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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  Love our Town&Country. Dissapointed by Pacifica. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LoveTown&Country - April 30 - 10:38 am

  We have a 2008 Chrysler Town&Country that we love; but we were wanting a new van, and so we went to test drive the Pacifica with the full intent to buy it. But we were extremely disappointed. When they re-designed the van, the designers clearly did not take into account that most people driving vans have families of more than two children (the whole reason to buy a van). While the Town&Country had 2 DVD screens, giving you the option for the third row to watch DVDs without the second row having to see it ( a great feature when you drive other adults in the car); the new Pacifica ignores the third-row-passengers completely. In the Pacifica, there are fantastic in-seat screens for the second row (they are installed on the back of the first row seats), but these screens cannot be seen from the back row when the 8th seat is installed. Which means that if you have any kids in the last row, they do not have the option to watch DVDs. Which seems a huge design-flaw as I know many families whose kids sit in that last row. We presumed that it would be possible to install these in-seat screens for the third row, an obvious fix, but our salesman informed us that that was not possible. So no DVD watching for the passengers in the third row. Meanwhile, if you decide to go sit in that last row, you quickly realize that the headrests are tilted forward at a sharp angle, which was very uncomfortable for an adult. And they are not adjustable. When we inquired about this, the salesperson told us these seats were meant for children, not adults (so they did want children sitting in that row, just not ones that would want to be entertained by the DVD system). But here is were you run into a bigger problem. Children grow. They do not remain tiny forever. Our oldest just turned 15, and he is 59. Still a child, but too tall for the back row of this minivan, according to our salesperson. Thus, he would have to sit in the middle row, leaving our younger children sitting in the back, whining about the unfairness of the screen situation (and no, you cannot have adjustable headrests installed in that last row). So, while we were really excited about the possibilities of this new van, if you have more than 2 children, the Town&Country was a much better model.

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  Way to go chryler - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By GH - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I belive that the Pacifica is the perfect car for the family with kids older than 4. It has the room of a van, but a look and handling of a car. The way they brought together the easy or use and high dollar look is a great sign for Chrysler..Way to go!

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  Thrilled that I bought it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CharlieinNJ - April 26 - 2:00 am

  After purchasing my 2002 Acura MDX, I remember seeing an artists rendering of the 2004 Pacifica. It was love at first sight! I said, "If it looks as good on the inside as it looks on the outside, when it comes time to trade in my Acura, Ill certainly be visiting my local Chrysler dealership". I now have a Pacifica. Let me tell you, I LOVE IT! People have remarked they wish it had more horsepower....I just dont find that to be the case. Overall, I find this vehicle to be an amazing home run by Chrysler. I have no regrets buying it, whatsoever. Ill take my Pacifica with an extra $10,000 still in my pocket over buying another Acura MDX, ANYDAY!

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  Pacifica - Touring - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DeeB - April 24 - 10:50 pm

  We were attracted to this vehicle because of its beauty. However, from the drivers seat, I could not reach out the window comfortably without undoing my seatbelt. The front is so compact, purses, bags, etc. are literally under your legs. I had trouble juding distance from not being able to see over the dash very well. The back row was general kept down for storage. However, if we suddenly needed space for another passenger, we had to unpack and lift the seats, which was very awkward. My daughter could not rest on long trips, because the seat would not recline all the way to sleep because of the back row being laid down for luggage.

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  Pacifica gets an A+ for safety & style! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By islanderscafe - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The Pacifica gets 5 stars overall. Its safety ratings are #1 in all categories. The comfort and ride is luxurious and the standard options match most luxury SUVs on the market. The 3.5 6 cyclinder 250 hp engine can be added to for a better 0-60sec acceleration rating (currently at about 9-9.5sec). Maybe with an additional 25-50hp or a V8 option this too will improve. The vehicle does well with its passing acceleration. As for price the Pacifica cant be beat since Chrysler added a $3,000 manufacture rebate. Many dealer will add to this with between $500 to $4000 in additional rebates making this vehicle the best buy for under $30,000!!

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  Old Timers Cruiser - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Bob - April 16 - 8:51 am

  Chrysler has reinvented the minivan again, buy with complete confidence and satisfaction.

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  Great review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lemke - April 6 - 9:16 am

  I am totally satisfied with the Pacifica and comfort, performance and overall qualtiy and design. It seems like they thought of everything for the driver. The only down side is all the small buttons on the radio, cd etc...however after some time you get use to them. Having the radio controls under the steering wheel is just great. You can keep your eyes on the road and still control volume and change stations. The ride is great.

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  The Best - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Maysoon - March 27 - 10:00 am

  We are truely happy with our purchase of the New Chrysler Pacifica. This car is truely one of the best.

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  Love it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rlouden - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We testdrove the Pacifica on the way to buy an Acura MDX at the dealership next door. We were "wowed." We still went on to buy the MDX though because we just couldnt adjust to buying a Chrysler product. After opening and closing the MDX liftgate by hand a couple of times, we decided to put our purchase on hold while we did further research on Chryslers recent products. We ended up with the Pacific with all the toys and after 2 months we couldnt be happier. We LOVE this car.

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  Wow. Feel of SUV with 20inch tires. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Donna Geslak - March 18 - 9:40 am

  It is the first car with the sportyness of an suv and the comfort of a mininvan. Room for everyone and everything. 20 inch wheels a must. Only thing that black interior color shows dirt too much, but 2 tone interior of mocha brown and black with light inside top really make the car feel roomy and regal. Classic car with a very expensive feel. Great alternative to Escalade. Better riding views everywhere in car, more comfortable inside without feeling that you are driving a boat. Pacifica handles beautifully and almost half the price of the Escalade. Would recommend to anyone. Get the glass top too. Wonderful driving experience. Just wish it was less expensive so that everyone could enjoy the ride with all the bells and whistles without the high price tag. Lastly it is a very understated car. I like that because people wont think to steal it first like a BMW or Mercedes, but on the inside it is loaded with luxury.