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 1 through 10 of 88.00

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  2008 Nissan Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ANTHONY - November 2 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is very nice, but the windows when brought down a little while driving makes a lot of rattling noise/sound which is very disgusting. I cannot even open mines. When I told the dealer, they said never heard of the problem and cannot do anything. Just had a recall for the clock, giving wrong time every now and then. Also the power seats are always being touched every time I enter or on the way out of the vehicle causing the seats to be re-set every time.

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  First Pathy....but not last - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Buzzo in NY - June 21 - 3:20 am

  I researched mid-sized SUVs for about six months before deciding to buy my Pathfinder. My comparisons were "whittled" down to the T4R, Acura MDX and NPF. Considering the MDX was about 10K more than I wanted to spend....then there were two. What ultimately made my decision easy was the financing Nissan offered and to date have not been disappointed. I only have about 7K miles on it and have not yet experienced any of the transmission "clunking" stated by other reviewers. One thing Im keeping an eye/ear on is the amount of engine vibration that exists between 4K and 5K RPM. It seems to smooth out closer to the redline. Extremely happy so far however...

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  Tow vehicle - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mtngto - February 21 - 5:13 am

  I purchased this V8 vehicle to tow a covered trailer, ~3500 lbs thru mountains. Initial trip saw 14 MPG overall, with excellent power (acceleration and cruising), braking, and stability. Very comfortable (front seats). Very manueverable (vs Armada). Negatives: cramped rear seating, noisy cooling fan, rear squat (no air suspension option as on Armada). Also, folding middle center seat interferes with opening center console, also conceals rear air controls. However, overall very pleased, and exceeded my expectations.

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  Great SUV for the money. - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Daniel - September 19 - 8:00 am

  I have had my Pathfinder for a little more than 2 weeks. Absolutley love it. The engine is a monster, just plain fun to drive! Gas mileage is whats expected. If people are concerned about gas mileage, then stay away from higher displacement engines... nuff said. If people want to complain about the legroom in the third row, upgrade to a bigger car. I have yet to sit in the third row of any midsize SUV and feel comfortable. It just comes with the territory. I am more than satisfied with my purchase, and hope to have this car for years to come.

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  Transmission Woes - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BadChuggle - July 15 - 9:03 am

  This is my first Nissan. First off, I love the looks and design of the unit. After my first road trip with the unit 1500 miles I started experiencing the dreaded torque converter problem you will read about. It has lived at the dealer for weeks while they an Nissan diagnosed the problem. The long and short, there is no known cure for these symptoms. 30-45 MPH (5th gear) torque converter clunks with slightest variation in RPM (up and down). Worse yet is that at highway speeds (cruise on) down a hill, it happens over and over again (worse). Now 15000+ miles, cant stand to drive the truck because of the clunking. Make sure that you keep on the dealer for a fix! This condition is not right!

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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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  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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  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.

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  Best SUV I Have Owned - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian - September 8 - 6:40 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Great pickup. Great for towing. Very comfortable and every creature comfort you can imagine. Not one mechanical problem. This is by far the best SUV I have ever owned and will definitely purchase another one.

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  Great features but needs engine work - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By smrftte76 - January 8 - 2:56 pm

  Ive been reading everyones reviews about the engine clunking at around 40 mph and Im having that same problem with my vehicle, Im afraid that this car isnt gonna last too long with the engine being the way it is, they need to recall this year vehicle, I knew I shouldve bought a Toyota but I wanted something with more power which this vehicle has as well as great features but if the engine isnt gonna last that long, Im trading it in for a Toyota, I know Toyotas last a long time as far as the engine goes.