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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  Bulletproof - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By whittonm - March 7 - 10:46 pm

  In 8 years of ownership, the only major repair was the replacement of the ignition key switch after 3 years. Other than that, just tires, oil, etc. Performance is OK, fuel economy is fair, interior is nice, driving position is excellent, AC held up well during 7 TX summers. This truck is bulletproof.

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  One Solid Truck - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CarOwner - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is one great truck. Its a little small on the inside but the comfort level is great. I bought it with 90K. I owned it for over 2 years and 15,000 more miles and never had to do one maintenance job. Just be good with your oil changes and it will treat you great!

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  Almost Overlooked this SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TrapperJay - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This SUV had flown under the radar with me. When my Explorer finally died, I sort of stumbled across the Pathfinder when a friend told me to check out the Xterra (!). I did my research (including Edmunds) and saw that the Pathfinder garnered consistently high ratings from both reviewers and consumers. All it took was one test drive for me to say "this is the one". It handles superbly, has a lot of power, and is very comfortable. It doesnt have the latest body styling, but I actually find it very attractive, especially in the Platinum Edition. This is a smaller midsize (why do they keep getting bigger?) that sure fits the bill

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  How to love your Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pfluvr - March 5 - 3:17 am

  Step 1 - Have your transmission cooling lines disconnected from the radiator! There is an external auxiliary transmission cooler that does the job already. The only problem you may encounter is hard shifting in extreme cold. You can, if you want put another auxiliary cooler on the truck, but unless youre maxing the towing capacity every day you will not need it. The stock cooler is very large. Step 2 - Youve basically now cured the only problem you will ever encounter, except for some little maintenancy things. Enjoy!

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  Sweet Ride! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gilmore - February 27 - 2:13 am

  I bought this pathfinder for my wife. She had never seen it or driven it. I fell in love with it when I took for a test drive. So she trusted me and now Ill never get to drive it again! She loves it. Its powerful, comfortable, stable. Its very luxurious inside and looks tuff on the outside. The front seats are very soft and comfortable. Great driver comfort when it comes to radio controls on the steering wheel and everything is easy to reach on the dash. Love the Bose stereo and the sun roof. Very good buy for the money.

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  Great Buy - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jabe - February 25 - 2:00 am

  picked up a 98 SE used - had heard great things about vehicle from friends and relatives who owned one. Build quality is great. not a rattle or squeak (the 2000 Cherokee I returned on lease rattled like a tin can after 6 months!) The pathfinder is a great deal used - considerably cheaper than a 4Runner, and built just as well and more comfortable. Will use this vehicle for camping and fishing, as well as family trips, and I expect a long life out of it - so far so good!

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  Best Value - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathman1 - February 24 - 12:58 pm

  I have been very happy w/ my 14 Pathfinder Platinum since taking delivery 3 weeks ago. I felt this vehicle was the best value in this category. I also strongly considered the GMC Acadia and favored the electronics on the GMC, but the drivers seat in Pathfinder and price for the amount of options out weighed the GMC.

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  Dont Buy This Vehicle!!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kurt - February 22 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had my Pathfinder for two years. Yes, it has been reliable. But for about a year now Ive noticed while washing it that thousands of little rust specs are seeping through the paint. There are now streaks of rust down the back of it after sitting for the week in my Michigan driveway (undriven) for the week. A two year old car should not be rusting out. Its pathetic. I can only guess they use inferior steel to save a little money. For once Im glad its a lease.

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  Radiator / Trans Problem - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joeferr1 - February 21 - 1:17 pm

  I like the Engine Power of SUV no Question ask. But when I read all the BAD REVIEW on this SUV, I feel very BAD. The RADIATOR problem for this vehicle the way they made it design flow. What I did to my TRANS hose that connect to the bottom of the radiator, I Disconnected & Bi-pass the hose & connect to trans Cooler. I thick the Nissan installed the VERY BAD R A D I A T O R...

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  Best of 10 SUVs tested - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dr. Burton Katzen - February 18 - 11:46 pm

  I started looking for an SUV about 2 months ago, and tested 10 different ones, including Jeeps (I have owned 7 Jeeps in the past 20 years). The first thing that blew me away was the interior and quality of workmanship of the LE. They thought of everything! I drove the Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW 5 Series, Jeep Limited, etc. and my impression of the LE was that it should cost $10,000 more - The quality and design of the leather, the standard 3rd row, the Bose speakers (I actually started listening to classical music). Acceleration is superb. Handling is wonderful. Cant make the car rattle. Went to 4 different dealerships and would recommend DARCARS. Got best treatment and deal by far w/ no BS.