Overview & Reviews

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder receives its biggest update since its last full redesign in '05. Most significantly, a V8 engine is available for the first time. Nissan has taken the 5.6-liter V8 from its full-size Armada SUV and made it optional in the Pathfinder. In this application, it makes 310 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque and also raises the Pathfinder's maximum towing capacity to 7,000 pounds. Inside, you'll find a revised interior with new gauges and cupholders and a larger center stack display screen. New or updated convenience features are also part of the deal, including a new navigation system with a hard-drive-based music storage unit. Visually, the '08 Pathfinder looks a bit different thanks to updated front and rear styling and new wheel designs.

• Powerful V6 and V8 engines, well-designed interior, ample storage and cargo space, high towing capacity, above-average off-road ability.

• Second- and third-row seats are cramped for adults, ride and handling not on par with car-based competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 88.00

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  Transmission Torque Converter Issue - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steve LeVesque - June 23 - 6:30 am

  When you take your foot off the accelerator just above 40 mph, the car downshifts with a noticeable thump. Then when you press the accelerator again, it upshifts with the same noticeable thump. It is so aggravating that I would not have bought the vehicle if I had known. I took it back to the dealer, they tested another 2008 and said that it was "normal." I did not have this problem in my 2005 at all. They said it was because they put a dual torque converter in the 2008 model. Also, it seems to be harder on gas than the 2005. And when I filled up the first time, I noticed a sticker on the inside of the gas cap door that reads "For best results, use premium gas." The 2005 did not say this.

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  2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE-V8 - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Grant Garvey - February 21 - 9:16 pm

  I was in the market for an SUV with a V8. I didnt want or need a monster in size, but wanted an ability to pull over 6000 lbs and still be able to park in a parking lot. The fact that the Pathfinder is a 317 horse is amazing. I drove the joke of a 4 runner and the Sequoia. Before you follow the Pied Piper off the edge of the cliff and settle for an over priced under powered toyota, check out the Pathfinder!

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  Major Problems and Nissan Not Helping - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By amandathibault - January 26 - 11:36 pm

  I bought my pathfinder brand new. I put the first miles on this Pathfinder. Within the first few months I noticed that the paint was starting to flake in some areas. Now a year later and fighting with Nissan I have paint missing on 10 panels of the Pathfinder. Also when I went for them to do their so called "paint test" they treated me with disrespect and sexist. I requested to watch while they did this paint test and they pulled paint off my Pathfinder and told me it wasnt enough to qualify for a warranty defect. So I hope Nissan will read this and try to make it right. One other problem I have had is my left turn sign does not turn off once I make the turn.

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  Nice contrast to a Toyota 4Runner - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By -c - December 10 - 1:23 pm

  Traded in an 04 T4R Sport with a V8 for this and Im very happy. Having two T4Rs (00 + 04) I was wary getting a Nissan but its been a blast (so far). The V8 is extremely powerful yet is very thirsty (13-14 mpg in mixed driving) and likes premium fuel. Thankfully I have a very short commute. Interior is nicely laid out. Love the premium package features (back-up cam), stereo sounds good, iPod hook-up, automatic 4x4, dual-zone AC, etc. However, heated side mirrors should not be only for the leather pkg. Lame. Handles well but the T4R with X-REAS handled much better in turns. I too have the problems w/ the power seat controls getting touched while exiting the truck. Its a p.i.t.a.

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  MPG After Two Years - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ohlode - November 8 - 3:06 am

  Regarding MPG on my 2008 Pathfinder S 4x4 with automatic transmission. After two years and 28K I consistently get 18.5 mpg mainly around town and usually with a small mix of expressway/freeway driving. I use 87 octane only. A/C or not it gets the same mileage. On trips Ive averaged 23 mpg. Hope this is helpful. I chose the Pathfinder over the 4 Runner because of the deal. About four thousand cheaper and the base 2008 4 runner didnt even have the 3d seat as standard. Towing capacity was 1K more than the V6 4 runner. So glad I picked the Pathfinder.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By newride75 - October 18 - 11:43 am

  Traded my 04 Envoy XL for PF SE V8 and absolutely love it! Didnt want to leave GMC, but their replacement (Acadia) is way overpriced and not appealing. The PF looks better, is a better ride, and has plenty of room for 3 toddler seats and 1 infant car seat. The V8 is very powerful and accelerates quickly. Standard features are great, and the option packages (Premium and Side Airbags) were all we needed. I havent had any transmission or shifting concerns with 4,500 miles on this PF.

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  Pathfinder Is A Solid Vehicle! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissaned - October 15 - 7:10 am

  Its a fun car to drive. The 3rd row seating is good if your riders are small kids. Do not try to pack granny or teenagers in the 3rd row. Also, there is limited leg room in the 2nd seat. But everything else about this vehicle is great. It is extremely responsive both in acceleration and manueverability. And it is a very comfortable road car. The only real drawback about this vehicle is that (I didnt do my homework) it requires premium gasoline. Oh, it will run "ok" on mid-range - but its worth pointing out. Its otherwise a solid car and I would buy another one. Oh yes, spend the extra money and get the sunroof. It will be even more fun to drive.

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  Used 08 Pathfinder SE V8 2WD - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kdubnyaya - September 6 - 10:00 am

  We have a baby on the way and needed to upgrade from a Scion TC. My family only buys Nissan and have loved them. Her Pathfinder is really nice. It has 42K on it and has no squeaks or rattles. The 310 HP and 388 FT/LB Torque you can feel when the gas pedal is dropped to the floor. Just running around town in rush hour traffic it is getting 15.6 mpg. Which for a big V8 is to be expected. We bought an extended warranty that last for 3 YR or 36,000 miles. Will cost $50 for any issues that we have and Oil Changes are 50% off. Incredible vehicle and because it is a Nissan we will enjoy it for years to come.

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  I love absolutely love my Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay - August 6 - 9:10 am

  I read tons of these reviews, on Edmunds, did a lot of research, etc. It seems that most of you people simply have horrible dealerships. Traded in my 05 350z for my Pathy, and Im not one bit sorry. Was looking at the 4runner, but that interior was archaic. The Pathfinder is smooth, has a great leather interior, awesome handling and the rear view cam on the SE is GREAT! 3rd row stays folded down - we dont need it, and its laughable anyhow. We bought the dog-cage divider and rubber mat for the cargo room aftermarket; exceptional car for the money -- we are VERY pleased with it! No tranny prob here (yet!)

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  Not so sure worth 33k - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RMallory - January 17 - 11:03 pm

  I purchased a 2008 Nissan last October. While it has a much quieter and smoother ride than my previous SUV (a Trailblazer), I dont think its worth the price tag I paid - my fault. The check engine light came on THREE weeks after I purchased it - took dealer 2 weeks to order and replace the part. Cant quite get over this issue to enjoy the car just yet.