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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BAD CAR!!!! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
By Joe Farmer - August 11 - 10:00 amI DONT CARE WHAT EVRYONE ELSE SAYS!! THIS CAR SUCKS!!!!!!!!! Ive already taken the pile of glue in 15 times in the past 3 months. The transmissions suck. And theyre the best part of the car! I almost threw up the car rocked so much and was amazed at how bad the gas milage was. I Cant belive this thing comes from NISSAN!!
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Jack of All Trades!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
By Matt - August 10 - 2:16 amThis car is "good" in a lot of different ways. Suspension is soft for off-roading, but skid plates, and ranchos serve it well. Highway ride is GREAT, very smooth and quite, long wheel base helps with that. Only complaint is the seats! Im 64 and I dont fit comfortably, seats could be more supportive. Rear seating is cramped but storage capacity is great. No reliability issues whatsoever yet Yes, the throttle IS touchy, but if you know how to drive a car, this shouldnt be a problem! Interior ergonomics are above average, plastics could be little bit more scratch resistant (have to be careful when cleaning). Can avg 21 mpg if you drive it at 65.
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Poor performance, expensive repairs - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
By notsopathfinder - August 6 - 10:43 pmBought this vehicle used with 98,000. Good for first six months, after that, it got real expensive. Replaced both front struts/shocks twice in the same year, persistant belt noise. Rear suspension was crap. Seriously lacking power, even with the standard transmission. Repairs extremely expensive compared to my last vehicle, a Chevy. Wanted $350 just for one headlight, part only, that consistantly had water leaking in and blowing the bulb. Dealer service was horrible, bad enough that they went out of business. Above problems were from normal everyday road driving, no offroad, harsh use. Went back to Chevy because at least I can repair it at about 1/4 the cost of foreign autos.
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Outstanding LE 4WD Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
By Andrew G - August 5 - 10:00 amThis is an unvbelievable car. I recommend it to all.
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05 Pathfinder SE - So far so good - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
By OP - August 4 - 8:23 amSo far so good, except for the rattling noise underneath vehicle. Will have it checked out this week. Had to replace tires immediately (were horrible in snow/slush) after purchase- went from BF Goodrich Longtrails to Goodyear Forteras.Manufacturer forgot to put on passenger side molding as well - will get this fixed too. Other than the above, great vehicle!Very smooth,great performance, great stereo. Have the premium and comfort package.Great cargo space when third row folds down. Hope it holds up.Dual- climate control works great.
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Great Truck--Great Vallue - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
By Fred Firestone - August 2 - 10:00 amHighly recommend this vehicle. Good construction and strong value. Plan to keep this truck for until its wheels fall off, which will probably be 7 yrs + from now.
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Very Reliable - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
By joe - July 21 - 12:06 amI have had my v8 pathfinder for 2yrs and it has been great! The power and performance is amazing! Great options and no problems. I test drove other SUVs and there was no comparison. The pathfinder had more power than any v8 out there. The gas mileage is better than expected. It gets about 15 in the city. Well worth the v8 for 1 or 2mpg difference.
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nissan 2000 - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
By jt - July 16 - 10:43 pmOurs is a plain Jane XE. Bought it new - now has 144,000 miles. Timing chain and waterpump@105k new struts@130k. Some brake work - forgot just what. Transmission serviced, oil changed each 3000 mi til 99k. Now using Mobil one 15,000 mile oil -changed each 10k - doesnt seem to burn any. Id drive it across country tomorrow.
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This vehicle is awesome...... - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
By alankc1 - July 16 - 1:23 pmI dont think Ive ever owned a vehicle that I love more than this one. It has all the options, other than leather, (but who needs leather, hah) and Ive installed a satellite radio system.....For the money, you cant go wrong.
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...continued - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
By mrcarp - July 12 - 8:03 pmGreat in the snow.
