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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  New Car Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By summerawn65 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car really rocks. Its been a love affair from the first time we seen one. Even my kids love this car. Great family vehicle with a wonderful design. I just cannot say enough about this car.

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  Mommys Soccer Wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kurtt - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Looked at all others incl. Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, Acura & Infinity and Pacifica offered the most, by far, for the money. Bought fully loaded with the exception of the full sized spare and bargained hard at end of month. Chrysler has poorly marketed the car and they are sitting at the dealers so they will bargain. Wife wanted Pacifica most and we both are delighted. Perfect car to tote the kids around, no prolems and feel the fit and finish of the car is great. Biggest reason we chose this car was the safety ratings, very solid.

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  Hate to Drive it in Heavy Rain - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mcnamara - May 22 - 1:56 pm

  Lots of blind spots. Water gets caught behind rear wheels when heavy rain is present . It has caused us to lose control of the car on I-95 more than once. It is quite frightening to be "out of control" on a road that doesnt have good drainage. I wish that I could terminate my lease because I dont feel safe in "Americas Safety Utility Vehicle"

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  thrilled with new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Topdog - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Really have been imporessed with the comfort, performance, and the safety features of the pacifica. It feels luxorious and drives like a gem. Comfortable ride with a great sound system. The added features are great!

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  pure fun to drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By wayne carrington - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were getting ready to buy a toyota sequoia, we were at a car rental store saw the pacifica and decided to buy one the next day after a lot attendent showed us the pacifica from top to bottom. its right up there with the big boys.

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  After 3 years, still love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - May 20 - 11:36 am

  Weve had our Pacifica for just under 3 years (40,000 miles) and it has proven to be a great car. The ride is very comfortable, I could drive all day in this thing. The fold down seats allow for great cargo space and the 2nd row seats are very comfortable. 3rd row is a little cozy. Weve had no problems mechanically thus far (knock on wood). The dual climate controls are great. My wife says she feels very safe in this big car. Wish wed gotten the heated front seats for Minnesota winters. The AWD is great in snow. The only knock we have is the poor gas mileage. I wouldnt hesitate to recommed the Pacifica.

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  Great Road Car - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mrpops - May 14 - 10:05 am

  I bought my vehicle in Oct 2004. We travel a lot and always use this vehicle. It is comfortable and road steady. All vehicles should have the same feel. I wish the floor was flat when the rear seats are laid down. Good capacity.

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  Everyone should have one! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bret - May 12 - 8:14 am

  I had originally thought the Pacifica was lacking in aesthetics, but now I feel completely different. It shares its sleek design with the similar Mercedes crossover model. Well call it unique. Performance is A++. The 3.5ltr engine pumps out 250hp and is very capable of breaking the tires loose from the asphalt. Fuel economy is average, but certainly acceptable for a full-size vehicle. Interior comfort is a huge plus for those in the front as well as back seating areas.

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  2006 Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By 2006 Pacifica - May 11 - 11:29 am

  Comfortable for 4 people, quiet and rides good. I have over 23,000 miles and have had no problems. It does have some bad blind spots that you have to get use to driving with.

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  great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By b hastings - May 11 - 10:00 am

  after one year, meets all hype and expectations- great family car with car ride equal to prestige cars with realistic buy cost and maintenance