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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  Just Test Drive It ! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By bob schulte - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive drove all the brands, Toyota, Cadillac, Ford, Honda, et al. This vehicle has it all. The interior is exquisite and the desing perfectly refined. The first time I reached over to the passenger side door I could believe how wide this vehicle is. This is truly a leap forward for Chrysler. Quality, styling and road handling are superior to its competitors. The purchase value is awesome.

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  What we expected - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Tom - May 26 - 5:23 pm

  The Pacifica, except learning to deal with some blind spots has performed at or beyond our expectations. Too new to have any problems, lets hope it stays that way, the car looks great, fits our family comfortablby and the extras, dvd player, etc. are welcome additions. We drove firends Pacificas and our has made us very happy with our choice.

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  I Love This Vehicle - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Mc_Lani - May 25 - 11:43 pm

  After about a year of car shopping, the Pacifica caught our eye. The reviews were "so-so" and I hadnt really seen any around. After a test drive and more shopping around, we agreed this was the choice for us. Its as dreamy owning one as Id hoped. At first, there were blindspots in the rear corners, but now Im accustomed to using my side mirrors and being more cautious (which is a good thing anyway, right?). Wish the gas mileage were better - wish ALL vehicle gas mileage were better! If you have a large family, this isnt your car (the second row seats fold up and you really dont want to climb over). We have a family of 4 and it fits like a glove. We cant wait to take a roadtrip!!

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  This car is not so good - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By MMB1974 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I dislike my 2004 Pacifica and if I had it all to do over I would not have purchased it. The V6 at times is under powered, due to the fact that the car is extremely heavy. This also takes a toll on the gas mileage, which is much much lower than the sticker and most reviews indicate. In addition my 2004 has been having a belt issue that has not been resolved after 2 trips back to the shop. My car has been under repair so much that Im beginning to feel like the dealership loaner PT is my actual car. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Crossover Vechicle! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By fkeiser - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for long trips. I traded a woody PT Cruiser for more comfort. The PT got only 25 on a long trip; Im getting a consistent 20-22 after only 5K on the odometer. Im going to full synthetic oil at the 6K oil change for more mpg, hopefully. Like my PT, I get a lot of positive comments from passers- by. I love the magnesium color. My neighbor traded their Jeep for a Pacifica after looking at mine. Stated it had more room than the Jeep.

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  Pacified - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By jimmyc - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Coming out of a CLK320 was tough but no choice with child car seat to deal with. Love the look and the color Butane Blue. Captains chairs in second row was not a real plus but certainly add to look and comfort for adults who have to ride there. Access to 3rd row is not convenient but workable. Not much storage space if youve got the third row being used for passengers. Drives great and felt very secure in bad weather driving. Handled great in pouring rain on highway. Its one heavy vehicle. I do agree with some other comments about blindspots and tough to see out of back but too soon for me to say definitively.

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  So Far So Good! - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By TedLin FLA - May 2 - 10:00 am

  So far it has been a joy to drive and I noticed two minor cosmetic defects in the workmanship that teh dealer will resolve.

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  Pacifica on the 101 - 2006 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Kenneth Ruehl - April 27 - 9:16 am

  Wow, what a great Car. It is quiet, gets looks whever you go. We were in Newport beach over the Weekend and this car fit right in. Ride is remarkable and the comfort features are more than adequate. With this car everybody is happy. Kids can recline the seats or move the seats back for more leg room, and the windows roll all the way down in the back. Our Pacifica is loaded with everything except Navigation. Who needs NAV. I am a guy I know where I am going. Nothing is better than driving a car like this and knowing you have a car with a five star crash rating. Easy to get in and get out of. fits everybody comfortably. Fit and Finish is way above standard. We Love our Pacifica!

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  Outstanding .......quality, and class. - 2004 Chrysler Pacifica
  By sdurand - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Weve only had the car a few days, but this is a luxury, suv, car, family car..etc.....all I can say is Ive driven BMWs , Mercedes, and any other luxury car around and this is better than all of them.

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  No more luxury cars for me - 2005 Chrysler Pacifica
  By Angela - April 22 - 4:43 pm

  This car suits my needs perfectly. I had an Expedition, but it was too big. A van, but it was a VAN, luxury sedans, but I felt I had to be so neat and careful in them. This car is huge inside, tons of leg room, when using the autostick, you get a lot more get up and go and can zip in and out of traffic much better! I love that if I leave lights on, it shuts them off. DVD system separate from CD system ROCKS...