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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  good ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gizzmo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I am more than pleased with the overall quality and performance with the vehicle.

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  Problem - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mr. Upset - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My pacifica 2002 is NEW! Has less than 5,000 miles on it. The longer I drive it it automatically shuts down and wont start again until hours later. For Example, I pulled up (fortunately) in front of my house. The car literally died. Could not start it until the next morning. Something has got to be wrong with it mechanically built at the factory. How can I explain what is the matter? It seems the longer you drive it then it can simply stop on its own. Im afraid to drive it now for fear of an accident on a highway or local traffic. anyone else have that problem. How do I get it fixed?

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  No Power! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By No Guts - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Car looks and drives nicely with one MAJOR exception. . . No Power. The 3.5L Engine is far less (60-HP) than this heavy boat needs for the get up and go. If this car had an engine, it would put the BMW X5 into the morgue!

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  NICE, BUT..... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Biscuit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great pick up. Rear window narrower than I would like ...after a month I hope the mileage gets better. Fun to drive ...l

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  No Flaws - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Declan1 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife gets a new car through the lease program about every 10 months. This is our 7th car in 5 years and I have to say it is the cream of the crop. The extras this car offers set it apart; navigation system, dvd plaver with 6 disc changer, auto liftgate, user memory in the keyless remotes and so on. The sound system is also second to none. Its like having a home theatre system in your driveway. Chrysler has hit a home run with this one!

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  Awesome Machine.. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KPAR - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Love it! Preferred over a minivan or car. Turns heads on the street.

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  Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paul Chapman16 - July 7 - 10:56 pm

  We purchased the pacifica two weeks ago, so I really cant speak to its reliability, but so far we are happy with its handling and comfort. We have the front wheel drive version and it seems to handle well in snowy consitions. The inside is roomy and makes tou feel like you are in a much larger vehicle. As we have found with most Chrysler vehicles the seat belts are difficult to find and release.

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  Pacifica Signature Series AWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sue in Virginia - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  The vehicle has been outstanding. The true test was in February when we had an ice storm. There were 4wd vehicles skidding all over the road and the Pacifica went straight up the hill and my nerves were put at ease. This vehicle is so much fun to drive and comfort, comfort, comfort. I would highly recommend the Pacifica to anyone who likes to have the extra room with sedan comfort and quiet ride. I only wish we had bought one sooner.

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  Dissapointed - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Raulo - July 6 - 11:29 am

  At the beginning this was an ideal car, roomy enough for 6, excellent features, sporty look. But after only an year and 12000 miles I started visiting the service. ABS sensors, noisy steering, and an axle broken! Looks like a Mercedes but with american quality.

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  Gas Mileage - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ben dover - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The biggest complaint I hear about the Pacifica is the gas mileage. For you Pacifica owners, I have replaced the stock air filter with a K@N filter. Sinse I have my mileage has increased approx 3 miles to the gallon. That is in town only, have not taken on a trip as of yet. The cost of the filter can be somewhere around $30.00 to 40.00. Money well spent.