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 car - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By monkey5 - May 4 - 9:36 pm

  I have had this car from the beginning and I love it! I always get complimented by passengers. There are so many nice features- the heated seats in front and back and I can comfortably haul two adults in the third row as well. The auto liftgate is a huge help when getting groceries and the car has a really smooth ride. The entertainment options are awesome and keep the kids very happy. Great also because we can haul them and their friends without a huge road hog vehicle. Have not had any technical issues other than an electrical coil that was under warranty. Would recommend this to anyone.

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  Love it - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Stacey - May 4 - 10:24 am

  I have put all of the 140,000 miles on this car and have loved every minute! Aside from normal things like Gas, Oil Changes, brakes batteries and tires I have not spent much money. In the 5 1/2 years I have had it I have spent less than $3,000 on repairs. An air conditioner blower motor, power seat motor on the drivers side, motor mounts and some transmission service.

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  Plenty of Room, Too many issues - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Derrick - April 24 - 3:44 pm

  This vehicle caught our eye immediately on the lot. We purchased it for the sole purpose of interior space and safety rating. With a very high safety rating and 3 rows of seats, this met our criteria. After about 2 years of enjoying the car in the summer time, we also came to the conclusion that we never should have purchased a non-AWD vehicle in Colorado Springs. This vehicle handles terribly on the snow. We had to buy winter tires just to get around. After 3 years, the problems started. Control Arm, in-dash computer, fuel gauge, struts, mounts, sway bar, etc.

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  Update - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By William - April 23 - 10:59 pm

  I am a traveling Sales Rep and have put 30,000 miles on my Pacifica since 10/09. I still like the interior and ride. It does on ocasion groan in the driver side front end when I turn right. The tranmission on ocasion shifts hard. Other than those two issues has been a slightly above average car. Thanks! William

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  2006 Chrysler Pacifica-Touring - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By S.J. Davalos - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  I bought the vehicle a little over 2 yrs ago with 39,000 mi. So far Ive had to replace both cv joints at under 42,000mi, 2 coil packs, front disc brakes, transmission leak at 40,000. The gas mileage stinks, and the front brakes are having problems breaking again. This would not have happened with a Japanese vehicle. You can bet that this is my FIRST AND LAST Dodge/Chrysler vehicle I ever buy and would only recommend it to our enemies.

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  Dont Waste Your Money - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By danyella3_21 - April 13 - 1:14 pm

  I have had my Pacifica for 2 years now and the gas tank has been completely replaced twice and still doesnt work properly. It takes 10-15 minutes to pump $20 of gas. Chrysler says there is no recall for this, only a "technical flag." I do love the interior of this vehicle. Its very spacious and super comfortable. Six adults can ride and have plenty of room. The seats fold down and make it easy to haul all kinds of things, big and small. It drives very well. Smooth riding for all passengers. I would love to keep it longer if my gas tank worked. I am trading it in for a Ford. (The only company that didnt take my taxpayer dollars and still showed profit!)

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  How can a modern car be this bad? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pachitica - April 13 - 10:06 am

  I have had many many cars. All types, foreign and domestic, sports cars and SUVs. I have never had so many things go wrong on a car. When I bought my Pacifica, I thought it would be the perfect blend between ability to carry my family and clients, tow a boat and not have the fuel consumption of my 5.7 liter tundra. Boy was I wrong. The fuel mileage is actually worse (15.4 mix city/hwy), I have so far needed to replace both motor mounts (by the way when I bought it it had 36k miles. Now 42k), the drivers seat (because it moves just enough to annoy the hell out of you when you leave a light), there is the well documented creak in the front end, periodically there is a clunk when

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  Help - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By gary - April 9 - 8:16 pm

  I own a 2004 Pacifica, and have a lot of problems with BRAKES. I had the motor mount replaced, and changed the brakes about every 4 months. The car is nice inside, rides good, and is comfortable. The only thing is all the maintenance work.

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  Never buy one - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dlpannebakker - April 7 - 10:42 pm

  At first great auto. After owning for 2 years the black roof trim attachment points broke on both sides, dash panel in front of dash cracked and now the worst transmission failure. I never had a trans failure in any one of my cars. 2 Olds 442, 1 69 Hurst/Olds, 1972 Volvo 242, 2 Volvo 740 GLE, Dodge W250 Cummins Diesel, trans in it is weak. Borge Warner should have done a far better job. The Pacifica is in my words is not an dependable vehicle. Intake manifold is open at both ends, this allows mice to live between the V of the engine block, causing a chewing off the anti-knock sensor wire. Had it done, job performed by myself, not trusting ASE certified mechanics and the shop/dealer.

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  what is a pacifica? - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By whtebread619 - April 3 - 10:01 am

  We got a Chrysler Pacifica a couple of weeks ago. When the salesman showed it to us, I thought, what the hell is a pacifca. it had a hundred and seven thousand miles on it so we got the extended warranty.The reason we got another car is because my pathfinder is in the shop with radiator/transmission problems. I hope we have better luck with this car. So far t has been a very good experience. I hope it will continue to be so.