Overview & Reviews

Once upon a time, somebody looked at a small, off-roading vehicle like the Nissan Pathfinder and said to himself: "You know, I think I could use that to replace the family station wagon. It's a lot cooler looking than dad's Country Squire. And I wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan." Since then, the Pathfinder and other SUVs have become increasingly larger and luxurious to meet the demand of millions of like-minded buyers.

You can see this evolution in the Pathfinder's timeline of four generations. The carlike current model excels as a three-row family hauler, and it's even available as a hybrid. Earlier Pathfinders -- and the third generation in particular -- were more rugged and capable for towing, but not as comfortable or fuel efficient.

Current Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row crossover SUV that's offered in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels. The base S trim is indeed pretty basic for this segment, so we think most people will be better served by the SV, which includes items like a power driver seat, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and an iPod interface. The two upper trims can be had with nearly all of the luxuries found on the mechanically related Infiniti JX35. Note that the Hybrid is not offered in S trim.

Powering the standard Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The Pathfinder Hybrid pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 15-kilowatt electric motor, yielding a combined 250 hp and 243 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional with either powertrain. Hybrid fuel economy is estimated to exceed 25 mpg in mixed driving, while the regular Pathfinder stays in the low 20s.

In daily driving, the Pathfinder's ride is laudably comfortable and composed. If you're looking for agile handling, this Nissan may disappoint, but otherwise it's about as pleasant to drive as a big crossover can be. Performance is smooth and more than adequate with the V6, and the Hybrid promises meaningful efficiency gains without giving up too much acceleration.

Inside, the Pathfinder's cabin is put together well and boasts quality materials. Despite the abundance of features (especially in higher trims), the various controls are easy to reach and intuitive. The second-row seat slides and reclines to optimize comfort for passengers or cargo space behind as needs dictate. Access to the third row is eased by the second row's tilt and slide feature, which can be used even when a child seat is in place. The third row offers enough headroom for 6-foot passengers, but clearance gets a little tight beyond that, and legroom is limited.

If maximum space is a priority, some larger crossover SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse might be a better choice. But overall we're fond of the Pathfinder and think it fits very well with the typical family's needs and desires.

Used Nissan Pathfinder Models
The current, fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder was completely redesigned for 2013 and represents a dramatic shift from its predecessor. The Pathfinder is now a car-based crossover SUV, boasting a more space-efficient cabin, better fuel economy, front- or all-wheel drive, V6 or hybrid power and a CVT. As a result, it is better to drive, cheaper to fill up and generally nicer to live with.

The most notable change for the current Pathfinder has been the introduction of the Hybrid model for 2014.

The previous, third-generation Nissan Pathfinder was produced from 2005-'12. Unlike its unibody predecessor and successor, this Pathfinder featured truck-based body-on-frame construction that lent it a commendably strong 7,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. However, it also made it heavier, less space-efficient inside and ponderous to drive.

Originally, the standard engine was a 4.0-liter V6 that produced 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. For 2008, a 5.6-liter V8 became an option, making 310 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque that was more up to the task of lugging this heavy Pathfinder around. Both engines came standard with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, while a four-wheel-drive system was an option. As expected, fuel economy was not a strong suit for either engine.

The interior was roomy enough for four adults in the first two rows, but only little kids could fit in the third row. On the upside, most of Nissan's comfort and convenience features were offered, and its maximum cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet should still be enough for most folks.

Pathfinder buyers of this generation typically had a choice of four trim levels: base S, midgrade SV, the more luxurious Silver and the upscale LE. For those interested in using a Pathfinder for some off-roading, Nissan offered an SE Off Road 4x4 trim from 2005-'10 that featured such all-terrain items as special tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, hill descent control and hill start assist.

If you're looking at this generation Pathfinder, know that its strengths relate mostly to its power and towing capacity. For more typical family use, competing crossovers or SUVs of similar vintage will likely be better choices, including the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 or Toyota Highlander or 4Runner.

The second-generation (1996-2004) Pathfinder debuted right when the SUV craze hit a fever pitch. A switch to carlike unibody construction (compared to the original truck-based model) afforded it significant gains in size, interior space and on-road agility, while shedding 200 pounds. The softer Pathfinder's unremarkable styling and wimpy engine (its V6 made just 166 hp) rendered it merely average within its crowded segment, though. A small backseat also made it less suitable for hauling children than some competitors.

Nissan followed a cosmetic update in 2000 with a much-needed engine upgrade in the form of its powerful VQ-series 3.5-liter V6. In the Pathfinder, it was good for an impressive 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The improvements added enough flavor to earn the Nissan Pathfinder two consecutive Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards, in 2001 and 2002.

Launched in 1986 for the 1987 model year, the original Nissan Pathfinder has roots that run deeper than most midsize SUVs. Initially, the Pathfinder was intended to appeal to the same youthful, active, mostly male buyers that Toyota appealed to with its 4Runner. Based on Nissan's compact pickup platform, the original Pathfinder looked macho and performed well off road, even though it was not terribly well equipped or spacious by today's standards. It wasn't very powerful either, even with the optional 3.0-liter V6. It was offered initially only in a two-door body style, later adding a four-door variant that ultimately became its only configuration in subsequent generations. Pathfinders were available with four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

• 

  A little trouble expected - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By reviewer17 - November 16 - 12:06 pm

  With 2 kids now and carpooling I needed something with a third row. I love it because its not totally huge but the inside (even the third row) is very roomy. I especially like the second row folds forward even with car seat in it. We got the car in Dec of 2012. We got one of the first ones in our state and When we got there they were still cleaning it up and saw them taking stickers off some of the interior that said Infiniti on them. Yes this platinum addition has the interior of a luxury car/SUV . Now on performance. The car drives great!!!! I have had the car a year and a half and have over 10000. I have had zero issues except for the recall on airbag and brakes.

• 

  two yrs- many more!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Yabba61 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle; fun to drive; handles in snow and rain very well (not as good as my ol Bronco tho) Classy interior with awesome stereo and features. Very reliable with nothing but oil-changes and gas so far. It probably will need tires before it hits 40K (stock tires were cheap.) service dept is excellent and quick (usually).

• 

  Why buy the Infiniti QX4? - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cactusrose - November 11 - 10:00 am

  So my toddler is bleeding from the head and we are on the way to the emergency room in my bronze Nissan Pathfinder. As we pass a silver Infiniti QX4 he points out of the window and says "Daddys car." Now if even a concussed two year old can see through the exterior shiny trim of a QX4 that hides the Pathfinder beneath, wheres the snob value in buying the Infiniti? Buy a Pathfinder and save yourself $5,000. By the way, hes fine...

• 

  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PF - November 10 - 10:33 pm

  I find it to be very noisy. Wind noise especially from the sunroof is annoying. Rattling from defroster vents on the top of the dashboard is annoying and appears to be a poor design. Thats just me being a little picky with engineering problems that shouldnt be that hard to correct. My big disappointment is that with only 28,000 miles on it the evaporator cannister and vent control valve failed and cost me $550.00 to fix at the dealer. Im out of warranty because its over 36 months old. I contacted Nissan, but they have offerd me no consideration helping out with the cost of repairs. I wouldnt have expected components to fail at such low mileage.

• 

  Wicked Awesome - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jonny D. - November 9 - 3:20 pm

  Wow. Thats all I can say. I just purchased this truck, used, from a private seller and I have been in love ever since. The interior is plush, but not gaudy; it is simple, easy on the eyes and consistent with the trucks exterior look. Leather seats are very comfortable. The exterior possesses all the characterisitcs commonly sought after by the superficial man -- it looks very cool. But the best part about the truck, and the reason why I would buy it again even if it didnt have all this other stuff, is that it is so much fun to drive. It feels like you are coasting on air; the engine is strong and quick. It accelerates quickly and brakes the same. It is a blast.

• 

  Pathfinder on the Mountain - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dustin - November 9 - 12:33 am

  This car is great! There are very few things I dislike about it. It is not the most economical car to drive up and down a mountain everyday, but it definately has the comfort and style I was looking for and it is extremely spacious... what you get for the price you pay is great! Buy a Pathfinder, youll enjoy it just as much as I.

• 

  My baby! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian Graham - November 4 - 8:56 am

  With 41,000 miles in 3 years, she still purrs like a kitten every day. Trips to Home Depot or even putting 4 golf bags in the back is easy. Black on black, leather, loaded! She eats up the snow in the winter. What a great machine!

• 

  Great features; great price; very nice ride! - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Graydon - November 3 - 9:10 pm

  We were looking for a three row SUV that has good gas mileage, towing capacity, and value. The final two that I considered were the Pathfinder SL with the Tech package and the Toyota Highlander XLE trim. These have similar MSRPs to they should be comparable. The Toyota puts their advanced safety features (lane departure, collision mitigation, etc) on all trim levels. Another good thing about the Toyota was its auto stop/start feature. It was hard to notice when the car shut itself off and started back up again. On the other hand, Nissan gives you a lot more for the price. Some of the features on the Pathfinder that were not on the similarly priced Highlander were the around view monitor (my favorite feature); heated second row seats; heated side mirrors; heated steering wheel; remote start; a premium Bose sound system; driver seat position memory. Another cool feature on the Pathfinder is that when you shut off the car, the seats moved back for ease of exit. When you start it back up again, the seats move into position. A couple of small negatives. The Pathfinder has a lot of power, very quick from a stop light. However, the driving "feel" isnt like the Mazda CX9. They supposedly stiffened the suspensions, but the ride still feels very soft to me (some folks might prefer this). Also, it is a big car, so definite body roll around the corners. So its not going to feel like a sports car, but if you are looking for a good three row SUV, this is a good choice. Also, we were able to get this car for around 3K lower than the Toyota dealer was willing to go. Really loving this car!

• 

  Excellent reliability, great in snow - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dhdriver - November 3 - 8:26 am

  Bought this car used at 85k, now its at 126k and I have had only 1 single problem with it (sway link). Literally have only changed the oil, driven it in snow for a year in Boston, then moved back to CA and gone to Tahoe several times, it handles great with the 4wd. Only wish is for better mileage (16-19 mpg), but of course its an suv, and its the most dependable car Ive owned, so cant complain too much.

• 

  95 nissan pathfinder - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ryan - November 2 - 7:03 am

  I like the car over all, it will get me where I need to go, but the acceleration and top speed are pretty bad. I have to do alot of work to mine, iv had to replace the brakes twice, the brakes arent very good. Its peppy, but not a performance car in any way. The problems I have with the car are all small. Only big problem Ive had was with the headlights. The previous owner ran wires directly from the headlight wire to something else(havent followed wire) and the fuse would blow when headlights were turned on, I disconnected the wires and problem was gone. The safety issue was plastic burning when headlights were on, possible fire in steering wheel... wouldnt have been good. happy w/ car overall