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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  Funtastic - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By JoeCos - December 1 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle. Fun to drive headturner! Wasnt sure coming out of a Volvo S-80 and a BMW 5 series prior to that but absolutely content, very thrilled with this exceptional vehicle. Luxury, performance, styling and value, great package!

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  Fabulous - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By somms - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how well this vehicle handles. You dont have the roll of a higher SUV and it corners very well. Smooth is the best way to describe the ride, my family and I are in love with this car.

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  fun from Catonsville - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By greta brooks - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, excellent comfort from a previous Lincoln owner this is the perfect autombile for a crossover.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By satisfiedpacowner - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Chrysler definitely has a winner. Very comfortable for four people, but in a pinch, can transport up to six. I took five (tall) teenagers to Houston from Dallas without a whole lot of complaining. Theres more than meets the eye when it comes to room behind the third seat. The outward curvature of the lift gate allowed more than expected luggage--but will need to use luggage rack for longer trips. Gas mileage is getting better. We have enjoyed our Pacifica. Its definitely not a mom-mobile.

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  Fun, sporty ride. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Scott Brew - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is very intelligently designed. Drives great, sporty handling. Beautiful interior layout, and great usability features (fold-down seats, storage areas). The sound system is better than my home theater, and this car sports the first navigation system ever to be rated "usable" by me.

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  Pacifica is great - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By OSwanee - November 29 - 11:50 pm

  Love the car. Handles great and fun to drive. More of a luxury car than a SUV. Drove over 4000 miles out west on vacation and had no problems with mountains. Seats are wonderful and back seat has lots of room. Third seat for children only but most of the time leave down. Lots of room to haul things.

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  2006 Chrysler Pacifica - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By John Linton - November 24 - 2:46 am

  This vehicle is pure fun and joy to drive and ride in! It is everything and more that I had expected when I ordered it. It has style, comfort, pep, fuel economy and it turns heads. The only trip back to the dealership[ has been for an oil change. No surprises with this car. Overall finish and detail is as near perfect as anything Ive seen so far. Im delighted with it.

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  Great car! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mom of 4 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a comfortable, great driving car. We have been on several long (10 plus hour) trips with four children. Everyone is comfortable. We always get lots of positive comments on how nice looking the car is when we are out and about. We highly recommend the Pacifica.

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  Great Ride - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Coolness4me - November 5 - 10:13 am

  I have owned the Pacifica for only 2 or 3 weeks, but from what I can tell there are only 2 slightly bad things about this car/SUV/mini van. Ill cut to the chase and not take up much of your time, the glove box is a little on the small side and Im only getting about 20 mpg. Which actually isnt that bad on a big vehicle with most of the miles being driven in the city. However with the price of gas creeping up on minimum wage, this isnt the car for someone making minimum wage. The interior of this vehicle reminds me of a mercedes benz or a lexus, not the substandard interiors of the other american brand cars I have owned.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MAR1JDH - November 3 - 9:40 pm

  I was hestiant to even look at the Pacifica, but Im glad I did. This has been the perfect family car for my wife and I. It performs great going through the city and was outstanding on a long road trip for Thanksgiving. We also appreciate the memory seating given the 10" height difference. Reliability for 10 months has also been a plus. Its only been back to the dealer for oil changes. Overall our only complaints are the window tint being too dark and rear window too small, making it hard to see out at the back night. My wife really wanted an XC90 until we compared the two. Our fully loaded Pacifica was still less than a base XC90 and we got more horsepower and better overall performance