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:

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  Love It - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nick - July 14 - 8:30 am

  Ive only put tires, oil and gas in it. Today, after 79000m (mostly city miles), replaced front breaks. Car feels like new. Hope to drive another 5 years without problem :) My first SUV so can not compare it to other cars but so far Reliability is perfect.

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  Best third row, best infotainment and best combination of features, - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By theooutback - July 10 - 8:46 am

  Lets start with the context, Ive gotten a new car almost every year for several years now. Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited(s) (14 and 15), two Camry XLEs, Grand Caravan, Sienna (04, 09, 11)... The 2015 Pathfinder Platinum is outstanding. It may be the car I just keep. I cross shopped the Highlander XLE/Limited and the third row is so much better. The reviews will tell you its got more passenger space than a Tahoe! The third row is the best out there. Its got two real seats and headroom - adults can use it! Which is good because teens and adults are the same size. The infotainment is MUCH better than the Jeep GC Ltd and that is supposed to be cutting edge. 13 speaker Bose is very good.

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  good car... - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dave86 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  best car on the market

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  Great SUV!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hooch - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV almost a year now and I love it. The engine is very powerful and smooth as silk...great pick-up. This comes at the expense of gas mileage but I expected this. I go to the beach a lot and it has no problems traversing heavy, loose sand. Interior build quality is excellant....no "cheapo" feel here. Folding the rear seats is simple...who said it was difficult???

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  Ideal automobile for the growing family! - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrspacheco - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a Nissan Pathfinder 2WD SE. This SUV has been a dream come true for me! I am a mother of 2 children (1 toddler & 1 baby). I bought this truck so that I could have more interior room than a car. With regards to the lack of leg room...It is just fine for those who have children! For the next few years my children will not be needing an excessive amount of legroom, so the Pathfinder is the PERFECT choice due to the dependability, price, and overall quality that Nissan has always provided. I am extremely satisfied with this truck!

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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2010 LE 4x4 with nav - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I use 87 octane gas, have had it since 8/14/10 and have not noticed any problems with using regular gas. I average @ 16 miles per gallon in the city. The ride is quiet and compliant. This is a good value for your dollar.

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  So far so good - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dglo - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Initially bought the vehicle because the wife wanted third row seats, and I currently own 2 Nissan trucks, a 1990 4x4 hard-body with 270,000 miles and only replaced the head gasket, and a 2001 s/c frontier 4x4 with 140,000 and have only had to replace the timing chain which is maintenance anyway, so I have been more than pleased with the reliability of Nissan trucks and was very comfortable in the purchase of the pathy, it currently has about 90; 000 mile on it and has run like a top, I have driven it all over the western United States on many occasions and never had a problem. Today the check engine light says that the tps sensor is malfunctioning, researching the web I found about the trans woes

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  Presidents Day Bargain - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By frozentone - June 20 - 9:43 am

  We purchased our 2014 PathFinder SV on a very snowy presidents day. In the last few months we have logged almost 5,000 enjoyable, uneventful miles. This includes a road trip and numerous trips to sporting events hauling 4 kids, 2 adults, and 3 sets of hockey equipment. The ride is great, handling good, and acceleration smooth. So smooth that it is accelerating faster than you at first realize. Mileage has been very good, usually 22-23 in mixed driving (overdrive enabled, towing mode disabled for normal driving). I am looking forward to seeing how well it handles our boat. No shudders, or hick-ups, at all... Just enjoying the ride.

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  Good Car - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kano1017 - June 20 - 8:41 am

  I got my Path used 3 years ago its a 2005, Im very happy with it then I started reading the reviews and got concern I know that this is a Nissan design issues but I was not going to wait till I have to pay a lot of $$ to get the radiator and tranny fix so my friend and me started looking for some options and we found the solution so we cancel the lines that go thru the radiator to cool the tranny oil and put an independent oil cooler so now I will never need to be concern on this issue, cost to do this 70 bucks for the oil cooler + what you mechanic charges you. Good luck

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  Great mid-size 4X4 SUV - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stocktonpathy - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I bought my 1999 Pathfinder SE used with 89,000 to with replace a 1987 Pathfinder SE 4X4 5 speed with 277,000 miles. This has many more creature comforts than the 87 did. But the 87 was be more trail ready (full frame, skid plates, etc). I too had to replace the struts and shocks. I recently upgraded my tires to a set of All Terrains too. I do need to replace some weather stripping between the doors. The Bose stereo is nice, but the volume knob doesnt work right. I kinda have to pull up some so the contacts work. I also added a Sirius satellite receiver for long trips.