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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  Awesome Automobile - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Suzanne Brown - January 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Pacifica in August and were immediately satisfied. The smooth ride, roomy interior and 5 star crash rating are all that a family of 5 could ask for. We had to sell our Pacifica for financial reasons, but are back in the market for one at this time. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants total satisfaction.

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  Perfect fit - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SOUTH FLA FAMILY - January 4 - 5:46 am

  Perfect fit for us enough room for the kids and traveling seats are very comfortable, classy enough for going out on the town, very comfortable to drive, drives better then most entry level luxury cars and safety features are a plus , for the price loaded with leather,dvd, power lift gate sun roof etc, and extra bells and whistles you cant beat it for value of under 27k with chrysler factory incentives. compared it to the Odyssey, quest, sedona and sienna it was a much better value and a lot more stylish and safer feeling. had it for a month now and altough the gas tank is a bit thirsty , we LOVE IT!1

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  Pacifica Content - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bojuharris - January 3 - 11:34 am

  OK!! Way underpowered. Needs at least 75 more horsepower and a 5 or 6 speed transmission. 4300 pound vehicle, need I say more. AWD is wonderful. Have never hydroplaned one time in Houston rain. Actually from Detroit but the vehicle hasnt seen snow yet. Mileage is below what I would like to have. Actual 16 and 20.5. Would sincerely consider another one. Rear visibility badly compromised.

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  Great Idea and design lousy quality - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Harold Parkison - January 1 - 8:10 pm

  Loved the vehicle when we first got it. It is a great road car and fun to drive. The problems are the dealership and the car company. The unit has experienced electrical system problems and been back four times. the dealership failed to address the issues and told my wife to drive the car with a bad alternator because they were on national backorder. When we complained they fixed it. When we filled out the customer survey the dealership employee literally attacked my wife on her next warranty visit. Chrysler was notified and did nothing. Wont buy another Chryser product

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  A fun to drive family car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By amyb2 - December 31 - 8:30 am

  In my expeience, this car is fun to drive. You have the room of an SUV or minivan but you dont feel like you are just a soccer mom in it. It feels a little bit flashy, like you are a mom with some style. I drove it to the mall a couple days after purchase and I could not believe the great turning radius it has getting into a tight parking spot. It turns on a dime and handles beautifully too!

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  Great Car, Fun to Drive - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By J. Sawa - December 31 - 12:10 am

  I chose the Pacifica after looking at several other choices, and I have not regretted my choice once. I really love this vehicle theres room for everyone plus room for gear. I chose the front-wheel drive Touring sedan (for better gas mileage) with the 2 rear captains seats and the 2 way-back seats that fold down, rather than a bench back seat. I also have the better radio with 5-CD changer. We take this vehicle on vacation every year (a 13-hour drive each way), and Im never cramped or exhausted when we arrive at our destination. Chrysler has a winner with the Pacifica. When its time to replace our current model, Ill look for another Pacifica.

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  Buy One Youll be surprised - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ed Schomer,Jr. - December 29 - 6:12 pm

  Im retired and my health took a turn thats why my mileage is so low. When we first bought it we took two long trips. The trips were beautiful we were able to use speed control most of the way that took a lot of stress off. Now we use it for a food hauler and local trips.

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  My wife & I both have 2005 Pacificas. - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ron Turner - December 27 - 12:06 am

  My wife & I leased two 05 Chrysler Pacificas in Feb. 2005. My wifes car is FWD and mine is AWD. Both are Touring Models. The cars are fun to drive. They hold the road well in all weather conditions. They drive more like a car than a Suv or Mini-Van. I feel my AWD model is a little underpowered off the line, but it does well in passing situations on the highway. My wife and I both have approximately 8,000-9,000 miles on our cars. Her FWD model is doing much better on gas than my AWD model. My wife is averaging 18.9 mpg combined city/hwy. As were Im only averaging 13.5 city/hwy. Both cars have been in the shop for a safety recalls. My AWD model had control module replaced affecting the A/C

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  2006 Chrysler Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chico - December 23 - 7:46 am

  This is my wifes car and I love it. Great interior design and classic exterior. The ride is outstanding and very comfortable. Plenty of power, but gas mileage could be better. Overall its a great car.

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  Problem vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jason Morgan - December 22 - 9:15 pm

  With less than 27,000 miles, we have replaced the A/C control unit, the stereo, and an air pressure sensor. We have had the front end practically rebuilt, and the check engine light is on again for who knows what. Its a very nice looking and comfortable piece of junk.