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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Fantastic ride - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By JMA - May 31 - 8:10 pmWe bought our AWD Pacifica last March in order to get to our new house in the Catskills. Its a fantastic ride. Styling and quality are the best Ive seen in an American made car. Last weekend we had our first AWD test with heavy snow at night and a deer jumped out in front of us - the AWD worked beautifully and slowed us down without skidding. The navigation, heated seats and power lift gate are all phenomenal. A little more engine power and better side and rear visibility would make this a continued best seller for Chrysler.
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Too soon to tell - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
By Allan b - May 30 - 9:53 pm8/2017 update. Oil change was straightforward. Oil filter is on top of engine instead of underneath. Tows my 14 foot fishing boat smoothly. Added weathertech floor mats to match interior. Only issue is radio (sound and presets are acting wonky). Dealer is waiting for new radio to come in (backordered). Spreading a wide net for a good deal. Dealer added nav, wheel group, inflatable spare, tow group, locking lugs. First minivan. First Chrysler. No problems. Ten days in. washed it already. Seen 33mph on freeway.
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A Mercedes with a Chrysler Badge - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By William - May 28 - 10:00 am"Refreshing" would be a good choice of words. Purchased our Pacifica in Oct. 2003 and went thru a normal winter in the northeast. The vehicle drove under winter conditions as if it was mounted on rails.The vehicle is rock solid and has the handling & feel of a Mercedes M class SUV.Our fuel economy has been acceptable for a 4000lb.+ vehicle. We are consistantly experiencing 17 mpg local and 22+ in highway with 10,280 miles The V6 delivers ample power.A bit more touque would be helpful. The plush interior, premium sound system, advanced nav.system, high intensity headlights,& power equip.are well engineered. A "Mercedes" with a Chrysler badge & price.
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Pride of Ownership - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Anemone - May 28 - 10:00 amWe just purchsed a AWD Pacifica, and we get wondeful comments from everyone we see. Some have never seen it, most have admired it, something that never happened with our Previous car a Honda Accord. Sitting in this car makes you feel like a million bucks, without spending it.
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Review - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By KellieH - May 28 - 10:00 ami love this car. for a family of 5 it is great! rides nice handles great.Love the fold down seats. Kids love the DVD. Has tons of options and a great car for the price
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Crossover - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By TwelfthNight - May 23 - 10:00 amThe Chrysler Pacifica provides a smooth ride. The suspension is amazing going over speed bumps and street driving. The electronic features are well designed and the instrument panel is classic and easy to read. The Pacifica corners well and is fun to drive.
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My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By john morrison - May 23 - 10:00 amI think it uses too much gas but is very comfortable to drive and sitting. Very stury and heavy car. Needs more power though.
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The engine cuts off! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By angela - May 19 - 9:46 amI fell in love with this car for its safety and features. Well, its been in the shop 3 times for problems with the upgraded sound system I bought. Now, its going in because the ABS light is on and get this... the car just turns off when you go to slow down and turn sometimes!!! Also, I was on my way to work this a.m. and slowed down to turn, and the car sped up with my foot on the brake!!!!!!! I am infuriated. I wont drive myself or my 5 yr old in this car ever again. I read online reviews and these engine problems seem to be VERY common. They neglected to inform me of this when I bought the car.
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Poor mans Benz - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Benz - May 14 - 10:00 amI was really surprised with the build quality of this vehicle. You can feel the quality of this car just by closing the door! The features are endless, there is even a seperate driver for the navigational system. The ride and drive is impressive, power could be better, overall I am very happy. Ex Lexus owner:)
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Good but need a few improvements - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
By idoc - May 11 - 12:43 amGood car all around. Does not seem as large when driven. Nice ride and very spacious. The navigation screen is poorly placed. Wife almost got into an accident when trying to adjust it. Very poor fuel economy. Much of this car resembles a down scaled version of the MB R class. The nice features in the MB is not in the Pacifica (stability control and large moon-roof), that I wished is availible in the Pacifica.
