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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  Frustrated - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Disappointed Again - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Received a very good deal but traded one lemon for another. Bought new in 07 multiple dealer visits for clunky transmission, seat shedding foam, ext and int trim fading not aligned, brake rotors bad,heater/air not working, engine oil consumption so on and so on. Bad rotors with less than 9000 miles thats bad quality. Multiple dealer overnight stays and lots of frustration. Third brand new Chrysler dud. Had a 2001 Voyager and 2001 Sebring both with multiple warranty issues both traded in within 1 year of owning due to lack of confidence in vehicle. Decided to try again after 6 years hoped for better got worse. No joke have had upwards of 40 warranties with this vehicle.

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  A well built vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Don - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have only spent $400 on this vehicle in over 5 years of ownership. Timely oil changes and inspections have proven to be the key to good performance. I have the original tires on the vehicle at 72,000 miles. I plan on keeping the vehicle until I can get about 200,000 miles out of it. I cant figure out why Chrysler stopped making this vehicle because I continue to see a number of them on the road.

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  Weak on quality - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By T - September 7 - 3:46 pm

  The salesman touted the Mercedes Benz connection. Though I dont own a Mercedes, I would not compare the quality of this auto with a Mercedes - far from it. Generally it has a low quality feel. Very low power (even when new) from a 6 cylinder reported to be 250 hp plus really poor mileage (15 mpg). Then add stupid problems that are quality related such as an oil pan made of "soft aluminum" whose drain plug is easily stripped ($700 repair), air conditioner failure, lots of batteries (four so far), heater fan failure, rocker panel made of breakable plastic. In comparison, my Acura tl with equal miles (90k) drives like the day I purchased it and has required no repairs

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  Worst car ever - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By the worst car ever - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I bought this car in October 2004 thinking wow this car looks so nice. And needles to say, it only looks nice. Ever since I purchased this car my bank account has dropped drastically. Front end changed 2, motor oil magically disappearing, rear cross member completely shot, this creating a nice 5k bill not including the new back tires. Front suspensions changed 4 times, Rack and pinion change both sides over 4 times. Now that I only owe one month to the bank, I will be selling the money pit. Hey I just purchase the 2010 Hyundai Genesis with their 100k millage warranty and 10 years. wow I love this Car, check it out

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  It is a shame they stopped making it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chinatown - August 19 - 5:16 pm

  Bought the car with 25,000. It now has 66,000. Still have the original brakes. My local mechanic says I should be good for about another 10,0000. Yes, I have had the same repeated problems with the suspension. However, I bought an extended warranty ( 6 years/100,000 miles), through my credit union with no deductible. The only thing I have paid for, outside of routine maintenance is the Wisconsin tax on the bill. I replaced the tires at 45,000.

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  Just bought one - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krissy - August 17 - 1:24 am

  I accidentally stumbled upon this car at my 3rd dealership of car shopping. The sales guy said "lets just take it for a test drive. I wasnt planning on liking the car, and was just going to test drive the car for kicks, and then I was gonna leave, and go on to the next lot. And after I drove it, I fell in love with it. Although I had to replace the rotors and one brake pad, and a tire, (hopefully that will be it) I love the feel of the car, and there is so much more room than that of my Toyota Camry. I feel like I walked away with a great car. Hopefully I can say the same thing about it in 2 years. I will write more then! :)

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  Impressive Looks Poor Engine - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By malviv - August 16 - 5:35 pm

  This vehicle has a history of engine oil consumption. I would strongly encourage any prospective buyer to completely research this before making a purchase. A nice car with a bad engine doesnt make for a good investment.

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  Love it so far - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Love it so far - August 16 - 8:43 am

  I bought my Pacifica new in 2006 and I love it.I hear all these bad reviews on it and it makes me think that if someone has something to complain about it they will post it and if they donÂ’t then they donÂ’t look to make it public. I love my car and so far I am happy with it. My brake light comes on at some point every time I drive it but I could care less. One of my arms on the rear hatch broke but I replaced it myself for $12. It was easy. It does seem like itÂ’s starting to burn a quart of oil every 3k miles or so but thatÂ’s no big deal to me.ItÂ’s not normal but I do what I have to do. I use synthetic oil and I also add Lucas oil just in case. Overall I am happy so far.

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  Luv my Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donna - August 12 - 9:42 pm

  I bought this car brand spanking new in July of 2004. I fell in love with it right off the get, did research for over a year and still came back to this one. It has 93,000 miles on it, I drive a lot, beautiful ride and comfort. Had a few problems, same as some noise and squeaking and clunk front end. Original brakes had them checked several times. So far so good, right now having issue with stalling, surging, ran codes and found nothing so far so keep"n fingers crossed. But all in all I love it. Going on a long trip this vehicle is like riding on a cloud, such comfort. I knew when I bought it about the gas so I cant complain on that. Its held up nicely so far. Also have a sebring. 2001

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  Love my Pacifica - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hunts - August 5 - 11:07 pm

  I own two Chryslers one pacifica and one pt cruiser. I adore my pacifica so much. When we heard they werent making them anymore we turned in our 2006 model for an upgraded Touring 2008. I cant even compare the two cars because they are so different. This is definitely my favorite car i have ever owned and love the comfort and feeling of safety traveling with my family. i hope it lasts forever, or they decide to start making them again. I wish both my cars were pacificas.