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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  Smooth Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By shredhead - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought this rig after looking at other AWD wagons and Crossovers. Was the best equiped and best looking and size. Yeah it could have more power but its totally adequate and I live in Colorado and drive in the Mts a lot. Super smooth and quiet, feels solid over bumby roads and when you shut the doors. Love it, never thought Id buy a Chrysler.

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  Quality Good, Gas Mileage Not - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By A.R. - August 23 - 11:00 pm

  My 2007 Pacifica has the best fit and finish I have ever seen in any Chrysler product. It is also very comfortable, performs well, and has a great ride. It handles very well for a vehicle its weight. However, if you buy one and you believe you are going to get the EPA rated 16 city 24 highway mileage, you are dreaming! I dont know whether Chrysler has to provide certified results regarding the EPA numbers, but if they do, they are "fudging" big time. 13-14 city and 18-19 highway is more like it.

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  My review of the Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Sue Fancher - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and was just what I was looking for. The issues that I have with this car is there is a big blind spot in the rear. Another issue is the front passenger side seat sits up too high and can not be adjstable. I really thought this car would get better gas mileage than my big van, however it doesnt

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  Love my Pacifica - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Joan Nosal - August 5 - 1:28 pm

  I have been waiting for this car to come out and it meets and exceeds my expectations. I love it! I drive a convertible to my clients and drive my pacifica with my grandchildren and on trips. The vacuum in the car is great. I wanted it with EVERYTHING on it and I love it!

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By G Man - August 1 - 4:36 pm

  My new Pacifica and Im loving it, handles great and have nothing bad to say about it. Lot of room and very comfortable. Still discovering all the new gadgets that are now standard with this model.

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  Neat car (SUV, Van, Station Wagon, etc) - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Freedomsailor - July 31 - 2:00 am

  During the past 29 days, have put a little over 4200 miles on this fine automobile. It has been everything I expected and, the MPG has exceeded what I expected. The front seat fits me to a "T" and so far none of my customers who have had a ride in it have said they disliked the second row seating. Tune in a year from now for the first year report.

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  Love At First Drive - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jolie1 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  this is best.Navigation placement is perfectand I love the clock.Ride is unreal and the looks are beyond compare. I can fit a family in there and with navigation I can`t get lost.Seating is superlative,ride is mercedesesque comfort and looks are without equal.I checked them all including volvo and lexus before I bought and I believe this sporty wagon/suv crossover is possibly the most complete vehicle I`ve ever experienced. A grandslam homerun as far as I am concerned with the Pacifica. Crazy thing is we went back to look at another Pacifica for my husband and we picked up a new Crossfire. I guess I`ll be carpooling ,not my husband!

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  2K5 Pac TAWD fully loaded - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By VJ - July 23 - 10:03 pm

  After having a test drive, I bought one with 14K miles on it (14 months back). A great car to have and ride with family. Regarding mileage I am not able to conclude the exact MPG as it varies between 14 in city to 20 in Freeway. In a trip all of a sudden the airbag light got on while driving. I did not get the answer for that yet. I took the exit and stopped the engine and resumed after a while. Other than this, the vehicle is so far the best value for money than other similar vehicles of expensive brands.

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  Excellent Vehicle: Performance & Safety - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By BRIFROMWI - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Granted I have only owned for 2 weeks. However, I put over 30K miles/year on the road. This is by far the Best Ride thus far. As far as acceleration: Pretty darn good considering the curb weight of 4600lbs. And why so heavy? Safety isnt light. This is by far as safe if not safer than a Volvo. Airbags for all passenger rows!! For the weight of this vehicle, the engine is adequate for everyday driving, not drag racing. The interior is very well thought out with quality features. Far better than chevy or ford interiors will ever be. This is an excellent vehicle with very nice features.

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  We love it - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By macwm - July 20 - 10:00 am

  After 2 SUVs and 3 minivans this was the next logical step. Were empty nesters and this vehicle does it all in syle and comfort. I actualy look forward to driving it instaed on my 2004 A4!