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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  Were quite happy.... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Esparto - September 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a loaded AWD Satin Jade version, and couldnt be more pleased with the styling, appearance; it is a very sharp looking car (we thought the darker colors didnt really compliment the uniqueness of the exterior styling). We were primarily looking for functionality, and never having owned a minivan, I wasnt quite prepared to make a leap into one. Chrysler has answered my prayers with the Pacifica. It provides first class seating for four, PLUS an extra row! Performance wise, it is most fun going around corners; the traction is amazing. The self-leveling suspension is a real kick. For what we got, we did not find the car pricey.

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  Undervalued by several thousand $ - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Lionhrt10 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Nicely tight handling; adequate zip (use correct octane); lots & lots of leg room in all rows; will get lots of looks and complements; compares very well to mid-SUVs considered "luxury" for $10K more; folded down seats has more storage than Jeep Cherokee; kids love riding in 3rd row; very smooth ride; truly fun to drive; great materials quality; quiet.

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  Great car...lots to offer - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By waldo - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Car has many qualities...captain chairs, ride, comfort, liftgate....kids love the DVD and sound system (all extra)I receive contant compliments on the look of the vehicle

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  Great Car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By APacificaOwner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Pacifica a couple of months and have been very impressed by it. Its our first Chrysler product and we love it. Its no race car but the performance is pretty good and we have found the fuel mileage to be decent - low 20s in all around driving. The Pacifica is a very roomy and good looking car with lots of utility.

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  2004 Pacifica Family Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Thomas N. - September 13 - 6:50 am

  Overall, we love this vehicle! The last SUV that we owned was a bare bones Isuzu Amigo. The Pacifica is a luxury vehicle. One time glitch: the memory seats did not want to move. The dealership reset the system and it is fine now. The over head lights which are available at each seating position are very handy for adult passengers, but not appropriate for small children. The battery sometimes gets worn down by leaving these on accidentally, although there is a global control to turn these off on the turn signal control. This SUV is very comfortable for passengers in the front and second row of seats. The 3rd row is more comfortable than all 3rd row seats in other SUVs we test drove.

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  04 Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MHCARGUY - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Pacifica for less than two months now and so far Ive had it in the shop 5 times and going for #6. The concept behind the Pacifica is very good however the build quality on this vehicle is horrible. The drivers side floor board is always wet due to a leak that they cant seem to find. Ive also had a computer system go bad and it just went out again yesterday and now there is a clunk in the rear when you go over bumps. I couldnt pass up the lease special on this car, thats why I bought it. I cant wait until my lease is up. It fits my familys needs very well however It should be parked in my driveway all the time and not the dealership.

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  Pacifica Update after 8 months - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Abraham Miller - September 4 - 2:38 pm

  The driver seat height adjustment was deficient for short people (needed a cushion). Required an expensive after market window tinting because of glare, and heat through all windows. Dealer charge for tinting windows excessive (got the tinting done at less than half the dealers charge). Never needed such a tint on my trade in 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, and neither was there any problem with the driver seat height adjustment on latter vehicle. I went thru USAA for an extended warantee which was half the price that the dealership offered. I somehow feel the dealership has no interest in accommodating me, because I paid cash. After 8 months of use, we are more than happy with our Chrysler Pacificas performance, and durability.

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  Family and College - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Popewifey - September 3 - 10:00 am

  We JUST bought our Pacifica and we LOVE it. This is our second Chrylser product that we have purchased and I have to say that they do good work. My husband actually flattened one of the tires on his car so that he could drive it to work! If you are thinking of getting this car and you are kindof on the fence about it, GO DRIVE IT! Dealerships are more than happy to let you take it for like an hour or two so just that you can see what all the car can do.

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  My Red Velvet Van - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Ames - September 2 - 6:24 pm

  I purchased the LIMITED version of the Pacifica because it has the bells & whistles that I wanted. I have had it now for 4 months. Everyday I find something new to learn about this vehicle and I am amazed at the improvement in engineering and design. I had an 05 Chrysler T & C Limited for 12 years with all the bells & whistles available at that time. This Pacifica is so different. I looked at the Honda Odessey, Toyota Sienna and the Kia Sedona and decided on the Pacifica hands down.

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  My Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Greg - August 23 - 2:26 pm

  Love the car. Will buy another in the future. Its a pleasure to drive and own. I havent had it in the shop for anything else but regular maintenance. Its such a beautiful car to look at... someone tried to steal it! They were unsuccessful. The alarm system scared them off.