull our boat this summer, we will call it a winner all year long.

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  Great Family Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kbern - October 27 - 1:50 am

  Exceptionally comfortable ride. Good cargo space. A lot of car for the money. Good engine pick-up. Very pleased with the quality of the vehicle. For being a small six cylinder it has very good pick up.

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  Superb all around - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tyler - October 27 - 1:42 am

  Got rid of my 2000 Honda Accord LX, 3 transmissions in 64,000 miles nothing but stress. I was very interested in buying Chrysler because of the power train warranty. I have not needed it because the Pacifica has been perfect. Driven it to Bend, Portland, New Mexico, Texas, Santa Barbara, San Diego and many other trips between. 38,000 miles already in 2 years and I have no worries. It is a great looking car in addition. Everywhere I go someone mentions how they like the design. Cadillac and Toyota liked it so much they copied it. I added a roof rack and a trailer hitch for the gear and bicycles for the longer jaunts where the Pacifica shines due to its comfort. Keeping this car forever.

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  Fine example of German & American Tech - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Marco Espinosa - October 23 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car definatly worth the buy, however were I live (Mexico City) the Pacifica (Fully equiped) cost me 45,000 USD. It was worth it, my Durango 2000 had nowhere near the gas milage and the pacifica is bigger, more comfy and very luxurios.

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  Happy Owner - first Chrysler - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dag - October 21 - 1:40 am

  I bought this car for my wife as safety and cargo were two of the biggest concerns when we were shopping. I cant believe how quiet this car is when driving on the road. Our baby loves it and falls to sleep the second we drive off. The grip to the road feels tight and acceleration is smooth. The car does not feel large and also sits higher than a regular car (not as high as larger SUV). Gas mileage is adequeate at best and fortunately only requires regular. We now have 1,350 miles and are averaging 14.9/gallon. I hope it gets better as the car breaks in more. We know two other couples who have since bought the car.

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  My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JEH1 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this vehicle. The Nav System is easy to use and read. Other exciting components are the DVD/CD, six CD holder, seperate radio controls for the rear pass., load leveling system, automatic tire pressure reading and automatic rear gate opener. It also has easy touch seat controls and memorizes the positions. 4 of the 6 seats have two level of heat control, and the rear passengers have seperate heat controls. I sound like a dealer, but Im not (Im a police officer in Maryland). My Pacifica is just fun to drive and it turns heads. I just love driving it and its extremely comfortable.

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  What a Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Proud Pacifica Mom - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything. I feel so in control of everything. Being short (52)the adjustable pedal control plus the driver seat settings allow me to easily find my comfort zone. I drive approximately 50-100 miles daily and dont experience any discomfort. My daughter wanted the DVD option and now rides in the back seat and watches a movie where ever we go. We also love the fantastic sound system. I went to purchase a Town & Country and left with the Pacifica. What a great deal.