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 81 through 88 of 88.00-
A pleasant surprise - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By Quia - August 9 - 5:00 amI traded a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo S for my 08 Pathfinder so right off the top I was immediately impressed. The exterior styling is commanding yet sleek; great ground clearance; and I was pretty pleased that the hitch was standard on the one I bought. Ive seen some Pathfinders around with these weird contoured pinstripes, but mine doesnt have that fortunately. Even for a base model I was pleased with the remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and tint. It rides much smoother than my Rodeo (and the Lincoln Aviator and Acura MDX which Ive driven), but not quite as nice as the Lexus GX470. The rear seats are a bit tight, but we just put the kids back there anyway.
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First Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By TEAdams - July 22 - 10:36 pmThis not only my first Pathfinder, but my first Nissan. After ten years of driving my old 97 Dodge Dakota it was time for something new. Im not big on gadgets, so the S trim was perfect for me. I was amazed by everything that came standard on the base model. I had to get the SLT package on my old Dakota for these features. The V6 actually produces 31 HP more than the 5.2L V8 in my Dakota and I only gave up 12 pound feet of torque. The Pathfinder is a pleasure to drive and handles great. It corners better than my old Dakota. The towing power is a major plus. 6000 Lbs is more than enought to pull my 5X8 trailer with a full load. I would buy another Pathfinder in a heartbeat.
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Pathfinder LE "08" - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By AJ - July 18 - 5:10 amFantastic machine, a computer on wheels; the navigation is all one could ask for and works better than most Ive seen. The driver interface with the car works well (voice interface) and is state of the art. Drove the Highlander, Envoy Denali, Saturn Outlook, and decided on Nissan for both looks and ride. So far mileage has been better than manufacturer specs.
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Great to drive - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By billc - July 8 - 2:10 pmThis is my second Pathfinder, my first was the 05 "off road" model. This time I upgraded to the LE with nav. So far its been nothing but fun to drive.
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Pathfinder Tranny/cruise/handling issues - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By Aviatorduke - June 7 - 5:43 amWell built vehicle, typical Nissan workmanship and design in the build. Very happy with the power to weight. Gets up and goes for a vehicle in this class. As another contributor stated and I have to agree I too like the "throaty" sound with acceleration. Great towing power and good off road handling with the 4x4. On the downside I think the tires are too soft for the vehicle weight and at highway speed it is very sloppy and wanders. I too experience what seems like tranny lurching on downhill grades but I found if I turned the cruise off it stopped. Seems as vehicle gets driven more it is better - not sure what that is all about. During servicing I have brought that issue to dealership.
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Driving in NY city - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By alainw - March 25 - 10:08 amI own a 08 LE and an 1998 LE pathfinder. The 08 has 16k miles on it and the 98 110k. They both are great but absolutly not comparable. The LE also has the navigation and DVD package. I never was able to achieve better than 12m/g in the city in any condition in the 08 where it is 16 m/g on the 10 years older PF. My 39 m lease on the 08 will finish in 7 weeks and I will bargain buying it from Nissan Bank. Having said that I am definitly pleased overall. But I still prefer the built and drive of the 10 years older PF (08 is built on a truck frame while 98 is a car based SUV). I find that nothing is plastic inside of the latter and the plush carpet and in it are better quality.
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Mixed feeling - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By ritchfan - March 1 - 6:33 pmSome good things some not so good about this car. Not as much room in the driver seat as I had on my 2000 XTerra, which was disappointing for a larger vehicle. Stereo is TERRIBLE- I had a better one that came with my 1980 Datsun station wagon. Worst thing is you cant really upgrade. If you do you will lose all of the information that goes to the little screen - temp, tire pressure, gas mileage, etc. Dealer says I cant upgrade to the navigation unit later- that has to be option ordered from factory up front. But drives nice, is quiet and has more pickup than my 2000 XTerra did.
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Buy a 4Runner - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By Adam - January 22 - 3:13 pmWas choosing between this and 4Runner. Chose Pathfinder because of option availability and price. At 7000 miles headliner (ceiling) started falling out. Took to dealer and they replaced the entire ceiling. Second ceiling was full of creases and looked far worse so it went back for a third time. They had it for five days and it came back with many faults. Stains on sunroof, ill-fitting, scratched, and broken trim. I am waiting new parts on back order so it can go back again and they can fix all the interior bits they broke. It will never be right again.
