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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  Read this before buying Chrysler - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Les Heinrich - February 6 - 10:39 am

  We purchased a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica and were happy until we had it washed. After washing we noticed that all chrome trim pieces were etched or corroded. We had less than 2000 miles and had the car only 7 weeks. We returned to the dealer and were told they would contact Chrysler. We have now had 3 conversations with Chrysler and they have basically said too bad that it is a normal condition in areas that use Mag Chloride on highways. I believe this is a defect in the fabricating process since we have had a 1999 T&C van for over 8 years and show no sign of this problem. This may be a problem in several northern tier states. Beware before buying Chrysler in snow areas. Very Disappointed

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  help - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Julie - January 27 - 10:13 am

  I have had my 2006 pacifica for over a yr. now everything is great about it other than the gas mileage and the main thing is the blind spots. It really doesnt matter how well a vehicle performs or how pretty it is if you cannot see out of it now does it?I love the handling of it and the inside is roomy. It will turn on a dime but you better look a lot before you turn

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  Moving up in the world - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Thomas Mann - January 24 - 3:47 pm

  We just bought it this month, so we really do not have a long term experience with it. We feel we got an excellent deal compared to looking at a new one. The vehicle rides and drives very nice. I doesnt feel as Chrysler as previous Chrysler vehicles I have owned. It could use some more power, but for what we use it for it is great. I have faster, more powerful vehicles for that.

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  Lots of features but they are poorly executed - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paul schultz - January 24 - 12:02 pm

  Traded our 2015 BMW 328d sport wagon in for this after we found out we were pregnant with second kid. Tons of features, too many to list, but theyou are more difficult to use than they should be. Too many simple operationsteps have been in bedded I to the infotainment screen. This wouldnt be a huge issues, exept that the computer is horribly underpowered and the response time is extremely slow. I have also noticed a few mechanical issues with the transmission. Doesnt seem to shift from park to drive or reverse very consistently. The van drives very smoothly but the seats (all of them) are not very comfortable. The van is extremely flexible though. Its very easy to load and unload kids, strollers, and carseats. Tons of space behind the 3Rd row and lots more with the 3Rd row down. Finally, weve made several good road trips and unless you go 60 mph the whole trip you wont get better than 24 mpg. (They advertise 28)

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  MY 2004 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By carboy - January 17 - 2:03 pm

  Things I like is that i can haul lot of things with 3 row down, but am able to put my son and 2 dogs in in back and they can watch a dvd. Fuel Mileage could be a little better but going to complain.

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  You just would not believe it! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By James - January 15 - 12:26 am

  I have owned BMW’s and other luxury cars, but for the money you just can’t beat this one! It is just a pure delight to drive. It is quite and smooth and wind noise is virtual non existent. Road noise is about the same as a 745i but just a tad bit louder. The seats are just right, not to firm or soft; they just seem to hug and hold you. Like most people are saying in here, the leg room is outstanding! As for the wife, she loves the drive height as she can see over the small cars and loves the way it handles. Parking is no problem here! We look forward to a long relationship with this one.

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  Worth a Look - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ramzey28 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is worth a look at...Dare to Compare. I think the Pacifica will win hands down for the price. Best of all worlds. A great combination of SUV, Wagon, and Minivan. Well laid out..with features to die for. Would like to see rear sensors, 5 speed auto. with 30 more hp., 1"+ ground clearance.

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  Love the look, the windows...not sure - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Nicole Larrabee - January 13 - 10:39 am

  I bought my car for the look I wont lie. It is a gorgeous car! I only wish that I would have noticed that the back window is very small. From the outside it looks deceiving. I personally have a very hard time seeing out of the back window while trying to back up. I feel that the car has too many blind spots and needs larger back windows. I did regret buying this car since I have two small babies and purchased it for its safety feature. Although like I said at the time I was so excited I overlooked the obvious. Also the tint is too dark for night driving. I feel the Town and Country would have been a better choice for me. But for looks the Pacifica wins.

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  Great van. However Uconnect is a nightmare - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sean Monahan - January 8 - 5:07 pm

  We moved up from a Town & Country to a Touring L Plus. So many things have been improved. However the Uconnect is so bad I can’t believe they would release the system at all. Not fix for it. Software update is coming?? Whatever that means. You know you have a hardware issue when a software fix takes so long. No apple car play. I would wait for the 2018.

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  The perfect family/adult car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kiersten - January 7 - 2:00 am

  The family car meets the luxury car... This vehicle is everything the family needs (6 six) and everything the young parents(w/ babysitter)/yuppies want... Germany meets USA. Great handling, looks and an interior that rivals any in any class. Nav and DVD a must. Mercedes handling with a 300M engine cant be beat. Its a must test drive.