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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  Beautifully Engineered - Not - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By fdknowlz - September 8 - 4:06 pm

  Have owned this for 2 years, love the car but have had problems with power drivers seat (motor replaced 2x- even now the plastic that goes aginst my calves is not properly installed - mildew odor when driver window opened - back 3 or so times - finally found clogged drain but smell continues - had problem with front end (think it was tie rod) but due to way car engineered needed to replace drive shaft (?) for $800.00 - of course not under warranty - replaced brakes - rusted and warped rotors - latch that allows entrance to the trunk storage and jack snapped - so I was unable to get access to jack - I knew about the blind spots but did not expect it to be so bad - bad wind noise

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  Enjoyable ride for a family car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Rusty P. - September 3 - 3:40 am

  We purchased the Pacifica 5 months ago because of its interior room and styling. With 3 children (ages 15, 16, 20), we needed something that was comfortable for a family of 5 adults and the Pacifica delivered comfort for all. It has a very smooth ride and the handling is outstanding, especially for a vehicle that large. The feel on the road is solid. Acceleration from a stop is not impressive, but once the car gets moving, acceleration is excellent. Cargo space with all of the seats in use is limited, but each of the 4 seats fold out of the way independently, giving you lots of options. Gas mileage is consistent- about 19 mpg in mixed city driving. There have been no reliability issues

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  Love it! - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By al hum - September 2 - 7:40 pm

  The ride It is roomy, even with tripletts in car seats. The instrument panel is easy seen,and we love the memory seat and mirrors. And it is easy enter and exit the vehicle...like driving a "sports"van lots of room when third row seating not being used

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  Mercedes in a Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Waldo - September 2 - 10:00 am

  After driving minivans my spouse was more than ready for this! I do not know from where Ron from OR was talking about. I think the strength of this auto is its handling ability. What a smooth ride. I would agree that even with the 6cycl. it needs a bit more pick-up. AND, after driving fish bowls for the past few years the visibility is not as good--bigger back window needed. Do adults ever seat in rear- rear seats?!

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  Nothing But Problems - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Frank - September 2 - 8:16 am

  My 2006 Pacifica has been nothing but problems. Warped rotors, transmission issues, high idle on three occassions, exterior windshield gasket falling off, body molding/trim on drivers side of vehicle pulling away from frame of car...and several other issues. The car has only 18,000 miles on it, but it seems that it has spent more time in the dealers garage than it has in my own. Ive never had a vehicle with so many issues, and Ive had 19 vehicles in 25 years. The dealer has been cooperative and accomodating on most issues, but weve had so many problems, the service manager knows us so well that no appointment is necessary. We just bring it in. Has been a very bad experience.

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  Pacifica Review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Linda Huffman - September 1 - 7:56 pm

  Visibility poor. Too many blind spots and back window much too high and small. Center console not designed for the convenience of the driver. Road noise when windows are up is a disapointment.

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  Superb comfort - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kathy - August 16 - 1:51 pm

  We love this car! Comfortable for 4 adults on a 4000 mile trip, with room to spare (using a roof carrier). We consistently averaged 23-24 mpg on the interstate systems, driving 75 mph. This vehicle is a replacement for a Lincoln Town Car, and it is every bit as comfortable

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Islesmiles - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I only have this car for 2 weeks and 800 miles but I just think its GREAT!!!! Ended my lease on an Infiniti early to get the Pacifica. I kept looking at other croossovers and kept coming back to the Pacifica....so glad I did. Very safe and solid ride. So many features I didnt even know about. Gas mileage is fair but hopefully will improve.

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  Pacifica - PERFECT - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By saumsieglescott - August 15 - 2:00 am

  What a car/SUV! I have 3 small kids, plenty of room. Unbelievable utility. Nice leather interior and set up. Plenty of options to move seats, use space for luggage and trips to Home Depot. Large roof rack for additional storage. No problems in ice and snow, quiet and very comfortable

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  Quality Concerns - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MCLYDE - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Nice Looking inside and out!I was very surprised it was a Chrysler. Drives nice, handles well. I do have a concern on the build quality. Im experiencing rattles, and squeaks...something I have never experienced in the 5 yrs I had my Toyota.