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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  a different car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By leith - August 14 - 3:13 am

  it is somewhat weird car. it is very good and relibale, but weird. excellent acceleration and wonderful comfort. plenty of comfort features, the seats for the driver are GREAT

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  This car is an enigma... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OnTheFence - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Talk about a love/hate relationship! Luckily the Pacifica leans more towards love than hate. Very enjoyable to drive, extremely well built (Mercedes connection really shows here). However Pacifica is not without problems. Awful fuel mileage (13 City/22 Hwy). Acceleration is..um..leisurely. Plenty of power, but poor gear ratios (forget 2nd). Performance is much better using the auto-stick to hold the gear longer. Rear visibility is in a word, DANGEROUS!. Reliabilty good so far (7500 miles) with the exception of new front wheel bearings at about 4000 miles. Conclusion: Do I like the car? Very much. Would I buy another? Doubtful.

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  Awesome Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CJ, jr. - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has been the best we ever owned. It is quiet, rides like a dream and a very luxurious feel.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KatVon - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Pacifica for a week.I love it

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  2007 Pacifica Limited - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Raymond Nice - August 8 - 2:36 pm

  The Pacifica Limited is very nice looking - exterior and interior. We love all the features (it is loaded) and they all perform very well. It is very quiet with lots of power and I am sure that it will go well in the snow. We love the radio and the backup camera. If it is half the car that our Intrepid is (it has over 200,000 miles), we will be very satisfied.

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  07 Pacifica Torque Converter - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kragtj - August 8 - 10:02 am

  Just replaced my wifes 04 Pacifica with an 07 WD Signature Series. The bigger engines was definitely a big improvement. This one has much more zip, even with A/C on. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet. I could drive this thing all day. The gas mileage isnt the best...not yet close to the rated mpg. We like the style and the feeling of safety of this big vehicle. However, I just took the car back to the dealer at 3,000 miles as the transmission "shudders at about 1800 RPM while moderately accelerating thru the gears. There is a TSB indicating this is a problem with AWD 07 Pacificas and the torque converter should be replaced. I hope this solves the problem. Otherwise, we love it!

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  60,000, never in the shop - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - August 7 - 10:52 am

  It handles excellently. It accelerates smoothly. It has minimal road noise. It has never needed a single repair.

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  Love the car but... - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By frjoel - August 4 - 9:54 pm

  As a senior citizen driving a 2005 Pacifica Touring AWD I thought I had found my ‘dream car.’ The car handles well, offers outstanding comfort and provides all of the options I could want. The fuel consumption is not outstanding but about what I would expect given the size of the car. The in dash GPS is nicely done with the exception of the maps provided. These are poorer than any of the three after market GPS units that we have in our other cars. Still I use the past tense in describing it as my ‘dream car’ because I began to have problems with oil consumption. I have since learned that Chrysler claims that using one quart of oil every 1000 thousand miles is ‘normal’ for their 3.5L engine.

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  Happy customer - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By p-51driver - July 30 - 7:02 pm

  Agree with excellent ride, great handling and DVD and video, ipod hookup etc are all great. Our in town mileage is 14-15. Our highway mileage is 26-27 at 75mph on the cruise control. Very comfortable and quiet for driver and passenger.

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  Saved My Life - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Michael - July 25 - 11:57 am

  I bought mine used with 19k miles. Loved it for the 2 months I had it, then was hit from in right rear corner of car by guy doing 90 mph. Totally caved in right side of car but inside was intact with no caving. This car probably saved our lives and while my next car was a Ford, I still miss the Pacifica and you cant overrate its safety, especially when you need it.