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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  SO close to being my perfect car - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By mikead - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The Pacifica is a well thought out vehicle for the family of 6 or less with creature comforts that would make any long trip a pleasure. My biggest problem with the vehicle (which is why it is not the perfect car) is the miserable lack of power and extremely poor gas mileage (14 City - 20 Hwy). Having traded a 300M in for the Pacifica, I was already familiar with the poor rear visability but having the exact same engine as the 300M (which had ample power with no downshifts on mountains to maintain speed) gave me the false sense that the Pacifica would also be responsive. The car is sluggish and creates a real problem in heavy high speed traffic merging

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  I Love My Pacifica! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By keladewig - October 25 - 10:00 am

  All in all, the Pacifica has exceeded all my initial expectations -- which were very high as Ive been obsessed with this car since its concept debut in 2002. My husband, who drives a 2001 PT Cruiser, is extremely jealous! This car has such a quiet ride & exceptionally smooth drive. Exterior (Satin Jade) & interior (Deep Jade/Light Taupe) colors are gorgeous!

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  A GREAT vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By SweetWin7 - October 18 - 8:13 pm

  The AWD Pacifica is the best vehicle. I notice that it is missing from many reviews, and frankly I think that the reviewers are missing the mark on this one. This car is comfortable, is solid and responsive on the road and with the side curtain airbags in all three rows has the competition beat hands down for safety. When it comes to 5 star ratings, all ratings are basically in comparison to other vehicles in the same weight class. The physics of momentum and energy exchange, tell us that the heavier your vehicle is, the better it will fare on impact. Side & head air bags for all passengers is a necessary option for any vehicle. There is NO govt rollover warning on the visors of this car!

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  One month and counting - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By viffr - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The first month of ownership has alievated my initial fears of buying a first-year product. My Pacifica has excellent build quality (comparable to my next newest car, a Honda), the interior is attractive, comfortable and its control placement is well executed. I especially appreciate how quiet the driving experience is. The automatic climate control keeps the inside at a constant temperature without a lot of fan noise, which allows the excellent stereo/CD to entertain those along for the ride. This is a quality vehicle for those families needing more room than the typical sedan, but not the massive bulk of the traditional mini-van or SUV.

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  Drives like a nice car! - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By CarReviewer - October 7 - 7:18 pm

  CarReviewer 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited with Mocha interior, advanced safety tech, towing, 20" tires drives better than anything I compared in its price range and even ones that can cost more. It has more features and free XM Sirius for a year, 5 years Travel Link, 0%, rebates, etc. You get a lot for your money when compared to other vehicles. Drives like a very good handling car. Traded in 2010 Ford Flex Limited Ecoboost which was a very good vehicle but Pacifica is better. Well designed minivan, very comfortable, handles well, quiet, smooth driving, good gas mileage, very good stereo, easy to use Nav, great looking inside and out, actually fun and enjoyable to drive, roomy, a lot of storage area, stow and go seats, safety features and more. Did a lot of research for many months even before Pacifica was available and test drove many vehicles including redesigned Mazda CX9, Infiniti, Explorer, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 350 and others. Drove other minivans in past and didnt care for most interior styling. Pacifica drives better than crossovers. Doesnt seem floaty on highways like some crossovers. Very planted. You dont think your driving a minivan. Very well designed vehicle and put together well with quality looks and parts. So far extremely happy. I dont work for a dealership. Just a very satisfied consumer and I look forward to taking drives in my new Pacifica. I owned a first year model 2005 Chrysler 300C for over 8 years with no problems other than a knob breaking on NAV when they had knobs and got a very good trade in on a leftover 2012 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series I bought in 2013 - a very good vehicle as well. Even though one always wonders about reliability and buying first year cars, Ive had good luck with Chryslers and they keep getting better.

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  So far so good (4 months) - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Satisfied so Far - October 7 - 4:13 pm

  Bought this limited this summer before kick to open doors and vacuum included. 7000+ miles including a long road trip. Excellent adaptive cruise and braking-- saved us from 3 accidents so far. Auto wipers and high beams work well. Top of the line stereo a little muddy sounding. Gas mileage for me a bit disappointing-- averaging 18 mpg-- mostly city driving. Handles great. Couple minor defects so far. Wish it came with apple car play this year. HIghly Recommend the Limited!

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  My Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sade - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle for Thanksgiving.I absolutely love it. I t has been the talk of the family. The ride, the seating, and the look. The appearance is very classy, and the ride is smooth and controlled. I have not had this much fun driving a vehicle in years. It is absolutely the best. I love it. Oh the sound system and DVD player is exceptional, the children cannot get enough. They love it so much theyve invited their friends to go everywhere with us.

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  love my car!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TASMITH - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY CAR! I DIDNT START OUT LOOKING AT THE PACIFICA. WE WENT TO TEST DRIVE A TOWN AND COUNTRY MINI VAN. THE VAN WAS NICE BUT PARKED NEXT TO IT WAS A FULLY LOADED PACIFICA. IT LOOKED SO SPORTY COMPARED TO THE MINI VAN. WE TEST DROVE IT AND WERE SOLD. IT HAS EVERYTHING WE HAD BEEN SEARCHING FOR. THE VEHICLES THAT WE WERE LOOKING AT WERE YUKONS XL AND THE TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE KIDS LOVE IT TOO!

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  Wasnt my first choice but I like it. - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Chris - October 3 - 7:13 pm

  I choose the Pacifica after the deal on my first choice, the Chrysler 300, fell through. I wasnt about to pay sticker for the 300 and there were fantastic incentives on the Pacifica and I only drive Chryslers. It has turned out to be a great vehicle. The interior is actually more stylish and more luxurious then the 300. The exterior is also very well designed and I feel the Pacifica stands out among the crowd of other crossover vehicles. Performance is not the best, it always feels sluggish. It handles well for such a large heavy car. I enjoy driving it. My biggest complaint is the fuel economy, its absolutely terrible.

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  Proud to own American - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By R Pickard - October 1 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I are very satisfied with the Pacifica. We have owned, Hondas, Toyotas, Mazdas, Nissans, as well as other American made cars. It is the best vehicle that we have owned. It is very solid (like a Volvo) and handles well. The styling is very popular with our friends.