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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  Cross Country Ride - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CSB - January 2 - 10:32 pm

  We bought our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica on May 5, 2016 from the Baumann Auto Group store in Fremont, Ohio. We bought the Touring L model. On August 1, 2016, we took a ”shake-down” trip to Denver, Colorado, driving from Tiffin, Ohio to Denver, a trip of about 1200 miles on the interstate. On the trip west we averaged 70 miles an hour and averaged 32 miles per gallons. While there we drove up to the Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park and experienced no difficulties with the car. On our return home trip drove 75 miles per hour and the mileage dropped to 29 mpg. In November of 2016, we drove to Florida and again never experienced any problems. We were very pleased with the performance of the car.

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  A Great Vehicle!!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Cjmath - December 31 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd week of ownership. The finest vehicle I have ever owned, that includes BMW Mercedes etc No complaints. My 1st road trip 800mi was sheer pleasure. The all wheel drive handles well very predictable in icy and snowy conditions. Some have complained about power issues. I do not share that complaint. I live in mountains. Narrow twisting up and down roads are not a problem. It is extremely quiet and a pleasure to drive. The inferno red paint is a real head turner. Only problem is I had to spend $30 to get the license plate bracket to put my LSU Plate up front.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By krazeemommy - December 31 - 2:00 am

  We went from a Suburban to the Pacifica. This car is fabulous! I refused to go back to a minivan. We were researching online and were looking at the Volvo XC90 and the Pacifica. We took one look at the Pacifica, did a test drive, and it was over! The Pacifica is a much better deal option for option, feature for feature! We have 4 children. It is amazing, but kids dont fight, they have plenty of room, it is actually a joy to go on road trips now! We have 11,000 miles on it and get an average of 21.2 mpg!

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  Sport Tourer Indeed! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DrBill313 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This car excells on the open road. I have a well optioned front drive and have been well pleased. Interior room and comfort are remarkable. The interior lacks height compared to a van or SUV, but I have managed to haul some rather impressive items nonetheless. Handling is exceptional for such a large vehicle. It is quite stable. I have found acceleration sufficient for my needs. This car eats up Interstate miles and keeps you happy while doing so.

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  Love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By FTJUGDE - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love it. I drives nice and the kids have a blast. It hadels like a car but seats 6 adults.

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  Its Red and I Love It! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By psivka - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I researched and tried out all the higher-end suvs for 6 months and always came back to the Pacifica. Fun and easy to drive, great luxery seating, stereo cd/dvd system and great navigation equipment. Easy to get in and out of and the power lift AND close tailgate is the best. Its a vehicle that makes me feel special!

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  2004 Pacifica 4WD - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By benneyb - December 29 - 5:33 am

  Overall, a very good vehicle that does not live up to the "designed/influenced etc. by Mercedes" line the dealer trys to push. Excellent for 4 people, but flipping the middle seats down to get 2 additional in the back is a problem. Decent performance held back by 4 spd transmission and peaky motor. Very good handling until limited suspension travel used up, with a thud. Very little stowage space with all seats up, decent with rear seats folded. Outstanding in snow and poor conditions (4WD model). Overall, a feeling of lack of refinement. Others likely not as demanding nor push as hard as me - YMMV.

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  Electrical Problems up the Wazzooooo - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kalchaser - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Pacifica for a little over seven months. The first couple were great. I have had nothing but problems with it lately. In the last couple months I have put in a new dash cluster, new headlights, and a new AC/heat unit (because the display panel went out). It also broke down on me during a short roadtrip, something with the air in-take or out-take. While it looks nice, it is not a cheap car and it should not have this many problems. Yes, everything so far has been under warranty, but as much as I drive the warranty isnt going to last that much longer. Then I will be screwed, electrical problems are not cheap.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By leftyjim - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This cars invoice was 33,800. I got it for 29,900. What a deal.

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  A real surprise ... - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joe Haraida - December 1 - 10:56 pm

  It was time to trade in our 2000 Grand Caravan. My wife and I were looking for Minivan or SUV that would be roomy enough for our family and an occasional guest or two. While web surfing we saw the Pacifica and it caught both of our eyes. We went to a dealer for a test drive and were hooked! Bought it that day! It had the room we needed and the style and comfort we wanted!