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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  nissan pathfinder 2003 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Daniel69 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  great SUV very safe

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  1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jd sands - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a great 4 wheel drive. I owned a 1993 Pathfinder and stepped up to the 1999. The vehicle runs smoothly and the interior is comfortable and convenient. The off road capabilities are exceptional considering that this vehicle drives and rides like a car.

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  So far pretty good - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steveo - August 7 - 1:40 pm

  This is vehicle steeped in its own tradition, one that has ebbed and flowed stylistically and mechanically with the various SUV trends. Simply put, it is a very well-built, reliable vehicle that has had a few sputters along the way - in 03-04 it was a bit of an identity crisis, with two main flaws: poor fuel economy and bad rear seating. However, it makes up for it with excellence in other areas. Recently I passed a semi-truck on a snowy road at 120km/hr, something I just wouldnt do with every vehicle - its got plenty of zip, traction, overall quality. Just think twice about how much that back-seat is used by adult passengers, and be willing to pay 20% more for gas than a car.

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  05 SE pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By davmc - August 2 - 11:40 pm

  This is my 3rd pathfinder lease. I was able to get my notes lower than my 1999.5 model and it has way more features. I really like the new layout and the center with brushed metal accents. The cup holders are just right for my large cup of Joe in the morning. The engine sounds like a v-8 at low speeds but disappears at highway speeds. The cabin is pretty quite and it has a great sound system. The rear doors seem to open wider than my 02. This helps getting my son out of his child seat. The back floor my be easy to wipe clean but your stuff slides all over the place. My kids love the 3rd row seats and dvd player.

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  New Block needs Old "chip" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay and Karen - July 28 - 9:46 pm

  Really like the truck, it handles mother nature pretty well. However someone needs to tell me how closely they "drafted" the test truck to claim 20mpg. Maybe a new programmable chip (like the ones available for Ford F- series diesels or other performance vehicles) is in order?!

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  Love It - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PathfinderOWNER - July 27 - 7:00 am

  I love my new Pathfinder. I just bought a 05 LE. The only things I hate about it is it sways in the wind and the doors do not automatically lock once it is put into Drive. My gas door always opens by itself if I dont lock the doors. I am taking it back to the Dealership tomorrow.

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  "Going through a transition" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By canteengreen - July 24 - 11:43 am

  Going from a front wheel drive, 5-manual, german sedan to the Pathfinder was quite a leap for me. So far, this vehicle has made the transition as painless as possible. Im enjoying it so much that I took off a few days of work, just to spend some time on the road. Unfortunately, its been raining the whole time!

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  Never Again - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DL - July 21 - 8:56 pm

  Various sensors always seem to be burning out, especially O2 sensors. Ive gone thru 5 in the last 2 years. I also had the CD changer replaced 4 times. If youre going to buy one of these get the extended warranty! I wish I had splurged and bought the MDX. At 35,000 I got backed into by a dump truck and it has never ridden right since. Cant really blame the vehicle for this, but after 8 trips you would think the dealer could fix the horrible vibration. Ill keep this as a beater and buy a fun car to drive.

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  Nissan Pathfinder has faulty clutches. - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Greg Sippel - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Having owned this Pathfinder for the past 4+ years, weve put 4 clutches into it and the dealership insist that driver-error is to blame. This is the far from the truth. Also Pathfinder has a tendancy to rock over 55 mph. Dealer claims the tire wear is to blame. I have difficult time believing their solution.

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  stuck in the middle again - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PhilG - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the best riding of all mid? size SUVs. Handles fair, plenty of power, and very comfortable seating. Short on luggage capacity, and light on build quality, it is nonetheless the best of a dying breed of 5 passenger (really 4) SUVs. Transmission and window operation are its biggest quirks. The Automatic likes to upshift at inapropriat times and in my estimation is dangerous.