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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  Still the Best SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Diny - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive own Pathfinders since 1990.. and today, still is the best SUV on the market. Excellent acceleration, superior handling and when it comes to drive like a car none beats it. Also awsome handling under extreme conditions such as towing and off-road. Cannot be bother by fuel mileage for a mid to large V6-240 hp engine.

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  Best vehicle weve owned - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathfinder - April 4 - 11:23 pm

  This has been the best vehicle we have ever purchased. We now have 55000 miles and it just keeps going without anything going wrong. Hall Nissan service guys make you feel like we bought a BMW--always helpful, never try to oversell anything you dont need--it is because of their service, We will buy another Nissan. My only complaint is the fold-down front passenger seat--it is uncomfortable after about an hour due to the removed area of lower lumber that allows it to fold flat--dont get that seat--shell hate it three weeks later and tell you! Xenon headlight option would be great-- they still dont offer it on the 2010-- or Id be trading in--Ill wait for 2011 and see--!

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  Transmission Problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kano1017 - April 3 - 5:58 pm

  After reading all this reviews I decided not to wait and / or pay a lot of $$ to get this fix, so what we came up with is totally different cost effective and it works great, I know that this is a problem with the Nissan design but I bought it so now is my problem here goes, we cancel the lines that go thru the radiator and put an independent oil cooler to the side of the radiator with this little gadget you can be sure that you will never ever have this problem again and the transmission oil will be more cooler with this modification so the tranny will work better, cost to do this = 60 buck for the oil cooler, 15 buck to add transmission oil to the oil cooler and thats it well + what you

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  Best SUV for the $ - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Hillcoach - April 3 - 5:50 pm

  Ive owned this 06 Pathfinder a little over a year now, 18,500 miles. Excellent vehicle. Lots of power allows it to pull a trailer and/or full load of stuff with ease. With kayaks and bikes on the roof it averages about 18 mpg at 65-70 mph. Mileage as high as 22 without gear on the roof. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who tows and/or carries lots of toys on their roof. Lots of fun to drive daily and comfortable on long trips.

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  My Pathy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roger - March 31 - 4:50 pm

  The best truck I have ever owned! Its 1.5 years old and I have not even had the need to take it into the dealer for any of the typical "punch list" items you find on new cars/trucks.

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  Finally a Pathfinder thats rides like an Acura and Benz - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By roadtester1 - March 29 - 8:01 pm

  Why is 2013 Nissan Pathfinder a solid choice in my opinion vs. some of its peers. For starters Nissan finally moved away from an off road SUV (truck on frame) to one that mainstream families like myself will want and use. How many families do you know that go rock crawling or off roading vs. those who need space, comfort, handling like an Acura or Mercedes with virtually no tire and road noise? How many V6s can offer 19-26 MPGs when fully loaded with the AC blasting? For those who do not like or complain about the CVT transmission need to learn more about it. This is not new. All snow mobiles, wave runners, boats and heavy equipment use this type of transmission and its a solid choice.

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  Fair Trade - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jfunk - March 26 - 6:03 pm

  I dont mind the typical 14MPG because the Finder of Paths makes it worth it. I live where the snow comes heavy from Nov-Feb (sometimes into April), so the heavy Pathfinder and its hardcore 4WD make driving in six or more inches of snow less difficult, and on the roads I know well, downright fun. The interior is flexible and can hold a very good amount of stuff. The engine sounds great and runs very well and has just enough power for a vehicle this size. Im glad I didnt get the 1999 with the 3.3 litre engine. I have, however, had problems with my stock stereo and the exhaust fell apart at 79,000 miles (consider the snow/salt where I live, though).

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  Luxurious! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A Parker - March 25 - 1:36 pm

  I think it really depends on what you were driving before. If you were driving a cadillac, you might not like it as much. I went from an 88 Honda CRX to this and I LOVE IT!! The ride is smooth, the stereo is great, and it didnt break the bank. Gas mileage in an SUV always isnt going to be the best but Im averaging right about 20/gallon so I cant complain. I love my new car. And theres so much room inside. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

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  KING - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sant - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent SUV. Beats competition hands down.

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  Tough little SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lauren - March 19 - 3:30 am

  I was drawn to the 2004 Pathfinder for its styling and performance. This SUV is loaded with options that make driving and riding enjoyable in all weather conditions. Will keep it forever!