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:

• 

  The Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Owner - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Everyone should buy a Pacifica.

• 

  2005 Pac Signature Series AWD - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Roundup - October 25 - 6:16 am

  Excellent car, but as usual, poor visiblility out of back glass. Height is way too low on all armrest. Gas mileage is subpar. Needs to be able to toggle average miles per gallon. HID lights are nice for flat roads, but not on twisty roads. Too isolated of a beam. Seats need be longer.

• 

  I like my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jay2a8 - October 23 - 11:45 am

  We have had this vehicle for 6 months. We have taken several 1200 mile trips. WE like how it handles and the way it rides. The gas mileage is ok but would always like to see it be better. My wife uses the vehicle each day going back and forth to work. Her average in town has been 19mpg. Driving 80 mph on the interstate we get about the same.

• 

  The Best One for the Family - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mblaudio - October 21 - 11:18 pm

  I just recently became a father, and had to get rid of my Dodge Dakota, Not only do I love this vehicle but I purchased a nicely equipped touring, and unburied myself 11k out of my Dodge truck and my payments went up $60.00 a month. I needed out of that truck, but as I drive it more and more every day it just gets beater. My wife loves it more than her Jetta because it is so much easier to get take the baby in. I have almost 3000 miles on it now, and it is performing perfectly, handles awesome, and the gas mileage while it could be better is better than that truck was. I am getting I guess split between highway, and city around 15-18. I love driving it. The stereo is ok, especially w/sirius

• 

  No Bluray!? - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JR - October 20 - 5:59 pm

  Hope you like going back to 2006 as the built in entertainment system will only play DVDs. I do love the roll down side windows

• 

  First and Last Chrysler - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sampson - October 18 - 5:13 pm

  At one point while driving my brand new Pacifica home from the dealership, I thought that I felt the car move to the right. Within the next day, I discovered that the car did pull to the right when I accelerated. I took the vehicle back to the dealer and that began a long battle between myself and Chrysler. The only answer I have gotten from them is that the pulling to the right is a characteristic of the car! I was told to "deal with it!" I persued this problem throught Chrysler and was told that there was nothing that could be done. I hate driving this car and I am in the process of trading it now.

• 

  Great idea/poor quality - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By btr47 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Many problems in 6000 miles-some major/some minor. Chrome molding at top of doors not aligned. Gauges and sensor problems. Recently, rear wheel froze while driving-still in shop. Wheels are rusting(Chrysler rep says ordinary wear and tear). The wind vibration is high when windows and sunroof are open. Ceiling liner fell down twice. Have not been able to attain gas mileage estimates on window sticker. Dealer is great,but car is a pain in the backside

• 

  Good attempt at something different - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bigred06 - October 11 - 12:32 pm

  This was a nice attempt to create somthing a little different. Its clear that this was a car produced after the merger. The interior materials and design are much better than anything Chrysler produced prior. The engine is adequate but would be alot better it the car didnt weigh so much. Gas mileage would be better as well. The experience making minivans shows in the inside with the attention to details. I like the fact that the seats fold flat without the console in the middle of the 2nd row getting in the way. Thus far mine has been solid. I am curious to see with all the electronics (nav system, tire pressure monitor, EVIC system etc.) will hold up over time. This was a solid effort.

• 

  recall and other annoyances - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pattycifica - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My new Pacifica had a "ghost" beep for two months before they found the problem. They changed the air bag module and the beep stopped. Then it shut off on me...the dealership did not yet know of the recall...when they did I was without my car for 4 days before it was fixed.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ALIEN ALIASW - October 9 - 10:00 am

  HEATED SEATS ARE FAB. COMFORTABLE AND PRETTY TOO.