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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  Pacifica Disgust - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mark - May 10 - 10:30 pm

  I am stuck with an extremely poor quality vehicle and have experienced the worst customer service from Chrysler. Their solution is to keep on fixing every problem, and some more than once. When the right thing to do is to take the vehicle back.

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  Rides and Handles Like A Dream - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ikoco - May 10 - 8:50 pm

  The Pacifica was the perfect car for me. The ride and handling are really impressive. Most of my driving is inner city and my SUV handles like a sports car while darting in and out of traffic. The suspension is firm enough to corner well, but still smooth enough for the sunken streets and potholes of New Orleans. I have carried five full sized teenage boys across Louisiana to playoff basketball games in comfort. The rear seats offer ample head and leg room. The Infinity surround sound system and DVD player provides the highest fidelity of all the other autos I test drove. My 3.8L engines allows me to pass just about everything on the road but a gas station. I get 16/24 MPG.

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  Cant find anything better than this! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gg - May 10 - 12:24 pm

  I drove my present vehicle until our family outgrew it. I was sick to part with my old truck, but had spent a couple years researching cars. I had decided a year in advance that the Pacifica would suit all my needs, without having test-driven it. I found my Pacifica on the first day of shopping, and bought it on the same day. The interior is beautiful, and there are so many extras. I am spoiled now. It is big enough for a family of 4-6, has extremely comfortable seating, but isnt too high off the ground for us short people. Seats are far apart so we dont have to hit elbows. Now I can afford a more expensive car, but will not part with my Pacifica!

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  I love Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jenny1 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I cant convince you....GO DRIVE IT. Youll leave your SUV behind like I did.

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  Safe, solid, comfortable touring wagon - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By McThermal - April 25 - 10:33 pm

  Car had two minor recalls for headlight harness and fuel control module. Waited for parts. Has never stranded us or not started. EGR valve replaced at 49,900 miles. Still have 50% brakes after 50,500 mi. Brakes are one of its finest features. They stop straight and true like a Mercedes. Vehicle is solid as a vault, but heavy which keeps fuel economy and performance from being rated higher. Goes fast on highway with no worries, tracks beautifully. Two rows of heated leather seat are best in the business. It really can seat six, but four are very, very comfortable. AWD kicks in on snow and is barely noticeable. Goes nice and straight. Utility of a minivan with lt more style. Volvo-like safety.

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  Year and a half, strong solid car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By kevin_msu - April 22 - 5:14 am

  Ive had my Pac for about a year and a 1/2 now and I can honestly say I really enjoy it. If you drive low mileage, this may not be the car for you. My mileage was great at 22 mpg when my commute was 20 miles each way, but now that its 4, Im down to 16 mpg. Aside from that, this car drives great. it turns so tight and smooth and its responsive to the wheel and the pedal, with enough juice to get you going if you need to accelerate. More than a few people have told me that my Pac is a joy to drive. The guy that fixed my tire for me was like "I was tempted to just keep driving. Thats a great car".

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  Neat Car! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KD Norman - April 21 - 2:20 pm

  I really love my Pacifica. It drives excellent, is extremely comfortable and has a lot of features like steering wheel radio controls, heated seats, DVD player and 6 bucket seats that make it an awesome car to own and drive. I just hope that Chrysler is a reliable make.

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  Great Buy! Is this really a Chrysler???? - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Great Buy! - April 20 - 6:51 pm

  I was very reluctant to buy another American vehicle after two Fords. However, I ventured into getting the Pacifica after reading some reviews. I will never regret it. This car is absolutely luxury, how it rides, feels, and looks. No difference to a Mercedez or BMW. I had it for 6 months, and I am still in a honeymoon with it. Pure driving solid pleasure.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Monique - April 19 - 7:53 am

  I love driving this car. I love the fact that every feature in this car helps you feel at comfort. The 10 point seat adjuster, power mirrors, radio stations, and pedals can be set, so that if there are more drivers your personal settings are not lost. I love the fact that the Pacifica has a unique look. It does not look like a van but has a lot of room inside. The Pacificas 6 cyl 240 horse power gives you a great pick up when needed, and the AWD helps all season with rain and snow. I also love the extra room for the kids and other family members when you needed. I feel safe driving the pasifica,with side airbags. I feel that this vehicle is the ultimate safety/traveling SUV this year.

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  Why drive anything else - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By KimPgh - April 17 - 9:31 pm

  This is my 2nd Pacifica. First one had many upgrades. I got the Limited AWD this time. Only thing missing is the kitchen sink. Chrysler improved the engine with the 4.0. It has great pickup vs 2004, has better gas mileage too. Passenger windows are same grade as the windshield keeps outside noise to a min. Love the DVD w/wireless headphones(no tangling). People in front can listen to their favorites on beautiful stereo system, with subwoofers. Nicer design on the outside. The Pacifica says move over. 4700 lbs of safety for my family. Suede and leather heated seats are a must. You can adjust everything to your liking. Looking forward to this car on long trips. This is the meaning of true luxury