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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Best Vehicle of Chrysler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By norman Inkman - November 26 - 2:00 amI have had over 30 new cars and SUV in the last 20 years, which include Lexus, Mercedes, Infinities etc. This Pacifica is the best value and sound vehicle mfg. It has very good style, great room to hall stuff, and fun to drive , Very under rated and under priced ! Chrysler / Mercedes has put together a great vehicle
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Better than a minivan - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Brad - November 24 - 11:00 pmIf youre tired of driving a minivan the Pacifica is an excellent choice. Nice to drive. If you only need seating for 6 occasionally this vehicle is for you.
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Great New Car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Tabonf - November 22 - 8:03 pmThis car is new and I am very pleased so far. It handles well and has a very comfortable ride. Only one minor problem on delivery, the sun roof needed adjustment. The mileage is reasonable for size (20mi/gal).
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Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By reide37 - November 21 - 4:07 pmThe Pacifica design was out in front and the first of its kind. The style is great and by the looks of all the new 2007s every one in the industry thinks so too. The only real problem I had was the mileage. The first 42,000 miles the best mileage I could attain is 16 mpg. Then for some reason I started to get around 20. The car is built on the e class platform from Mercedes and the only real improvement I would request is a Mercedes diesel engine. I had the oil change regularly and had no service problems with my car. The mileage and the ratings of safe cars will determine if I buy another.
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Pacifica Review 2003-2006 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By chris gianetti - November 18 - 5:50 pmI have had my red Pacifica for over 3 years now and I consider it a very comfortable and well made vehicle. Its cornering capabilities are unsurpassed for a vehicle of this size and weight. Its AWD system works very well in steep snowy hills and heavy rain. The ride is firm, controlled and comfortable.
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What a great vehicle!! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By MARY L. - November 15 - 11:53 amI have loved driving this automobile since i took my test drive - knew i had to have it. Rides like a dream. I own the 2005 4wd touring edition, loaded but without the navigation system. Had some minor glitches (sunroof rattle, squeaky engine belt) that needed fixing, but this car still makes me enjoy driving everyday i get in it.
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Mixed Emotions Still! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By 1st & Last Chrysler - November 15 - 10:00 amWe have had our Pacifica for 12 months/12500 miles. The car itself is pretty cool,DVD, Nav. system, moonroof, Intermezzo radio, etc...but the reliability is so shaky. Weve had the engine half out to fix the tranny and transfer case(2 wks. to fix!), lost count of the electical problems with computer syst./Nav. syst./dash cluster/fuel guage/radio/airbags..the list goes on. the mileage is a flat out, complete lie..I live in FLAT south NJ and we get 13.2 average! so I dont know who these people are that AVERAGE 20MPG w/AWD
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Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By ddixon - November 12 - 9:22 amPurchased this car as a retirement vehicle. Has met all my expectations for reliability, comfort and convenience. The only negative is poor sight in backup mode - you have to be really careful and take it slowly. Great car in the city and on the highway, not affected by high winds, stops on a dime, handling is very good. Gas mileage averages 20 MPG which is not bad for a very heavy vehicle.
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sporty wagon with european suv style - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Jude Santana - November 10 - 10:00 amI was drawn to this vehicle after owning the Volvo S80 T6 sadan. I was tired of the expenses involved with the up keep and repairs of European cars, but I love their style. I was happy to find what I was looking for in an "American" car. Style, room, and most of all, the type of ride I expect from any other expensive vehicle. The price is right, and the extended warantee was well worth the buy.
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Great family car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
By Cristina - November 3 - 1:01 pmI have a 2006 Pacifica and I love it. It handles very well. The car is beautiful and I love the fact that its not a minivan or an SUV.
