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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  Pathfinder numero dos! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pheb - July 23 - 1:06 pm

  Drove a 1996 Pathfinder for nine years (180K miles). Nothing wrong with the old one - just wanted something new, and could assist a relative by giving them the old one. I wanted another SUV and thought Id try something different; "new and improved", so to speak. Did lots of research, many test drives, and the 05 Pathfinder won again. Its comfortable, drives tight, and accomodates the combination of long legs and high heels. The new styling is fresh and the combo performance/comfort package makes road trips pleasant. BTW, the 96 is still going strong. I was unable to ignore my personal historical data. I have every expectation that my 05 will provide the same years of reliability.

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  O5 Pathfinder LE AWD - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mazi - July 22 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my 05 Pathfinder LE AWD 3 weeks ago and so far Im enjoying the ride its quiet on the road and smooth but it roar on first and 2nd gear if you push hard the throttle but quick and fast , I like the comfort in front seat especially driver side And Bose radio With 9 speaker,SSV ann offroad capability and this vehicle is 3 in 1 SUV,Truck,Van

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  Great Foundation - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By thewiredgeek - July 17 - 8:50 pm

  This car has a great ride around town and on the back road. It cruises comfortably on the highway, but can be a little scary if you have to manuver at that speed. The 4 wheel drive system is great, but you need better tires than stock for good snow and mud traction. A high end all terrain tire in stock size will do wonders for performance. I added a cold-air intake to get a little more passing power, and it was money well spent.

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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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  Transmission Woes - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BadChuggle - July 15 - 9:03 am

  This is my first Nissan. First off, I love the looks and design of the unit. After my first road trip with the unit 1500 miles I started experiencing the dreaded torque converter problem you will read about. It has lived at the dealer for weeks while they an Nissan diagnosed the problem. The long and short, there is no known cure for these symptoms. 30-45 MPH (5th gear) torque converter clunks with slightest variation in RPM (up and down). Worse yet is that at highway speeds (cruise on) down a hill, it happens over and over again (worse). Now 15000+ miles, cant stand to drive the truck because of the clunking. Make sure that you keep on the dealer for a fix! This condition is not right!

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  95 Nissan pathfinder SE - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By truck hunter - July 13 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this truck in really rough condition as my first vehicle. The exhaust leaks, the frame is rusted, the suspension is shot. But this has to be the most reliable vehicle ive ever seen! in -10 degree weather it would start right up, and plow through 3 foot snow banks in 4WD L like they werent even there. Ive never had a problem getting it started, or getting it out of rough conditions. I even used it to tow my dads huge Dodge ram 1500 back when his tranny blew. I really love my "screaming metal death trap" as I call it. weather going 65 down the highway or crawling through snow and mud, this truck gets the job done!

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  1st Timer Loves The New Pathfinder! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 1st Timer - July 13 - 5:40 am

  I love the new 2005 Pathfinder. I considered getting a 2004, but was sure of the 2005 once I drove it. Not that the 2004 is bad, but the 2005 just has more room. I got the LE 4x4 and am amazed every day how great it is. The gas mileage is 17 in town so far, which is not great, but what do you expect when you buy a rugged mid- sized SUV? Maybe automakers will improve the gas mileage some day. Until then, this is decent. Lots of room. Nice leather interior. Excellent safety features, as the LE has the front, side and roof airbags standard. Lots of cargo room in the back. I wanted a SUV that didnt guzzle lots of gas and didnt drive "big". This one fits great.

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  Just keeps getting better - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Coldfusion - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Very happy thus far.

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  Overpriced, but good SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sean - July 10 - 4:33 am

  My friends have a Pathfinder and I still wonder why they paid what they did for it considering the other options out there at the same price at the time. This is a nice SUV, dont get me wrong, but the interior is not spacious, especially the back seat... I sat in a Hyundai Tuscon once and the rear seat was roomier. I know Nissan has since redesigned the Pathfinder, so these issues are probably moot. The engine is powerful and the cabin controls arent bad. For the price I would have considered a Durango, Pilot, or Explorer though. And now theyre even more money!

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  Would you believe...? - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Agent 86 - July 8 - 1:40 pm

  This is an excellent upgrade from 98 4runner. I love the power and features. Fuel economy is about what youd expect from an SUV, and the safety features are good (side curtain airbags). I just wish the interior did not have so much plastic. I got the grey interior so I think the plastic is a little more obvious than the beige or brown shade. MY 4 runner has more leather on the inside, and so should this. One other little annoyance...there should be a mute button on the steering wheel. Does anyone know how the speed sensitive volume is suppose to work? the manual says very little about it so I am not sure if mine is not working or not.