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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  Finally - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Eric Boesinger - July 20 - 10:00 am

  After 10 years Im finally out of a minivan and loving it. Maybe if I was comparing it to a Lexus Id feel differently, but the Pacifica is fantastic.

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  All I can say is WOW!! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kelasings - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Wasn’t even looking at a Pacifica when I bought one this past weekend. Saw someone in a suv I’d never seen before. Thought it was a new BMW X class vehicle. Chased the vehicle down and found it was a Pacifica. Went to a dealership & took a drive! I was hooked on the looks but then I drove it and I was in love. The ride was like a dream- smooth, great acceleration, handled corners like a tiger! Great options-6 disc DVD, CD player, cassette player, leather seats, heated seats, navigation system, sunroof, 2 rows of seats in the back that fold down & more. Bought it from Harvey@Green-Gifford in VA Beach - the best no-pressure sales person I’ve ever met!

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  Pang of Regret - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By NickAZ - July 8 - 2:00 am

  After nearly 6000 miles we find that while its fun to drive and gets comments for its sharp looks, the Pacifica has some design and quality control problems.The electronic climate control panel blinks out(waited 4 weeks for new parts),there was a "cracking" sound when the wheel was turned hard left or right (dealer took 10 days to fix),and theres another "cracking" sound when shifting. Dealer said that all Pacifica parts are taking a long time to get in. Not satisfied like we should be for a car in the Mercedes family and that is over $30,000. Probably should have forked over a little more and bought the Lexus SUV.

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  XUV: perfect crossover for lifestyle - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By XUV_convert - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The overall vehicle is a perfect fit for the lifestyle of having a growing family (+dog) while still looking stylish and not minivan-like or traditional SUV massive/tippy. Design outside is excellent - clean and stylish. Interior is very good, but some cheap materials like the carpet, sun visors, and seat molding that pulled away from its screw doesnt bring it to pure luxury status. O.k. seriously what manufacturer makes a 4,500+ pound vehicle that gets better than 16 mpg city??? The folks who have panned if for MPG cant cheat physics. 250 hp engines will suck gas. That needs to be an normal expectation from any heavy V6 vehicle.

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  Giant step forward - 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Larry Evenson - July 7 - 7:17 pm

  Try one, if you dont you will make a mistake.

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  I love my Chrysler Pacifica - 2007 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Albert - June 26 - 4:56 pm

  Its all about the quiet ride and luxury amenities... Its like almost driving a Benz, believe me i can tell..I just Love it

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  Great car - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By LW WHITE - June 17 - 7:23 pm

  Vehicle is very enjoyable to drive, tracks very well, is very smooth riding,very comfortable. The GPS is in a very convenient place on the dash in front of the steering wheel. Seats are very comfortable and interior very attractive. Automatic rear lift gate is appreciated. Sound system is fantastic.The car has all the features and quality of a luxury vehicle. is

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  The NON SUV........ SUV - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By DavidL - June 6 - 12:20 am

  Finally a vehicle for those of us that want SUV like qualities, but car like looks, ride and comfort. I have had my Pacifica for a month and 1/2, recently trading in my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I loved my Jeep functionality, but did not like the ride or the handling. In comes the Pacifica... a more stable, better riding and handling, super comfortable SUV like vehicle. I do not miss my Jeep at all. This is one awesome AWD vehicle. Handles super on snow and slush covered roads as I recently found out ! Very pleasent suprises are the comfort and quietness, along with all the goodies on the Touring package. To top it off, I am getting better gas mileage too. Well Done Chrysler !

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  Wifes Selection - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By dessping - June 1 - 2:00 am

  My Wife choose the Pacifica, a Great fit for her. Steering is very tight, with great response, seating is comfortable. The only negative is with 6 passengers, the luggage area in the back is very slim. GPS in dash is very easy to read and use.

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  P & Js Pacifica - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Pete-solo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I am 50 yrs old and 63" tall and found this vehicle very comfortable to drive. I have the AWD with most of the bells & whistles (MSRP $38,500).I also get a lot of looks while driving, Im hoping because of the good looks of the car.When fueling the car I also get comments on how nice it is. When driving you can feel how heavy the car is, its a GOOD feeling of security but it lacks a bit in power.If it had a V8 it would be that much better. Overall, we (my wife & I)really like the car.