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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  Owned 25 new cars, this is the best one - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Wewans - August 31 - 9:19 pm

  We love this car because it has all of the room of a minivan, but it is not a box. It has a very distinct and appealing style. It looks like a classy car, and when you look in the interior it is even more so. Gas mileage is not good, but that is a trade of because of the weight and safety of the vehicle. What good is it to save on gas if the vehicle is not heavy and safe. Is a family members life worth a few hundred dollars in gas savings over the life of the vehicle? For its size and weight (4600 lbs} fuel economy is not bad. Compare apples to apples, oranges to oranges, and 4600 lbs vehicles to 4600 lb vehicles.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ron Kelley - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with the performance of this car. I have not had a single problem. Quality of workmanship and design is excellent. Handles well on the road and you sit up like a SUV.

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  Chrysler builds a high-end sport wagon - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Henry Menke - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The slightly de-contented “base” Premium package plus rebate represents a fairly high-end car for the money (mid-$20s out the door). The extra features in the pricey "Luxury" package are not missed – the base car still has a lot of bells and whistles. Substantial body and chassis with a hefty feel of quality. Guests are very surprised by such a high-end interior “for a Chrysler.” Only one quality fault so far: both front power seats stopped working after two weeks. Turned out to be a control module; dealer had to special-order the repair part. Overall we really love driving and riding in the car – we hate to take out our minivan or our pickup truck now.

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  Red Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By redpac - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Rides great on the highway, super quiet, brakes are best in class, drives much smaller than is. Second row is best in class.

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  Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CRITREALTY - August 26 - 9:38 am

  Great family travel vehicle. Especially great childrens vehicle with DVD player installed.

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  WE LOVE IT! Smartest Buy Ever! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Very Pleased - August 23 - 12:40 am

  Words cant describe how happy we are with our new Pacifica! My husband and I have a daughter and a little boy on the way, and we needed to get into a larger vehicle without putting out too much money. So we chose to lease the 5 passenger Pacifica. We love everything about it! The style, the way it drives (were already planning a road trip), the comfort, EVERYTHING! Other reviewers commented on the fuel economy. The gas mileage is fine with me. We bought it Saturday and on Wednesday are only at a half a tank. For the size of the vehicle, the gas mileage is fine. Trust me! If you have a small family, and cant afford the high priced Honda Odessey yet, the Pacifica is the way to go!

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Happy Owner - August 21 - 10:50 am

  I was looking for a traditional SUV but fell in love with the Pacifica. It seats 5-6 comfortably, rides smoothly, and has a very distinctive look. I did a test drive of the new 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe (which was nice) but decided the Pacifica had a more luxurious and quiet ride.

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  what i think - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By _chip_ - August 17 - 10:00 am

  So far so good had 1 small problem car had a leak from the sun roof dealer fixed picked up dealer items on e-bay (cargo net). I dont like the feel of the breaks.

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  chrysler pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By li yang - August 16 - 4:08 pm

  This car is a really fun and comfort.The reason we bought is that it can use for long distance travel to somewhere. The reason we choose pacifica is that its fuel effiency.

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  Lexus good looks, without the cost! - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott S - August 14 - 10:38 pm

  After my wife and I were deciding between a Honda Pilot, Nissan Murano, or another Ford Explorer, we found the Pacifica at the Chicago Autoshow. It doesnt have the best gas millage of the bunch, but its way better than my 2000 Ford Explorer AWD. (13 mpg) I drive aggressively, but manage to get 19 mpg around town, and 23 mpg highway. I told my wife I would only get it if we bought the Limited. I didnt like the flat black plastic lower panels, plain interior. The Limited really adds some class to the car, and after comparing it to my friends Lexus RX330, I think its as good of styling and I paid a lot less! The Pacifica Limited FWD is a great looking car that is a pleasure to drive!