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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  Extremely Pleased - 2008 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Vincent Black Shadow - May 26 - 10:07 am

  Traded an 03 Town & Country that served us very well. Couldnt be more pleased with the Pacifica as a replacement. Refined and quiet, well done interior and great performance for a vehicle of this size. Havent had it long enough to judge the fuel economy but Im really not concerned. This is a very well made and well thought out car. Not to mention 30% off sticker from a dealer that was on the "list".

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  Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Davland - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Pacifica is a wonderful ride,but lacks in MPG.Love the smooth HANDLEING.

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  What Problems???? - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Phill - May 15 - 7:54 pm

  I have owned my Pacifica for almost two years and it has never had to go back to the dealer. I give it regular maintenance and it drives like a dream. I use the car for everything and I average about 22 mpg (Not too many long hauls in Hawaii). It gets up to speed quickly and stops quickly and straight. I have experienced the chatter of the trans between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 1st at slow speed and that Chrysler "cure" was a flash to the engine computer. I have not taken it to the dealer as I dont want it to end up worse than it started. I have not had the opportunity to speak to other owners as Pacificas are not that prevalent here.

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  LOVE IT - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SILVERMOON103 - May 10 - 2:45 pm

  This is the first SUV/Crossover owed and I LOVE IT! I have the Touring edition with the navigation/dvd/6disk changer and wouldnt give up anything! At first learning to back up in it was a challenge as there is a slight blind spot on the drivers side but after some getting used to, hardly noticable anymore. Replacing tires is expensive but if that is all i have to replace then i am very content to pay whatever needs to be paid to get them taken care of. The seats are extra comfortable especially with lumbar support and easy to drive on long trips. The performance is great and handling is easy!

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  Still loving it! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tonk - May 5 - 10:55 am

  Bought used in 06 w/46K - replaced brakes at 90K (1st time - $800) and just replaced relay for radiator fan ($160). Aside from klunky sound from front axel area car has been amazing. I drive a lot and love feeling safe & secure. Was ready to trade to newer model until read they were being discontinued. Will probably keep it till Im embarrassed by rust or until it just wont run...Love it!

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  Best I ever owned, beats Honda, Toyota, easily. - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By L Blair - May 4 - 8:31 pm

  My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX, with the rebates and discounts (not offered with Honda or Toyota), was thousands less than either Honda or Toyota. I paid 25,500 for the base model which is many thousands less than any other minivan except the Grand Caravan. Its the quietest riding car ever. Gas mileage is better than advertised by about 3 miles per gallon, as I consistently get 32 mpg on the hiway, and 27 combined city and hiway. I had a 2014 Chrysler Town and Country, which was also a great van, but this is better as it gets much better gas mileage, is quieter, turns shorter and easier to handle. The stow and go, not available on Honda, or Toyota, makes it the most versatile van ever. I can use it to haul cargo or up to 7 people, or any combination of both. The Pacifica rides quieter and smoother, gets better mileage, is more versatile, Turns shorter and handles better, and even costs less than Honda or Toyota, as I test drove these before buying the Pacifica. I dont know if it will hold the resale value well yet, but someone thinks so as I leased mine for way less than a Toyota or Honda.

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  Simply Amazing SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By vamfrank - May 2 - 1:04 am

  I simply love this car. Solid , reliable, and great looks. It is like driving a Mercedez with a chrysler logo. I was a bit reluctant to go with an American car, but no regrets. I am still amazed at my car. Pure luxury

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  Pacifica hits the mark... - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By orion191 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica was perfect for me!!!!! I have enough room to comfortably lug around a few kids or friends yet I dont feel like a "Soccer Mom" with a clunky minivan. It handles well to be as large and heavy as it is and it has a wonderful sleek exterior look to it along with the fact that interior screams luxury. I think Chrysler made a good decision with the V6 - you have ample power (although not exceptional) along with great gas mileage. All in all, I love the fact that the Pacifica is practical yet fun!!!! By the way I only paid $34,000 for a fully loaded Pacifica.

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  Wow! Wow! Wow!!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mykidsrthebest - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I needed a bigger car coming from a sedan. Car is great for carpool with the kids. Seats unbelievably comfortable and DVD system a Godsend for any parents. I get the best looks driving through the streets and everybody asks me what car Im driving. I should get comission (LOL). My only problem is someone broke my passenger side window on the first day that I had the car and it is now six weeks later and Chrysler did hasnt manufactured replacement parts.

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  Best Car. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Paul Lowry - April 22 - 8:06 am

  This is simply the best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned a broad spectrum of autos over 50 years of driving. Mine has been trouble free. Ive just replaced the transmission oil cooler and had a brake job done at 49,000 miles, but that would be expected after years of trouble-free driving. I am still running on the original Michelins, but intend to get a set of new tires this year. My wife and I enjoy taking day trips in our Pacifica because we feel so safe and it is both quiet and comfortable with excellent road manners in all situations from gravel roads to freeways. The only issues are the 15 mpg around town and poor visibility due to the thick pillars. 25 MPG highway, though.