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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  Nice Truck - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xwingftr - June 5 - 7:43 pm

  Ni 2001 Nissan Pathfinder is truly a great truck. Im a performance oriented person and this truck does not disapoint. Its fun to drive, handles well, has good brakes, and its acceleration is sweet (240HP). Looking back, I should have opted for the navigation system. its reliability has been solid. I had the radiator replaced after the warranty ran out, otherwise it has been very reliable. I would recommend it as a used car purchase.

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  Great vehicle! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rachel K A - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned a Nissan Maxima and I am experiencing the same level of quality and fun with the Pathfinder. I think I will continue to purchase Nissans and I would highly recommend this SUV to others. It has been great.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By April - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV. After months of research and test driving, I decided to purchase the Pathfinder. I am very pleased with it and so are my girls. It is fun to drive and I feel very safe in it. (It has the side impact air bags).

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  Kellis word - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kelli Porzio - June 1 - 5:50 am

  It has been a great SUV. It taken many road trips. I have had not mechanical problems and at 125,000 its still running great!

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  drive one and you will besold - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By donna legendre - June 1 - 4:50 am

  I had a chrysler Pacifica and had nothing but trouble so started looking and had no idea what to buy. Then,my husband and i went to Montana for a vacation and we rented a nissan pathfinder. We put nearly 1700 miles on the car and loved the ride, the comfort, the handle.. there were no blind spots..so needless to say visibility was 100%. I spotted this car in a lot when we got home..the beauty of this car surpasses all. So we now knew what to buy..Again last week justgot back from vacation to Penn Dutch and put on over 1200 miles.Our friends with us loved the backseat comfort and ride.Now they are planning to buy one.Trust me,once you drive a nissan pathfinder you will be sold donna legendre

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  The best of the rest! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By skichick - May 25 - 2:00 am

  In March I traded in my 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible towards my purchase of a brand new 2003 Nissan Pathfinder. This car not only beats out any other SUV Ive driven. I work for Enterprise Rent A Car, I drive all makes and models often, and just like Red Riding Hood, I am picky....The Durango & Trailblazer are excellent, but too trucklike. The Jeep Grand Cherokee down the road is one of my brances best customers for service, that has to tell you something about that vehicles quality.

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  All-around best SUV I have driven - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Thalodian - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Before purchasing my Pathfinder, I drove several of the top brands and found them all lacking in one way or another. The Pathfinder combines car-like ride and handling with class-leading power in a luxurious package. The only down-side is the fuel economy, which is a trade-off for having 250 HP under the hood.

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  Avoid a 45K error. - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hp1236 - May 19 - 4:16 am

  I bought a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Plat with Premium options and the vehicle had 9 miles on it. I drove the vehicle 50 miles to my home and the next morning there was an i-Key system error or similar. A little later the check engine light came on. OBD code was P0850. I was told there was a fob programming but it turned out to be a shifter assembly part needed to be replaced. Needless to say, I had to bring the vehicle back to get it fixed. A couple of days later my wife was sitting in the passenger seat and I noticed the passenger airbag was off. Back to the dealer and I am told the seat was not calibrated. They fixed it, yesterday the issue with the airbag is back.

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  Forgot To Build In Quality - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ken - May 17 - 6:40 am

  I was under the impression that Japanese cars were all well made, until owning this vehicle. We have made trip after trip after trip to the dealer getting things fixed. No fewer than 14 different things had broken in the first two years -- all of which were fixed by the dealer, because all were due to poor design and/or manufacturing. Beyond bad quality, my biggest issue is the front seats. They literally cause pain if you have to sit on them for more than a half hour. Compared to all the vehicles I have owned, these are by far the most uncomfortable seats.

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  Super Charger Problems - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By abruzz - May 16 - 7:30 am

  Purchased suv in July of 2014. Two months later, I was driving I heard a pop and thought I had run over a metal band. As I continued to drive I noticed the suv was overheating. Called dealership and they had suv towed in. They also arranged a rental for me. Approximately 10 days later, I picked up suv. Was told super charger seized and they had to pull out engine to replace it. Then in January of 2015 same thing happened. SUV towed in and was given a rental. Approx 8 days later, I p/u SUV and told same exact problem. Now I am afraid to take long trips. I fear that super charger will seize again. Also noticed that Nissan no longer making the hybrid. I assume mine is a lemon.