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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  2004 Pacfica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pacifica Owner2 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car and very solid

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By atlantica - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We love the vehicle. It has the ideal blend of safety and style that other cars did not have. The cargo capacity is tremendous. We were able to fit an oversized downfilled chair in the back and still had room for more.

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  Totally Awesome Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Moobear47 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw this vehicle, I was not overly interested in it since I have never been interested in an SUV type automobile. Something about the styling impressed me enough to drive it and I was completely blown away. It is the first time since I was a teen-ager that I absolutely had to have a certain car. Weve had it about a month now and Im still looking back at it when its parked. It is the closest thing to a perfect vehicle I have ever been exposed to. Quiet, smooth, solid, and a blast to drive. Kudos to Chrysler!!!

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  Stationwagon, I dont think so! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Malimis - September 26 - 10:00 am

  So far I am very pleased with my Pacifica. One problem that I am experiencing that the dealer will work on next week is the sunroof. It seems like the interior around the sunroof is going to cave in if I have the sunroof open at all. So, it is a pretty annoying thumping sound that hurts my ears and somone will have to do something about it...

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  Its a different on the road - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Simon Wu - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned at least 10+ Chrysler vehicles, the Pacifica is totaly different on the road, the interior design is so beautiful, I love the seat position for the best, unlike other Chrysler products I drove before, the height and support are just like Volvo, firm but very comfort, the cabin is so quite on the highway, I cna believe it moved at 85 mph, the only thing Im not sured is the Japeness style of power window button, they operated just opposite of the direction what I used to do, overall Im very impressed of the initial quality of the Pacifica, I can find anything wrong in the 1st 30 days of the ownership

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  Real Surprise - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Doug Brown - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Turning in a 2000 Jaguar XJR for a Pacifiac was painful, but necessary to meet our needs. Waht a pelsant surprise when the real drivability and finish matched the test drives.

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By tom tommy - September 26 - 10:00 am

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  A Vehicle That Works - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BWeid - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is the vehicle our family needed. We had a new Audi A6 and the comfort was just not there for all of us. For me the sacrifice was in performance going from a luxury sedan with a turbo and manual transmission, but the payoff was in a wonderfully roomy feel like we were all together to enjoy the ride, not just take it. My wife says its the perfect car for her...we have plenty of room for luggage on trips now...two kids in the back and once were there two extra seats open up....we both really love it!

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  BEST CAR CHRYSLER HAS BUILT - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TIMOTHY BUDDEN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  PERHAPS THE BEST VEHICLE CHRYSLER HAS BUILT. NOTHING COMPARES TO THE QUALITY OR RIDE. THERE WILL BE NO FOREIGN COMPETITION IF THIS QUALITY CONTINUES.

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  NEW CAR THAT IS THE FUTURE - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mike /kelli - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Was looking at other SUVs & wagons( Lexus, Volvo) and the Pacifica is the best in class. Nice styling, roomy inside. Very nice car for the first year of production. Will only get better in time. Love the seating for 6 people. Not many SUVs in this class can seat 6. Keep up the good work.