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 Buy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By vicreal - June 14 - 3:33 pm

  I really love this SUV it has just about everything a person could ask for. It has great power and the 4x4 is excellent. The leather and the navigation system are nice also.I have started to have a problem with the rear driver side passenger window button is shorting out will not come up sometimes. Road noise is a little to loud with windows up on the freeway.

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  2014 sl pathfinder - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mary1422 - June 13 - 10:58 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. It has the shudder problem at 28 mph. Third time taking it in tomorrow. They say they cannot duplicate the problem so there is nothing wrong with it!! So frustrated with this car. Do not recommend anyone to buy this car.

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  Nissan- What?!? - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By samandolia - June 12 - 12:17 pm

  I purchased a Pathfinder almost 2 years ago, used. The seats were found to be so uncomfortable, my husband ALWAYS complained about how they felt like sitting on plywood. The center console, (where you rest your arm), always made a cracking sound when leaned on, and eventually broke.The backseat cupholder was sort of loose, and eventually broke off too. Then, when the car hit 95,000 miles, my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. Advance Auto put the computer on it, and said it was just the way I had put the gas cap back on and it would go off. It did, but when I filled up again, it came back on. I got lucky & got rid of it, I knew it was about to become expensive to repair- JUNK

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  Good until now - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay - June 11 - 1:36 pm

  This is my 2nd Pathfinder. The 1st, a 1998, was great. The only problems until now was excessive rattles. Same with 1st one. However, I just got a "sevice engine soon" light so I got it checked. The dealer says my catalytic converters are shot and new ones will cost almost 2000.00! It seems to me 4.5 year old and 70k miles with all scheduled service and no unusual driving the car should not have this problem.

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  2007 Nissan Pathfinder Tranny/Coolant cross-contamination --DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joelv698 - June 11 - 3:28 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new to replace a 2003 SE with high-mileage. The quality of the interior appeared to be subpar as most of the items are made of cheap plastic. At about 55k mi, i had a problem with the fuel sending unit, which was covered under warranty since this was common malfunction of the vehicle. Now after owning the vehicle for 7 years, it finally had a potentially catastrophic failure. The plastic inlet hose nipple to the heater core broke and sprayed coolant all through the engine compartment. I looked in the radiator and overflow tank and both had thick milky coolant which indicates cross contamination of ATF/AF. This is a common problem w/ this vehicle over 100k

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  Pathfinder Tranny/cruise/handling issues - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Aviatorduke - June 7 - 5:43 am

  Well built vehicle, typical Nissan workmanship and design in the build. Very happy with the power to weight. Gets up and goes for a vehicle in this class. As another contributor stated and I have to agree I too like the "throaty" sound with acceleration. Great towing power and good off road handling with the 4x4. On the downside I think the tires are too soft for the vehicle weight and at highway speed it is very sloppy and wanders. I too experience what seems like tranny lurching on downhill grades but I found if I turned the cruise off it stopped. Seems as vehicle gets driven more it is better - not sure what that is all about. During servicing I have brought that issue to dealership.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By thammonds - June 3 - 8:00 am

  What a huge disappointment! I fell in love with my brand new pathfinder on the lot. As soon as I got it I had to put it in for service because the cloth was coming off of the drivers seat after about the 4th try I stopped taking it needless to say they never fixed it right transmission started messing after 1 year I did not know the noise I was hearing was not normal now 2 years later it is completely broke and costs 6800 to fix initially I took it in for a diagnostic test because I had no heat it was blowing cold air, they told me that the fluids from the radiator leaked into the transmission and made it go bad and they are not responsible for fixing Not worth money you have to put into it

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  Please Read - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rosalie - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The sound system in this vehicle is one of the worst Ive ever heard. I had a better one in my 1972 Pontiac!!!

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  So far so good - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By brian - June 1 - 4:03 am

  I bought my pathfinder over a year ago for two thousand dollars. It had 213,000 miles on it. I now have 216,000, so I dont drive very much. It is a good car for driving around town, but sometimes it gets shaky on the freeway. It will rock back and forth until I slow down a little or speed up. It has been a reliable car so far. After I purchased it last year, I replaced the timing belt, water pump, and belts because I did not know when they were done last. I have never used the four wheel drive.

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  Why did they change to a CrossOver? - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ihatexovers - May 30 - 2:17 pm

  Id write several paragraphs but I dont have a lot of space...so here goes.....I LOVE THIS TRUCK! Ive had it for three years and hate to turn it in in April @ the end of its lease with over 100K miles on it. Its reliable, fun, a work horse and economical. How can that be? I drive almost a tank full of gas each day with my job. I spend more time in it each day than my bed! Ive seen it through all weather conditions and even terrain. Ive NEVER had a vehicle that performs as well in all environments! If you think this truck drives too much like a truck...then youve probably never owned a real truck before it...and you probably had yuckie cars as well. I will hate to see my truck go but...