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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Great vehicle with few errors - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
By felix183333 - March 26 - 2:00 amI only own nissans and I judge them all and follow the improvements as they develop. I normally buy a nissan about every three years and have owned nissan trucks, sentras, altimas, maximas and pathfinders. Nissan, I can say is a corpration that is for the consumer and puts its best foot froward to please its buyers.
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I love my Pathfinder! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
By ANN - March 26 - 2:00 amI loved my 2001 and bought another almost identical to it. It has even better, more improved features and the XM radio is awesome! And it will scat, but the gas mileage is similar to the old one.
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The best - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By cone747 - March 25 - 2:03 amBuild quality of a tank! The power and "tightness" makes it feel like your driving an unstoppable machine. This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The luxury interior is awesome and has every thing you can want on a car (le version). Gas mileage isnt good (12.9), but if a cared I would have gotten a hybrid. Electic 4x4 is great never misses a beat locking in or catching it in auto. Suspension is great and the breaks are ultra smooth. Dont compare the v6 to the v8. Though they look alike there completely different I have driving both. The v6 is a wanna be, the v8 is the real deal.
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Pathfinder LE V8 - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By BST - March 19 - 10:20 pmGreat car with the current discounts offered. Good size, great performance, great optional features. Only complaint is the gas mileage with the giant V8, but I knew what I was getting into. Fortunately I dont drive much. I would certainly buy again.
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Best SUV on the market - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
By Rusty - March 19 - 9:36 pmTraded in our second Quest for a 2006 Nissan SE Pathfinder. This SUV is by far the best i have ever driven or ownded. The gas mileage could be better, but this baby has plenty of power with a 4.0 Liter V6. Very comfy and a great ride!
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Well built - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
By Roman Merkushen - March 19 - 11:53 amGreat truck, very reliable
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owned pathfinder - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
By janicecarter - March 18 - 10:00 amfirst pathfinder owned, over 200000 miles with only one major problem, five speed transmission, bearing failure, exhaust manifold to head gasket failure, broken stud in manifold to head,constant squeak somewhere in suspension
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Buy this SUV! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
By Yinka Ajelabi - March 13 - 1:40 pmMy wife and I got this car 5 months ago and we just love it! The exterior projects strength and confidence and the V6 270 horsepower engine sure backs it up. The interior is spacious and very well designed. the best part for is how well it handles in the city...really smoothly. You will definitely get THE bang for your buck, we definitely did.
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Cool Soccer Mom - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
By Melissa - March 13 - 8:06 amLove the ride; the steering is solid and handles curves well. Have it had for almost 1 year now. Traded 01 Nissan Quest; still wanted the room without the low to ground vehicle. Even though this is not 4WD, it does well on loose gravel and low clearance areas. Pulls trailer with 4 wheeler extremely well.
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Great Car - No Trouble - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
By presto - March 12 - 10:00 amThis has been a great car - put 150K miles on it so far. The only problems I have had is: replace speedometer. Wish it was a little better on gas though.
