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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  "thoughtful" sums it up - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Travis - May 18 - 12:20 am

  i virtually live out of my Pathfinder. its interior is highly functional and the exterior design is meaty and great. the designers really did their work from the extra cup holders and cell phone slots to the grab handles on the luggage rack to the placing of the hooks for the grab net in the cargo area. i used to drive a ford explorer but i find the pathfinder to be an much better suv overall. i also tow a boat pushing the limits of its towing capacity. NO PROBLEMS!

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  A great preowned SUV! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Frank - May 12 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used with 106,000 miles on it only because it is a Nissan. Had it been any American car I wouldnt have considered it with that kind of mileage. I have to say what a great ride and feel it has. Still tight and quiet, like it was new! Very reliable as everything is in great shape. Very little signs of wear. The gas mileage has little to be desired, but is in line with todays SUVs gas mileage. Everything considered, I am extremely happy with this vehicle and would highly recommend it.

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  Add these things to the transmission - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By VERY disappointed - May 12 - 3:46 am

  Heater blows cold air anytime you let off the gas petal. The back hatch doesnt stay up. Add to this the new transmission (July of 08) is going out. Suppose to be a year warranty...hmm well see what happens

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  dollar-ed out - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carikeli81 - May 7 - 10:53 pm

  I do love this truck but would love it more if I hadnt had so many issues...At 26,000 miles we had to fix the tension belt and just again at 59,000 miles! The fuel sensor failed and had to be replaced at 50,000. My tire pressure light will not go off even though it has been to the dealer no 4 times and now my air bag light is flashing and they said my extended warranty will not cover anything on it if they find something wrong with the airbag!? which I dont understand and is ridiculous to me. My husband informed me he will sell it if it continues to have issues! I always thought Nissans were well made vehicles guess I was wrong?

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  transmission problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By VERY disappointed - May 5 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder new in 2005. Around 2008 started hearing this noise that was like a vibration. Kind of like when you are sitting at a stoplight and someones stereo is very loud. Then, it had trouble shifting while driving. Would take a while to down shift, or shift up to a higher gear. Last summer our transmission went out $5900. Now, it is doing it again! I bought a nissan to avoid problems. I have had squeaky belts, and brakes, and numerous other smaller things fixed.

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  what a blast! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MD mudpup - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought a superblack se 4wd w/options: s94, l92, f95 & go5. Paid $210 over CR wholesale price, $1200 under invoice. Took the $1k cash back. Test-drove the envoy, trailblazer, 4 runner, montero... Envoy – nice if you like driving a couch, trailblazer – piece of @#*!. the rest were nice. If you want performance buy a pathfinder. Torque – you got it! Pounces off the line. DOHC v-6 can definitely get it out of its own way. Engine braking – great. Rides nice (it’s a suv, its going to lean a little bit in a turn, buy a porsche if you want handling). im 65" 280 and i fit nice. do yourself a favor and test drive them all and make your choice. i did and picked the pathfinder - what a blast!

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  2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 Auto - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jgoveia - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Excellent all-around performer with a very potent engine. First-class reliability. It could use improvement in fuel efficiency.

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  Great Car for Traveling - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jwil32e - May 1 - 4:46 pm

  I was looking for a family car with 3 rows so i looked at the Acura MDX which starts at the price i bought the pathfinder fully loaded, the Mazda CX-9, and the Infiniti JX. The JX would have cost $15k more fully loaded with only having a little more features like Lane Departure Warning which isnt worth $15k. The CX-9 and MDX dont compare when it comes to size. I am 6 and still have leg room in the 3rd row. The tech is great and its comfortable. Very minimal road noise it still wows me to this day. i normally drive about 80-85 and it feels like nothing in this. 4WD is also excellent. I get 19.7 mpg but again i drive 80-85. The 14 Speaker Bose beats hard and the tvs are great for the kids.

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  Strong engine - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By James&Yolanda McGrew - April 27 - 7:50 pm

  I like the rugget look of the pathfinder and the performance was better then all the other suvs we tested before deciding to purchase the pathfinder. The ride was a little harsh on bumpy roads. The interior quality could be a little better for a vehicle in the near $30,000 range. The back doors require a hard push to make them shut completely. But this suv can stand up against the other top suvs in its size range and the styling is a eye opener. I have 4 children and this vehicle was able to seat us all comfortly.

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  Just purchased - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tracey - April 23 - 7:46 am

  We just brought home our new SE 06 Pathfinder and love it. We upgraded to the comfort package with the A/C vents for the third row seats. I could not believe they expect to cool the third row with two tiny vents in the second. We test drove on a very HOT afternoon and I wouldnt put my child or even my dog back there without access to an A/C vent.