Overview & Reviews

Changes to the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder include storage pockets added at all doors, a new exterior color and an available Bose sound system.

• Fresh shape, wonderful interior, good reliability.

• Steep price, engine could be stronger.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 60.00

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  READ THIS!! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By arob0505 - July 16 - 5:15 am

  My father bought a 1997 Pathfinder LE loaded off the showroom in 1997. He was a traveling sales rep and he sold me the car in 2004 with 265k. I drove it until it had 310k and gave it to my little brother in law for his 16th birthday present. He drove it for another year and a half and traded it in on a new Scion. I absolutely loved how smooth the tranny shifted, how quiet the engine was and how roomy the interior was. I loved it so much that I am buying another 1997 SE in 2 days! I think it is one of the best and most underrated SUVs ever made. It eats the snow and dirt and never dies. GET ONE!!

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  Lucky owner - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - December 10 - 4:00 am

  I bought this former lease vehicle with 36K on it in 2001. 4 weeks in the check eng light comes on. Dealer says too bad & deal with it. But was told that it would not effect engine and it hasnt. This has truly been a great vehicle for me. Has been in the shop 1 time (2002) for a non-wear & tear repair. Replaced the brakes/shocks/struts in 2005 for the only time. Has been paid off for over a year so I have definitely gotten my moneys worth. I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat. Has definitely been a great experience to own.

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  Solid Vehicle - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kevin - September 21 - 2:50 pm

  This was my second Pathfinder.I bought my Patherfinder with 47k miles from a local dealership and now have 117k miles. Other than the regular change of the timing belt at 100k miles, no real problems to speak of. Comfortable ride, looks great for a 8 year old vehicle! Only complaint is fuel economy; I have averaged around 15-16 mpg.

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  great suv - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bk - April 2 - 10:53 pm

  I have owned 3 pathfinders along the way. First was a 1996 se, then went to a 2001 with the 3.5l and now I am back in a 1997. They all have been absolutely great vehicles! Never left me stranded anywhere, go through snow up to the bumpers, repairs are rare and they hold their value. The only complaint I had was going from my 1996 with 150,000 miles to the 2001 with 80,000 miles, I expected the same fuel mileage and was disappointed. A year later and I was back in the 1997 and regained some of the fuel mileage back again. This is a cant miss suv. Why pay thousands more for a 4 runner?

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  Good SUV despite Nissan - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gasoholic - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a leftover demo. Its not that I havent liked the Pathfinder but it has at any given time had several repairs that needed to be done: *bolts broken off manifold/exhaust interface. I found out about it when they were replacing a valve between the fuel tank and engine that was broken. *new front brakes at 52K? *new clutch at 60K. *cracked struts at 65K with never more than light off-roading? These babies cost $1000 a piece to replace. *The climate control is clumsy and its either been too cold or too warm in the truck. Nissan needs to stop convincing itself that they are as good as Toyota and Honda.

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  Fantastic First Car! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Shea - March 19 - 10:00 am

  My great uncle sold this car to me cheap soon after I got my license last December. Now, it was in great condition mostly thanks to my uncle treating it like his firstborn son since he bought it in 97, but what a great car he chose! Ive had it for almost a year and its required shockingly little maintenance for a 13-year-old car. 130,000 miles hasnt slowed it down a bit. It drives great, even in bad storms and intense heat. My parents and I feel safe knowing that I have a sturdy reliable car to get around with. I was definitely dealt a good hand with my first car compared to some clunkers my friends were landed with. My compliments to Nissan, this suckers going to last me for years.

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  no problems here - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By augie - February 21 - 2:23 am

  I bought our 1997 Pathfinder new in 1998. Got a good deal on it. As our spare vehicle we only drove it about 4,000 miles a year the first 8 years. That all changed when our daughter started driving. She doubled the mileage in 3 years. It has had the normal things replaced/repaired. The A/C evaporator is the biggest so far. Im very comfortable with our daughter driving it full time. It has to be inspected next month and if we get bad news we may look around at some other SUVs. We cant afford another Pathfinder. That Hyundai 10 year 100,000 power train warranty is looking pretty good.

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  Decent value - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pierce1 - January 19 - 11:00 pm

  My 1997 Nissan Pathfinder has a decent ride and power. It sways a little at highway speeds. Was very reliable until 100,000 miles. Ive had several repairs since (it now has 109,000 miles. Complaints - my mechanic told me that my trucks rotors must be replaced with the brakes and the parts are pricey, especially exhaust parts. Overall, I would say its a good vehicle but not a great vehicle.

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  Still the one - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hmp49 - January 16 - 11:33 am

  Mileage, handling, braking, transmission, better than when it was new. Engine is smooth as silk. Changing oil every 3,000 miles, transmission every 30,000, serviced only at dealer. Using Michelin Mud and Snow tires with Nitrogen really brought up the MPG, get an honest 19 mph on the highway.

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  My path - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chasrkim - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle in all respects