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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  Great Buy - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cookie - October 15 - 5:23 pm

  Everybody teased me about driving a crossover station wagon until they got in it (to include my husband). Once in it all they could do was stare. It looks just like a luxury suv (lexus) on the inside on guest said. As soon as possible I will be trading iup for the 07 or 08 model. I traded from a Sebring, so I was just trying to keep in the family and I am so glad that i did. I til this day get rave reviews of what they thought the pacifica was and Im glad that I could show them what they are really made of !!!!

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  Excellent choice - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By happycamper1 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an EXCELLENT choice. You may wonder why not a "10" in all categories, then? Well, nothing is perfect, including gas mileage and performance. But thats not what I was looking for. I was looking for a very dependable car that was easy on the eyes, had plenty of room, was under not outrageously priced, drove quietly and comfortably, was safe (the Pacifica got perfect 5 star ratings from the NHTSA crash tests), and had lots of useful ammenities. After test driving the Volvo SUV and the Lincoln Aviator, the Pacifica was a no brainer. Im VERY happy and glad to see Chrysler doing something more upscale.

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  AWESUM CAR!!!! i luv myn - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sh0rTySoFyN - October 2 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. It turns on a dime and is very nice on the interior. It is way before its time and is the perfect family car!!!!!!!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe State - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive and I love the GPS system and Rear seat video. Looks better than the Cadilac or Porsche and costs less. Autostick is awesome.

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  In Love - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By okfine - September 26 - 10:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. Large (heavy) people are very comfortable in the second row of seats.

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  Awesome - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By caulia2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle for those who want the ride and handling of a sedan with the versatility of an SUV and the room of a minivan

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  It "IS" a great vehicle! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By rphillips47 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When I saw the pictures of the Pacifica I thought yeah, well maybe. Then it came out and I said yeah, well maybe. Then it came time to buy and my wife and I went to the dealership to drive a new Jeep Grand Cherokee. We were not impressed, then we drove the Pacifica and ended up buying one. This is a great vehicle. It could use a little more horsepower but, overall, it serves us - especially my wife as she is the main driver - very well.

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  My new Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By pfineberg - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and comfort in a large vehicle. Handles extremely well for something this big. Layout is great, with very comfortable interior. Performance adequeate, could be improved with a 5 speed transmission. Auto stick a nice option, but only used for a little fun. Excellent electronics and controls. Tire pressure sensor and even "low windshield wiper fluid", controls remind you when service is required.

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  spongebob on the video - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By footdoc66 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive so far. Has 3000 mi. on it with no drive problems. Could use a V8 instead of the 6 cylinder. The slapstick is fun to play with. Navigation system is helpful and the DVD player keeps the kids amused for hours. The headphones are wonderful as I would probably go postal if I had to listen to Spongebob for hours on end. Automatic liftgate is not working correctly and I will have to take it to the dealer for repair.

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  Riding the Beast - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By acerone - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive recently purchased a fully loaded 2004 Pacifica which weve termed the "Beast", as we really dont know what class its in. The term is not bec of uncomely looks, but bec it appears so big in our garage. The "Beast" is more quiet than most cars luxury cars Ive driven. It handles like a sports car, rides like an over-sized Caddy and has easy to reach driving equip. The sound system is great and the navigation system, although not On-Star, works exceptionally well. I recommend it for those with family, or need to transport larger items and still want to experience sports car handling but insist on all the comforts. A great car.