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Midsize SUV; Built in Canada
  • 4-door wagon
  • 4-door wagon
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,200 – $16,000*


2005 Chrysler Pacifica


2005 Chrysler Pacifica


2004 Chrysler Pacifica


2004 Chrysler Pacifica

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room
Cons:
  • Fuel economy

Pacificas aren’t as roomy inside as their generous exterior dimensions suggest. Acceleration is unexceptional, and they move like a heavy minivan. Still, a Pacifica is more rational than most any SUV and more stylish than a minivan, exuding some upscale appeal. Sales have been slower than expected, so secondhand prices might be appealing.

Overview

Midsize in dimensions, Pacifica was among the new breed of crossover four-door wagons that aimed to blend traits of cars, sport-utility vehicles, and minivans. To that end, it offered three rows of seats for six-passenger capacity, a suspension designed to provide carlike road manners, and either front-drive or available all-wheel drive. Rivals include the Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.

Taller than a car, Pacifica stood lower than most SUVs. Built with an exceptionally wide body, it was nearly as long as Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan. The sole powertrain was a 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, driving a four-speed automatic transmission that incorporated a manual shift gate. Pacificas could have front-wheel drive with optional traction control, or all-wheel drive that lacked low-range gearing.

Antilock four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, and a load-leveling rear suspension were standard. Seating consisted of buckets in the first and second rows, and a third row split bench. Second- and third-row seats folded but did not remove.

A driver’s knee airbag was standard. Head-protecting side curtain airbags that covered all three rows, power-adjustable pedals, and a tire-pressure monitor were standard on AWD models, and optional with front-drive. Additional options included leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, a sunroof, power liftgate, navigation and DVD entertainment systems, and satellite radio.

Yearly Updates

2005 Pacifica
Rather than the single version of 2004, Chrysler adopted a three-model lineup for 2005, adding a lower-priced Pacifica and an upscale luxury edition. This year’s Touring model, introduced as an early 2005, was essentially carryover of the original standard-trim Pacifica. Chrysler then added a base model and an AWD-only Limited edition. The base Pacifica contained a second-row bench for five-passenger capacity. Touring and Limited models held two second-row buckets plus a third-row two-place bench, for six-passenger seating. Such features as leather upholstery and a power liftgate were not offered for the base model. A 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 powered the new base front-drive model, but others retained the 250-hp 3.5-liter V6. Base and Touring Pacificas rode on 17-inch wheels, but the Limited got 19s. Side-curtain airbags were standard in the Limited and optional for others.
2006 Pacifica
For 2006, Chrysler dropped the 3.8-liter engine for base front-drive models, giving all Pacificas the same 250-hp 3.5-liter V6.
2007 Pacifica
Pacifica got a minor facelift and a powertrain revamp for 2007. For 2007, the front-drive base model got a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other Pacificas had a 255-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic. All 2006 models had a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic. Also for ’07, traction control moved from optional to standard, and antiskid control, formerly unavailable, became standard.
2008 Pacifica
The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica carried over with no major changes for what Chrysler says is this slow-selling wagon’s final model year.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

In the 2005 model year only, base 2WD models held a 215-horsepower 3.8-liter V6. Apart from that exception, all Pacificas contain an overhead-cam 3.5-liter V6 rated at 250 horsepower. Both engines work with a four-speed automatic transmission that incorporates manual-shift capability. For 2007, the front-drive base model has a 200-hp 3.8-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other Pacificas have a 255-hp 4.0-liter V6 with a 6-speed automatic. All 2006 models had a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 4-speed automatic.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.8/231
Engine HP 215
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 245
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 18/25
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/215
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 250
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/22

 17.1
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/241
Engine HP 255
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 265
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 16/24

Road Test

At up to 4675 pounds, AWD Pacificas are as heavy as the typical seven-seat luxury SUV–but most of those offer a V8 engine. With AWD, Pacifica’s V6 furnishes fair movement off the line, and Chrysler claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in 9.6 seconds. Still, the 3.5-liter V6 feels labored uphill and in passing maneuvers, where it requires a noisy two-gear downshift to tap its power. Front-drive Pacificas offer adequate power, but also feel underpowered for towing or when filled with passengers and cargo. Most rivals’ automatic transmissions have five speeds, versus Pacifica’s four. Towing capacity is a minivanlike 3500 pounds.

Fuel economy is unimpressive. A Test AWD Pacifica averaged 17.1 mpg in a city/highway mix. A front-drive Touring averaged 16.4 to 16.8 mpg in mostly city driving. Chrysler recommends 89-octane or higher fuel for the 3.5-liter engine, but regular for the short-lived 3.8-liter.

With 17-inch tires, Pacifica suspensions are more absorbent over bumps and ruts than most midsize SUVs, but dips and swells induce some minivanlike bounding body motions. Steering is not crisp, but naturally progressive and friendly. Expect good balance in turns, little noseplow, but noticeable body lean in fast changes of direction. Strong, progressive braking is accompanied by little nosedive.

Wind noise is minimal, but the engine note is inappropriately ragged with anything beyond modest throttle. Road noise with 17-inch tires is adequately suppressed, except for coarse-pavement tire thrum and thump.

Clear main gauges are distinguished by a navigation screen dead ahead of the driver in the speedometer face, with controls to its immediate right. Although the system is easy to use, with some familiarization, the screen and controls are positioned so only the driver can comfortably see or operate them. Otherwise, the dashboard layout is obvious and annoyance-free. Power front seats, lumbar support, and pedals are easily adjusted by miniature likenesses on door panels. The available in-dash six-disc changer (if installed) plays any combination of CDs and DVDs. Contemporary cabin decor features materials and details usually found in near-luxury imports, though some testers have said selected dashboard plastics don’t measure up.

Front seats are soft yet supportive, though some testers have had trouble finding a comfortable position. Outward visibility for most drivers is good; the view is higher than from a car, but lower than from an SUV. Rear headrests can obstruct the aft view, however, and some testers have been bothered by thick rear pillars. The front passenger seat is not height-adjustable and can feel slightly confining. Both seats have fold-down armrests. Entry/exit is basically step-in easy, but would be better if doors opened wider.

Second-row occupants get firmer buckets than in the front, but they’re still comfortable. Each slides 5 inches fore/aft for excellent leg and foot room. Head room is great, but high window sills and front headrests yield a confined sensation for shorter riders. Leg space is adequate in the base model, on a second-row bench. Touring and Limited second-row buckets slide fore/aft, but a long center console extends between the first and second rows. The third row is more elevated, but sized for preteens. Back-row access is helped by spring-forward second-row seats, but still a challenge.

Grocery bags fit upright behind the third row. Third-row seatbacks easily flip flat from back of vehicle, but only folks who are long of limb can lift them from there. Folded second-row buckets are bridged by a panel to create a broad but not fully flat load floor. The shallow under-floor bin and available power liftgate (if installed) are useful.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Chrysler Pacifica Touring 2WD

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 4
40%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 8
80%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
116.3 198.9 79.3 66.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
79.5 23.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.2 40.0 40.9 39.9
4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
116.3 198.9 79.3 66.5
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
92.7 23.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.2 40.0 40.9 39.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2004 Pacifica 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Engine noise
Description: Ticking noise from 3.5L engine when first started cold. Requires replacement of the swivel pads and retainers on exhaust valves. (2004)
Seat
Description: The heated seats might not get warm enough and can be corrected by flashing the body computer. (2005)
Starter
Description: The remote starter may not work because of a failed hood switch. (2004-05)
Steering problems
Description: The steering wheel (column) has in/out play, which is corrected by installation of a hardware kit. (2004-05)
Steering problems
Description: Power steering additives containing Teflon that can plug up the filter in the fluid reservoir. (2004-05)
Water leak
Description: Water on the floor comes from a leak at the far ends of the cowl originally sealed with putty-like substance. (2007-08)
Electrical problem
Description: All of the switches (windows, locks, etc.) on the driver’s door may quit working due to electrostatic discharge through the door handle. So, the switch module must be reset and handle replaced. (2004-05)
Electrical problem
Description: The power electrical components (seat, windows, locks, heated mirror, etc.) may quit working requiring replacement of the inside door handle and power seat switch. (2004-08)
None
Description: The engine may not start, or may start and stop, when using the remote start feature due to a bad hood switch. (2004-05)
Transmission problems
Description: Vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips while driving at a steady speed is caused by defective transmissi0n torque converter. (2007)

Recall History

2004 Pacifica
Description: Under certain conditions, incorrectly-manufactured fuel line may separate, resulting in leakage and increased risk of fire.
2004 Pacifica
Description: Some engines could stall under certain operating conditions.
2005 Pacifica
Description: Halogen headlamps could operate intermittently, and eventually fail to operate at all.
2006
Description: The fuel pump module and the power train control module (PCM) software may allow the engine to stall under operating conditions. Dealers will reprogram the power train control module and possibly replace the fuel pump module.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 26, 2014.
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