2008 Nissan Pathfinder Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.31/5 Average
88 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Powerful V6 and V8 engines, well-designed interior, ample storage and cargo space, high towing capacity, above-average off-road ability.
Cons:
  • Second- and third-row seats are cramped for adults, ride and handling not on par with car-based competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 88.00
  • Not holding up well - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    I should love this car. Its loaded with options and I got a great price on it. The problem is you get what you pay for. The quality just isnt there. The engine is noisy and unrefined. The transmission occasionally shifts slowly or roughly and makes we wonder how many problems it will have down the road. The interior already looks like its 10 years old. The plastics arent aging well and the leather is starting to sag. Also, an annoying clicking sound has developed, in addition to all the other interior squeaks and rattles. The ride is a rough and the whole vehicle shakes when going over bumps. To be fair, it is an suv but I previously had a 4runner and it drove a lot better.

  • Nice - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    Love it.. I wish it had heated seats like the Honda Pilot though. It looks good and drives great. A little unstable in high winds. Controls are positioned rather oddly.

  • Mother and Dog owner POV - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    Pros: Rugged interior makes for a easier clean when you have dogs in the back. The whole back cargo area of my SE has a rubber/plastic type floor and walls that make dog hair in the vehical a lot more manageable. Doors open really wide and the doorway is nice and wide/tall (great for loading and unloading kids from car seats! Two sets of rear vents that help keep your kids/dogs at the same temperature as you (I hated in my Jeep GC SUV that I would be boiling in the front with the heat and my daughter would be freezing in the second row with no vents). 3 rows of seats are real handy if you ever are in a bind and need to move some extra kids. Backup camera is great with kids/dog

  • Ready for New Car Already - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    I dont know why I bought it in the first place - it just had everything I needed at the time (7 passenger and still had storage room). But Ive never been impressed with how it handles. Hit a pot hole and the thing feels like you could lose control. Lots of air bags and feels solid - think it would survive a crash okay. But there is something about hitting potholes. Its very roomy and I love the interior. Huge display screen is great! Only other bad thing is the gas mileage. A year ago that wasnt a problem for me. Now Im having second thoughts. At only 16 mpg, it certainly isnt cheap.

  • Maybe should have stuck with 4runner - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    I read lots of reviews and felt comfortable with this truck, but my transmission does the same thing as some of the others here. I wish I would have dug further. The left passenger door handle is broken (Ive had the truck less than two weeks) and there are several interior squeaks and rattles. I was spoiled with a 97 4runner that was bulletproof (not a squeak), but the current generation is late in its design cycle, so I steered away. I also had a great experience with my 01 Maxima, which led me to stay with Nissan. I have my doubts about the longevity of this Pathfinder, and I hope theres a recall soon for the transmission. Time will only tell if I made a mistake straying from the 4runner.

  • Great SUV For The Money - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    I was looking at the Lexus RX 350 for months along with other SUVs but I finally decided to get the 2008 SE Pathfinder. After looking at options and the price of the 08 Pathfinder I figured I could not go wrong with this purchase. There is a big difference between the 08 to the 07 so dont be fooled. I got the SE loaded out with the leather package and premium sound. I also got tint thrown in and went with the extended warranty with tire replacement. I have had it for about a week and love the car and the ride. If you get an SE model, make sure you get a cargo mat, the rubber tends to scratch up easily.

  • It works - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    Purchased a new 2008 pathfinder one year ago. Towing with the V6 engine is better than expected and is better than the V8 in other SUV I have owned. The ride is quite and comfortable. At 64" head room is ok, better than most other SUVs. Sound system is very good. Heated seats could use more setting than high and low. MPG is acceptable considering it will tow 6000 lbs. Looked at a lot of SUVs and Crossovers. For the money the Pathfinders towing, headroom,interior comfort and overall performance has made it a good deal. A year after buying a Pathfinder I have no regrets.

  • I like my Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    I have owned three Xterras, 2000, 2002, & 2004. I decided to step up to the Pathfinder. Bought it Memorial Day 2008. I have 18000 miles on it with zero problems. I pull a small trailer and the Pathfinder handles it very well. I feel that I got my moneys worth when I purchased it.

  • Impressive! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    Other than gas mileage which we expected with the V8, we LOVE our Pathfinder! The outside is quite attractive and it rides like a dream. If I could change anything it would be to make the inside a bit more luxurious, it is very practical.

  • The best - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
    By -

    Build quality of a tank! The power and "tightness" makes it feel like your driving an unstoppable machine. This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The luxury interior is awesome and has every thing you can want on a car (le version). Gas mileage isnt good (12.9), but if a cared I would have gotten a hybrid. Electic 4x4 is great never misses a beat locking in or catching it in auto. Suspension is great and the breaks are ultra smooth. Dont compare the v6 to the v8. Though they look alike there completely different I have driving both. The v6 is a wanna be, the v8 is the real deal.

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