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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  I love My PACIFICA - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jlhschoen - July 17 - 8:53 am

  I just got my PACIFICA recently and I love it! It has a great design and feels great to drive. What a wonderful car/minivan/SUV - whatever it is!

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  pacifica review part 2 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By my wife - July 15 - 2:00 am

  first review on 10-15-03. since then have a problem with fuel gauge. can read up to quarter tank off. dealer re- wired both floats in the tank. it still doesnt read correct sometimes, but now it sounds like something is knocking around in the fuel tank.driver information center has never worked. i just found out i have it. vehicle is going back to dealer next week to address these items. wind buffeting very bad between 40-50 mph with moonroof open. outside trim warps a little, am worried about first 100 degree day. i also have had liftgate open when keys are placed in pocket.

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  Chrysler does not care..... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Terry G. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  * I purchased this vehicle for my wife and 3 small kids. Getting use of the third/rear seat is dirricult. ***Next the radio is all static. My wife needs the local radio for school closings and such...we get alot of snow. Well when we brought the car in we were told that the radio is not working by the dealership. After wating 6 months for a solution they tell me that they will replace the antenna. They put it right where my cargo roof trunk would go and the radio still doesnt work right. Chrysler wont/doesnt return my calls.

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  driving excitement - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bruce rosen - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is exciting to drive. The excitement lies in waiting to see what will go wrong next.

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  Love My Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Brandi - July 12 - 10:12 am

  My husband and I are looking to start a family soon but since we both owned small, two-door cars, we knew it was time to upgrade to a more family- appropriate vehicle. The Pacific is a perfect fit for us! It is the most comfortable ride Ive ever had in a vehicle, and the price was right for all of the "bells and whistles" when you consider the power seats/locks, 2nd and 3rd row seats that fold for storage, etc. There are just too many great things about the Pacifica to list here!

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  Pretty fun car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Carlos - July 8 - 11:39 am

  This is a very nice family car but is also very sporty.....nice car

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  Superior style, comfort and room - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tampa Lou - July 7 - 11:57 am

  The Pacifica has been one of the few cars I have owned that have kept the love affair going. We loved it when we first got and still think it is the best. We plan on getting another when this lease expires with some of the extra amenities we currently dont have.

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  every thing we need - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By buy it - July 4 - 9:19 am

  getting in and out of the front seats can give you a knot on your head. some what difficult to get in and out of the third row seat.a great highway family get a way car very little wind noise and a firm feel on the road.and it makes us feel we are wraped in a car that was made to protect your family!!!!!!!!!

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  Leased for 3 years, I bought it today! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dave - June 30 - 9:19 pm

  I moved from a Grand Cherokee to my Pacifica 3 years ago. It is the best all-purpose vehicle Ive driven since 1956. Five Star service has been excellent, and I am pleased to see so many other Pacificas on the roads nearby. Approaching lease end, I considered several other cars to purchase/lease, and decided that keeping this one was my best balanced choice. Im looking forward to many more miles of very safe and very comfortable travel.

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  Susies Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sue Dukatnik - June 23 - 6:34 pm

  I just bought my pacifica and I love it. It has plenty of room with seats up or down, handles well and it is just pretty. I have always had a jeep but decided to try the pacifica, I am very happy with it. The dealership i bought my car at is great, the salesmen were very helpful and i have dealt with them before. I will again.