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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  Im a - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mgkeane - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all of the "crossover" class of vehicles, including the Acura MDX, Lexus RX330 and Volvo. Pacifica beat them in our estimation, hands down. Its a great family vehicle, and a SUPERB alternative to "stodgy" minivans and "rolling" SUVs. Test drive this car today!!

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  DO NOT BUY THIS VAN - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pokey - February 21 - 11:17 pm

  DO NOT BUY, IT IS DANGEROUS! My sliding door opens on its own...came out from eating at a steak house and my van door was open, pulled in my garage the sliding door opened on its own....the radio and USB is crap, it works when it wants to....this van will cause your nerves to be shot...because you dont know when you come out of the grocery store if everything you left in the van will be stolen because the door is wide open...to many problems....or at least mine is a big yellow lemon and Chrysler wont do a thing for me!

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  Chrysler Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By C. E. Beehler - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Have owned many cars and SUVs...so far its a great vehicle. Only have 6,000 mi. including a 2,000 mi trip.Car has too many good features to list them all, (for the money)..........

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  Happy Times - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By adamsue - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Had to work hard to get price down but worth it. Great and worth it!

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  12 Months Later - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By H BRIONES - February 16 - 8:03 pm

  We have enjoyed the convenience of our Pacifica. Great 21+ mpg on trips and 17 in the city. Love being able to carry large purchases home and save delivery charges. Many compliments on appearance. The a/c cools fast - a much needed feature in the desert southwest. This one is a "keeper."

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  Mercedes Influence - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Jay Arnold - February 12 - 2:00 am

  While I have only had my Pacific a relatively short time, I was impressed with the ride and handling from the moment I test drove the demo. It appears that the Mercedes partnership has begun to have a very positive influence on the Chrysler offering. I traded in a 300M and the Pacific is heads & tails a better riding auto.

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  Pacifica - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry Boone - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle metts all of my needs. Its perfect for work i.e taking customers out for meetiings, I have a four year old son and the vehicle has ample space to carry him and all of his motorised toys and equiptment, and most of all when I go out socially, I dont feel out of place being formally dressed on a night on the town. This is the perfect automobile!!!

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  Best Chrysler Ever - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By adj - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great family vehicle. Beautiful lines. Excellent comfort on the inside. Plenty of power (250HP) on a relatively fuel efficient V6. I have owned BMWs in the past. This chrysler have a european built quality and ride. Compares very good. We have the surround sound with DVD & TV. The kids absolutely love it. We can not find anything wrong with this vehicle.

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  Pacifica - Magnifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dkmiller26 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Pacifica is a great vehicle. Six passengers can ride although the two in the 3rd row are going to be less comfortable. The design is fantastic and the features are great.

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  Very Comfortable - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cleary - January 6 - 2:00 am

  Have only had this car a few weeks, but it is very comfortable to drive compared to the mini-van we had, and my husband (who is well over 6 feet tall) loves the head and leg room in both the front and back seats. Not much cargo space at all but if you only have two kids like us, the rear seats fold down and provides more room.