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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  Excellent Crossover! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Leo - July 30 - 6:11 pm

  We had this great vehicle now for 5 years and our kids still love it as much as we do. From the tri-zone AC to heated front and rear seats, DVD 6 disc, sunroof, satellite radio and leather and suede interior - FIRST CLASS! My wife loves the memory seats W/adjusting break pedals. This vehicle plows through snow like a plow. I wish Chrysler still made this car because we would buy another one no-problem!

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  Blind spot? $2000 later - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cassandra - July 23 - 8:44 pm

  My hatred of this vehicle continues. My only salvation is the extended warranty since I paid cash for the beast. My main rant is the deceitful mpg listed on the window. I trusted and I got schnooked. Do your homework!

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  Just Great! - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MARY - July 13 - 9:03 pm

  I love it! Very comfortable, great fuel economy especially on the highway. 250 hp & 250 torque, really good for an SUV

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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By ed dugan - July 10 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned dozens of cars and rented dozens more. The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is the best car I have ever owned or driven. It looks great, drives great and has a lot of Mercedes in it. It truly is an elegant car and I wouldnt do a thing to change it. Some of the features, like the second seat CD player are wasted on me since we have no children but Im sure it will help the resale value. However, I cannot imagine ever wanting to get rid of this ride.My wife has a serious back problem and we test drove 8-10 vehicles looking for seating that would be comfortable for her. This car was head and shoulders above the others.

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  Owner - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By joe deleo - June 26 - 4:07 am

  Super vehicle - Roomy, comfortable, quick, great look in and out. Very reliable.

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  Love Our Car! - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By AccordingtoHez - June 25 - 4:32 pm

  Bought this 6-passenger car because as a family of 4, its not too big, but theres room to grow (and carpool in the meantime). We have LOVED it! Definitely an upgrade from our economy car before -) If youre looking for a car thats just the right size with lots of amenities, give the car a look. *Disclaimer: Have only owned a few months, so I cannot attest to long-term reliability, but we are not worried about it ourselves.

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  Dont buy this - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By nelson - June 24 - 8:04 pm

  Had vehicle for 6 years poured a lot of money in this car to see if it would last but nope it wont the car is ok but there is a flaw in this car the transmission first and the timing belt driven water pump if it goes bad it pops the timing belt and bends the valves and damage the torque converter the total cost for this vehicle to be fix is 6000 dollars they dont tell you about this but trust me stay away from Chrysler there vehicle are trash straight from the factory trash I mean trash buy a Toyota they last

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  Another fine Chrysler vehicle - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John S. - June 1 - 9:18 pm

  Mine has about 56,000 miles, mostly highway usage and has never (never) had any service issues! It looks good, has decent seat comfort, adequate adult performance and good gas mileage (almost EXACTLY what the car is rated for).Still running on original tires with lots of tread left. What is not to like? I have now had 5 Chrysler cars. They have given me better service from the previous GM and Fords I had and also the horrible Saturn Vue I foolishly bought (ugh). I have considered buying a slightly used Mercedes (for the snob appeal), but I just cant abandon Chrysler given the great results Ive had.

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  2006 pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kemong - May 18 - 2:37 am

  Bought used at repo auction. Very pleased with driving and handling. Lots of room for the family. This car is fat and requires attention getting in and out of parking spaces. No problems after 7K miles of city and highway driving. Only expense so far is oil, tires and alignment. Brakes are next. No engine issues.

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  Im happy and looking for a 2nd 2004 - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - May 11 - 1:12 am

  Ive read the other reviews and I agree with the car having blind sides. We solved it with little oval mirrors stuck on sideview mirrors. We have actually done this to every car weve owned. My wifes pacifica has the electronic rear view mirror. If I get my own pacifica I will change that to a conventional day/night mirror.It is hard to see at night when backing up,esp with tinted windows.I would probably install back up camera. I dont think they are that costly anymore.I would love to have an Escalade or a Navigator but they are lousy on gas. The Pacifica is at least 6 mpg better and has the room I need for my 2 very large dogs.