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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  Underrated Performer poor MPG - in City - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Garth Stapon - November 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely comfortable. The six speed transmission gives decent highway mileage. We have seen some minor reliability issues. The axle seal on the transmission was leaking and that was covered under warranty. There were also some paint cracks on the hood which is made of plastic and that was also repaired by warranty. I found a cracked / chipped brake caliper on my car at 60,000 miles. The part was available as an aftermarket part for $40 with a return of the core. We upgraded to drilled / slotted rotors on the front wheels and that enhanced braking. The temperature control system is sweet and the driver seat is VERY adjustable. The power is adequate. Traction control GREAT!

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  Im enjoying the ride so far! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Kennedy - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had this FWD Basic Model for just a couple of months and have enjoyed a really nice ride so far. Our other car is a 2007 RX350 and while this vehicle does have the same features and comfort, its pretty close and and has more room inside. I enjoy driving it. My first tank of gas gave me 17.9 miles per gallon. As good as our other car that is 500 lbs lighter with a 3.5 L engine.

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  Glad I bought it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JLaVigne - November 7 - 1:00 am

  Bought when 1 year old with 15k miles. Car had some initial warranty work done on it (tie rod end, rear transaxle leak, etc.) Bought extended warranty because of the repairs, but has been solid ever since. Under-powered for sure but a great hwy cruiser. Large, comfortable, well appointed cabin for me (Im 64" 260 so a bit of extra interior room is appreciated.) Wife and kids have plenty of room and plenty of creature comforts. MPG is so-so at 17-18 around town but 23-24 on highway. It is my daily driver and I have been very pleased with it over the last 5.5 years. Given the state of affairs at Chrysler I am not sure I would buy another Chrysler, but this C-Pac has been great.

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  One of the best Ive had - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kevin - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought with 26k, now has 105k. Replaced control arm, battery, struts. Needs backrest motor replaced. Great road car, SO comfortable, quiet and smooth. Runs/rides/drives great still. Mileage as advertised. Getting rid of it--with new service vehicle it sits most of the time. Love the sound system, roominess, handling. Better in snow than my wifes 06 outback. It has been the nicest, most dependable car Ive had.

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  Our trip - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Edwinna Brubaker - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Hi. Just wanted to let you know that your pacifica rated excellent with us. This past summer my husband and myself took a trip from New Hampshire to Colorado and back. Im handicapped due to problems with my liver and other health problems so we werent sure if I could make the trip or not. My husband put both rows of the seats down and made a bed for me when I got tired or was in pain. The pacifica performed well. We had no problems at all with the car and were able to make side trips to see the presidents and I was able to rest anytime I needed to. Thank you again for making a car flexible for us to use. Sincerely Mrs. E. Brubaker

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  Lemon - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nike - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this veh aug 2010 Ive had it 3 month just made 3rd payment and it has been the shop now 4 going on 5 time for same noise theyve fixed everything but that noise I really like the car drives nice but this is getting ridiculous that they cant find that noise and fix it I know now I will never buy another one

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  Best in Quality - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MImi - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Well really like my pacifica i gotta say its the most reliable car and it has a lot of luxury

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  Spot on - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jeanette - October 12 - 2:00 am

  First new car and I feel very fortunate. We owned a Honda Accord and it was constantly having transmission problems. Chrysler had the lifetime engine/transmission warranty and I jumped. Not a single problem that wasnt fixed within seconds at the dealership or under recall. The torque converter needed adjusting and thats it. 44,000 miles and no problems. I live in los angeles and the driving can be dangerous so the high marks on safety are a plus.

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  Not recommended - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Yolanda English - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Pacifica for my birthday earlier this year. I was interested in it because I needed the 3rd row and was tired of being in a many van & I though it was cute. But having the 3rd row seat, it has no trunk room. You cant ride with the back windows down because of the noise the air pressure makes and its a gas guzzler. I wouldnt recommend this car to my worst enemy. Also, when my batter died, I couldnt even turn the key to put the car in neutral to roll it back. To me, thats just not right.

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  Please start making the Pacifica again! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Russ - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought a 2007 base model for our son to tour with his band and we had been looking for a late model Pacifica for a while ourselves. A loaded Limited fell into our laps. We could not have been more pleased. Ride is great. Seats and all the adjustments and memory are required for us with me 6-4 and wife 5-4 although I dont give up the driving duties much. It is our long distance car and I love to drive it. Chrysler HAS to reintroduce this car!!