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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  Super car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mannwil - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Pacifica after owning 4 Jeeps - What a difference! I love the comfort and looks of this car and would highly recommend it to anyone especially one anyone who is looking for soemthing more fun than an SUV

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  Why Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By redtackshop - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride and control

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  Pacifica Touring Review - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By PJ - November 11 - 1:33 am

  This is the vehicle for anyone not wanting a minivan or the truck-like ride of an SUV. I absolutely love this car / SUV (Crossover).

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  Perfect for Baby Boomers - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By B25Nut - November 8 - 12:53 am

  I now have 30,000 miles on my Pacifica and I couldnt be happier. The Dodge Magnum is the only other vehicle that calls my name but I know the Magnum would only give me a fraction of the features my Pacifica gives me. Passenger comfort and ease of entry, especially for older parents, is unmatched by any other vehicle. The Pacifica has enough power to get me up to a minimum of 65 mph on any freeway onramp and enough to sustain 75 mph in autostick up a steep grade. Does anyone need more power than that? Memory seats & petals make switching drivers a breeze. Knowing you are driving one of, if not the safest cars on the road is very comforting.

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  Poor Quality - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Satish - November 4 - 11:36 am

  This is great looking car, but I am disappointed with the cheap material and poor performance/workmanship and low mileage. Front bumper is made with very thin plastic. I get only 13-15 mile/gallon. During winter time it gave starting trouble several times but the dealer fixed it after 2 visits but I am still having low mileage problem.

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  ELectronics work at will - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bob lewis - November 3 - 4:39 am

  cruise control; set it at 55 going down hill it does not hold you close to 55 it speeds up you will be going 10 to 15 above speed, controls work when ever dash lights blink off and on, The main thing I have 5,438 miles on the car and it has used 3 qt of oil. Going back to dealer with strong words .Dealer doing a oil check every 1000 miles They going to keep car for 2 days to find problem with cruise control, still working on lights. no longer using oil still having problem with cruise control dealer cant get it to do it,but they are going to ride with me to see if they can see it. Dealer is working with me.

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  Underated gem! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Schmidski - November 1 - 2:00 am

  To date this is the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. Just as functional as my former Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee but easier to drive, exceptionally luxurious, better fuel consumption and more comfortable for trips and going "out on the town".

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  Questionable experience - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By michelle borzick - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The moon roof exploded and pushed the glass in small pieces up and out of the vehicle. Glass came back into the vehicle. The dealership was not concerned with safety. They were unable to understand the safety concern. A 2nd moon roof was installed. The weatherproof strip buckled in less than a day. The dealership could not explain the previous so we were concerned this buckling may create the same accident. The owner of Norco Motors Pacifica moon roof has no signs buckling. A 3rd moon roof will be installed in the vehicle. They apologize that we feel unsafe. They are sure we are not. They cannot explain why it happened.

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  Happy Pacifica owner - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By happypacificadriver - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Love everything about the Pacifica except the gas milage. Cant complain too much it is better then my Durango was! Styling is fantastic. Cant understand why a lover of the Japanese car makers would by it but to each his own. I love everything about this car!

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  Chry. Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ron Heege - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Hot looking with performance