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 my Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ginger - March 9 - 10:36 am

  This is a great combination for those of you looking for the features of a SUV with the room of a mini van.

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  pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Nade - March 8 - 2:00 am

  She has many good points and I would tell anyone how great she is. She does have a couple of bad points, one being the blind spots, with the small back window. She is more difficult to see out of than the Chyrsler Limited. Also, we have had trouble with the tailgate opening when we are in a parking lot, even though it is locked. We put the keys in our pocket and look back to find the tailgate open. This could be a serious problem if there were valuables in the car. The light switches are difficult to use, because it is not consistant. Maybe I should have it checked. Over all she is a great car and rides beautifully, I would give her a B plus.

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  Great Luxuary Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Hayden Marshall - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We got this vehicle on the 28th January (I was allowed to test it for a day) and we have been enjoying it very much. the leather seats (tan)are nice and firm, the seating configuration is great, i have sat in every seat to test for comfort and ease of entry, I am 59" and have had no problems getting in and out. The audio system is astounding. The ride is so comfortable;I took my wife and her aunt to dinner to night and they sat in the second row watching a tv show (on two 5.6 LCDs in the front head rest, similar to what will be offered in the Mercedes version) and she said that she forgot that we were traveling. Hayden Marshall

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  Pride in the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Dawn Beavan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This automobile handles like a dream. I feel like a kid just getting her license. It is my "Baby". Thank you Chrysler!

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  This car beats all other crossovers - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By higgalina - February 18 - 2:00 am

  take a look at this before you go and buy a lexus or an acura this car definitaly surpasses all in terms of comfort, style, and performance in a crossover vehicle take a look!

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  Best Of All Worlds - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LION4130 - February 9 - 2:33 pm

  I just left my Jeep lease and was actually looking for a truck when I came across the Pacifica. Not your typical "family truckster". The design makes it not quite an SUV but not quite a mini van, incorporating the best of both while keeping a car like ride. Im 64" and there is more than enough space for me with comfortable power seats. The base model comes with many standard features that you might pay extra for on other vehicles . The $3000.00 cash back and extra $1000.00 lease loyalty combined with some help from Edmunds on the MSRP, made it a deal I couldnt refuse.

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  love at first sight - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BobL. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and/or driven many good cars. My last car was an suv and it was big because we have huge dogs. I was looking for a new suv and had driven the Volvo xc90, various Toyota suvs and a Mitsubishi Montero. When I went on my test drive in the Pacifica, i knew that this was the car for me. Having owned 4 Mercedes, I can see Daimlers influence.

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  The best vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Grant Baker - February 1 - 2:00 am

  An all round fantastic ridng vehicle for the family. I recommend this vehicle when ever someone ask me for my honest opinion.

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  Black Beauty - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pat Donleycott - February 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought one of the first Pacificas in April of 2003, we now have 15,000 miles on it and love it, a super smooth ride yet very stable in cornering, not a single problem so far, great sound system etc. People continue to stop us and tell us how beautiful the car is. Storage is very versatile.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Dalton - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I have bought many cars in the past and there has not been one that has been as wonderful as this one! I would recomend it to all!!