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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  itl do - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jedi - February 25 - 2:48 pm

  first let me say this vehicle can get the job done. bought this crossover 2 yrs ago and love way it rides, very comfortable. that being said i have also had to put it in shop 3 times. abs light came on . then some sensor went out, then control arms had to b replaced also had a recall on it for fuel pump. i think its just the downside of buying a vehicle same yr model came out, so bugs werent worked out yet. going more luxury on my next one but pacifica is way to go . bottom line ..get one but get extended warranty on it.

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  Bad on gas & off road - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jaime Torras - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great, confortable, drives well, exellent handling, seams a bit heavy, but outrageos gas consumption, really bad off road, the V6 3.5 Ltr. engine needs more power, very noisy engine.

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  Bills Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bill/Carolyn - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great ride - quiet. Excellent handling. My wife loves the comfortable interior - seats etc. Hard to see when backing.

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  nice vehicle! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By steven b - February 21 - 11:39 am

  The Pacifica drives sooo nice. It drives like a car on our curvy roads in Kentucky, the leather heated seats are just awesome when its chilly out. The AWD is great in rain & snow.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jack - February 19 - 2:57 pm

  I have had my Pacifica about two months. I liked it when I drove it off the lot and like it more now. This is a distinctively styled, great looking vehicle. It handles extremely well, has great pep, is supremely comfortable, and can haul a ton of stuff. No matter what highway speed you select, the engine is basically loafing (about 2000 rpms)and has all the power youll need for any situation. I was a little concerned on gas mileage at first (17 mpg with a mix of city and highway), but it has improved steadily to a now acceptable 21 mpg. For a vehicle with this much power and space, I can live with that.

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  Great Vehicle, bought another! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By retail102 - February 15 - 7:42 pm

  Bought the car for my wife who sells real estate and travels with people along. Here in ohio we get snow in the winter and mud in the spring. She has never been stuck or had any traction trouble. the center row seats are heated and recline! My highlander lease was up this month and rather then get a new one I opted for the 07 Pacifica. NO REGRETS! GREAT RIDE. No problems. And my wife is happy i dont borrow hers any more, I can fold down the back two rows of seats and carry the things i could never fot in my Toyota. I can honestly say that the Chrysler Handles better in the rain and snow. and doest tend to nose dive when braking. as for power? AUTOSTICK is standard and give great performance!

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  Chrysler Pacifica-2004-Great - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By greg smith - February 15 - 10:00 am

  You will not be buying a race car, but you will be buying one of the most comfortable cars I have ever been in. This 4 door wagon is the best running , most comfortable cars to come along in a while. I got one that has everything on it and everything performs beyond my wildest dreams. I am very happy with my choice!

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  16 months ownership 2005 Limited AWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob Aiken - February 14 - 9:27 pm

  I purchased this vehicle for road trips and it is an outstanding cruiser. The road noise is low, handling on the highway is excellent, and the interior design is great. The only problem was a squeak in the lumbar support and a stalling problem with air on and low speed left turns. This was corrected by a factory recall and the seat is being repaired under warranty. Highway mileage - Pa to FL (960 miles) through mountains and at 80 mph in southern states is 20.1

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  The Worse!!!!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - February 12 - 8:42 pm

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever purchased!! I would not buy another Chrysler product because of all the problems that I have had. The front suspension has been replaced 3 times and is in need of another replacement in which Chrylser refuses (Lemon Law). The PTO also has been replaced twice. STAY AWAY!

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  avoid the pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By j - February 9 - 11:32 pm

  Good idea, poor execution. Sunroof failed when we picked up car at dealer, took 3 days to fix. Within a week serpentine belt was squeaking like a 20 year old car took FIVE trips to dealer to fix (dealer explained, at last visit, that Chrysler service policy was to replace belt at least three times with Chrysler part after that they could install GM part (!) that actually worked). Dealer couldnt have cared less about problems. Car is underpowered, with poorly spaced 4 speed auto gearing. Terrible climate control (no heat to legs in winter) and poor/slow defrosting. Very disappointing overall, cant wait to get out of lease and into an Audi Q7.