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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  New car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Don - June 27 - 11:33 pm

  In first 1000 miles had to take car back 6 times to get "Free DVD" system to operate correctly. Car came with DVD in dash from factory and Dealer advertised "Free DVD Monitor" with sale. What I was not told was the monitor was not going to be a Chrysler unit but a cheap aftermarket. I found out the hard way that it does not turn off when folded back up and the key is off. Had to jump car twice before found out what was running battery down. Also had Uconnect system installed and its phone book feature does not work very well. Uconnect does a good job of receiving calls but makes entering items in the phone book very hard.

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  I love my Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By klm7233 - June 20 - 12:08 pm

  My 2004 pacifica has nearly 150000 miles on it. It has plowed through ice and snow. It responds quickly in tight situations. I have had several vehicles over the course of my life, and this is by far the best I have ever had. I was so disappointed when they discontinued the model.

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  All Purpose "Sleeper" - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Clark - June 18 - 6:03 pm

  I just bought a used Pacifica AWD 2004 @ 38,000km and put-on 4,500 km in 8 weeks. Long distances feel as though the real time is halved due to the high level of driving comfort & sportiness. Stepping out of a vehicle without driving fatigue is a pleasure. No reliability problems to date and performance is acceptable for highway passing. I recommend a fully optioned Pacifica. A used buy is excellent value. It is too bad Chrysler mgmt. has not backed the higher priced Pacifica concept as it is an original design & quality build.

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  Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Subhash Chawla - June 14 - 3:41 am

  We drove Honda Odyssey earlier but were not very happy with the 2015 model. I can say we did not make a mistake with the purchase of 2017 Pacifica. Rides very smooth, easy on turns, very comfortable. Our salesman Mohamed Omar knew the car very well and explained to us each and everything.

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  2nd one and I love it - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John - June 11 - 10:22 am

  We purchased a 2005 new off the lot and it has 80K and looks like its brand new, only had to put tires and oil changes, got 75K on the brakes. love it so much that I just found a 2006 with 21K, like a brand new one. I know Chrysler got a bad wrap, but I have had a concorde, two intrepids and a LHS, all of them have been low maintianance and drove well. If you can find one with lowe miles, they are going cheap and are great hwy cars. Only draw back is that they are a 4 person not 6 for comfort.

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  I couldnt ask for anything more! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bayareaboy2003 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I was initially rather skeptical about this vehicle. I thought it might be another one of those gimmicky cars that would not live up to expectations. However, after comparing the Pacifica to several vehicles (new and used) I was convinced that this is the vehicle for my family. Im staying away from all of the trendy terms: SUV, Sport Tourer, Sport wagon... BLAH. Whatever you want to label it, it is just a great automobile, Period! See for yourself...

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  Good by Lexus RX - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DVDRON - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what Ron from OR is talking about. The quality of my Pacifica is well above my old problem plagued RX 300. I think I smell a rat with Ron. Sales must be slow at the Japanese dealership he sells cars at. This thing is WONDERFUL!

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  Taximom - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S. Geiman - June 9 - 4:26 pm

  Initially did not want the vehicle since it reminded me of a station wagon. Husband insisted. I use it for work, so I put quite a few miles on it yearly. Other than the blind spots, which you need to use the mirrors more than with other vehicles, this car has been great. It is a smooth ride, it gets better gas mileage than was advertised (almost 19) it is quiet, turn-ratio is great, and the stereo is awesome. It is also depended on when we are travelling with many people. Went to the beach last year and fit six in comfortably. I have 55,000 on it and plan to drive it at least two more years.

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  07 PAC just bought - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sweet-wm - June 6 - 11:09 pm

  I have just aquired an 07 Pacifica with 29k miles. Off lease, this is a super clean car. comfor level is great. . .headroom is wonderful, easy in/out for us old timers. I am pleased, perhaps paid a littl too much but love love love the car.

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  Loving every minute of it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chenango Mango - June 5 - 5:10 am

  Traded in an Audi A4 Avant because I needed a bigger car with the addition of a new child. Read all the reviews, test drove the VW Passat, Volvo XC and Audi A6. The Pacifica just has so much more room and functionality and, suprisingly, its darn fun to drive. It doesnt hug the corners like my Audi did, but thats little sacrifce based on what Im gaining. This car has done very well in the snow with all-season tires but I do plan on getting snows for next winter. If Chyslers quality sustains itself over the next 3 years, I will easily lease another one. Right now, I have nothing bad to say about this car based on 1 month and 1000 miles. I love it.