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:
Showing 871 through 880 of 1,401.00-
05 Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
By Brian - June 23 - 3:43 amConfident drive and handling on all road conditions, including snow and ice. Comfortable, without being plush. A cross between Euro/Japanese feel to the ride and drive. The only downfall is fuel economy somwhere between 13-16 mpg.
-
The Pig - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By mongostraight - June 20 - 2:00 amAfter losing our beloved Grand Caravan AWD in an accident 3 days before Xmas, we scrambled to find another AWD to take advantage of the year-end rebates. We ended up with a Pacifica. Its beautiful, its luxurious, it feels very safe, but its a pig. It carries fewer people and less stuff, but is wider and heavier than the GC it replaced. It gets terrible gas mileage and has so many blind spots, backing up at night is a crap shoot. My wife refuses to drive it unless she absolutely has no other choice. Thank God its a 3 year lease.
-
Love My Pacidica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By DisneyFans - June 15 - 10:00 amWe purchased our Pacifica in October 2003. We fell in love with the style and spacious seating area. I have had no mechanical issues so far. We love the fact that Chrysler offers a rental car when taking it in for service. The car is excellent for the average size family and for lugging the neighborhood kids back and forth to school.
-
Pacifica at one year - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Frank Wissell - June 10 - 10:00 amCar handles fine---gas mileage leaves a little to be desired (13 and 21) versus same engine in previous car (300M) at 17 and 24. Outside plastic discoloration needs to be addressed by factory. Back bumper easily reflects bumps (creases) and its costly to replace.
-
Chryslers best kept secret - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By kcmiller - June 2 - 6:53 pmWeve only owned this car for a few months, but we really fell in love with it after renting one when our previous car (Toyota Sienna) was totalled by an insane old lady. This is the first Chrysler product we have ever owned and we are impressed with it thus far. If it is as reliable as we hope then we will continue to be fans of Chrysler products. Chrysler really needs to advertise this one!
-
Excellent - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Rolling Stone - May 27 - 10:00 amThis is the greatest car there has been in years. This car is extraordinary and outstanding. If someone out there is looking for a family car or a beautiful car with room, the Chrysler Pacifica is absolutely perfect for your needs. This car is fun to drive, comfortable, wonderfully designed(interior and exterior), is incrediably reliable!!! Out of 10 stars I would give it 15. This car should be voted "car of the year", no, no the "car of the Decade".
-
Great Car for the $$$ - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By heartrok - May 20 - 10:00 amWe are really enjoying our Pacifica. Lots of room and very comfortable. The Pacifica feels solid and well put together. Lots of premium materials, and build quality is certainly at a new level for Chrysler. This is the perfect car for a family of four who wants the flexibility to take the grandparents along every once in a while, but doesnt want a minivan. The 5 star safety ratings for front and side impact speak for themselves. At 4,700 lbs. the Pacifica should have a V8, but the current V6 is smooth and quite. Great car. I recommend it highly.
-
nick,s thoughts - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By njdave - May 20 - 10:00 amThus far I really like the car and its performance.
-
FUN, NEW CROSSOVER CAR/SUV - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By PACIFICA PATTSY - May 20 - 10:00 amWE WENT TO THE DERLERSHIP TO BUY A LIBERTY, BUT AFTER DRIVING THE JEEP LIBERTY AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, THERE IS JUST NO COMPARISSON. THS CAR HAS A SMOOTH LUXURIOUS DRIVE, AND FEEL TO IT. SO MUCH ROOM, ANYONE THAT HAS GOOTEN IN MINE HAS BEEN PRESENTLY SUPPRISED.
-
Handles great, but a few little problems - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
By Nick Talbot - May 14 - 2:00 amHandles very nicely and is a comfortable vehicle for long drives. We were even able to fit a single matress in the cabin with the seats folded down. The quad Heated seats are very nice, plus the Xeon headlights put out a great viewing area.
