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:

• 

  Excellent SUV without the high sticker $ - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Marco Lopez - May 5 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love this car. It was our first family car and after 5 years of owning it, we are still very happy with its quality and performance.

• 

  Homerun - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By doodoobrown - May 3 - 12:54 am

  Ive always loved the pathfinders since seeing the first one back in the late 80s. my wife and i needed an suv but without the nightmares we had when we owned a jeep. We purchased a 2003 SE with 54K on it. As of today 5/25/11, it has 124,000 miles on it. Gas mileage SUCKS. id be lucky to get 17mpg mixed overall, but the vehicle weights over 5000 lbs. Aside form routine maintenance, and a few ware/tare part replacements, the vehicle has been a sound performer. Its not big, but its comfortable to drive. Its been through hell and back the past 4 years, but it keeps on ticking.

• 

  Getting rid of it when I can - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kbsparko - May 2 - 8:02 am

  The gas mileage sucks for this type of vehicle. I have a full size truck and it gets much better mileage than Pathfinder. 77K miles and seats wearing thru, logos fell off floor mats, now I have transmission fluid in my radiator and coolant in my transmission. Dealer says cracked radiator! Seems to be a common problem from my on-line research. Maybe Nissan should stand by their product and recall these for radiator design flaw! Now Im supposed to shell out almost $6K for a 5 year-old vehicle! There are many other minor things that are starting to fail on this SUV. Too numerous to list from screws falling out to trim randomly coming lose...

• 

  Best car I ever owned!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BHOW - April 26 - 2:46 pm

  My 01 pathfinder was the best investment I ever made. My kids and wife love the comfort. Ive had this car for 8 years now, and the only problem with it was the spoiler had to be replaced in 07. Otherwise, it was the best car EVER!!!!!!! It has a lot of pep in the engine. It acts like a truck, practically is a truck, but the amount of power in the engine makes it act like a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. This is a great choice for a family car. Extremely comfortable, reliability is great, and my only complaint is gas mileage.

• 

  the ultimate mid-size suv - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sharkbait - April 26 - 2:00 am

  apart from the crappy oem tires, this beats the pants off of the gr. cherokee i had before this. comfort, power, great fit and finish, and nissan quality. handles like my old accord, but just as capable as my jeep off- road. i test drove them all - 4runner, gr. cherokee, land rover. studied all of the reviews. edmunds was dead-on: this is a great vehicle.

• 

  Dream SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jatinder - April 23 - 1:40 am

  This new pathfinder is what i was looking for in an suv, power, good handling, and better design, its super! Favorite Features: Its standard third row seat, independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, front dual AC, and rear AC, the navigation system with voice guiadance and its audio system are some of the things i love about this SUV.

• 

  Good overall vehicle - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By exrec - April 22 - 4:03 am

  This was my second Pathfinder purchase. I owned an 05 brand new SE and turned it in off lease then went to my wifes honda until it was off lease. I bought the LE due to the navigation and rear DVD system for my kids. Overall the vehicle is good, and solid. The gas mileage is horrible and the navigation is harder to work then a nintendo wii. I have yet to find a direction on it.

• 

  Good to own - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Michael - April 19 - 11:53 pm

  Had my Pathfinder for a year now. The cabin is roomier widthwise than the 4- Runner and being a big guy that is why I chose it plus the styling is cooler. Dont know why edmunds said it doesnt handle as well. Great cruiser for long trips. Who cares that the 3rd row is tight for adults, it is either going to be down, or used for kids. If you need to haul 7 adults frequently, buy a van.

• 

  02 Pathfinder LE 4x4 - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JamesT - April 8 - 11:46 am

  Very nice ride, Ill second the smooth silky feel of the shifting. Handles great. Great visability out the front. Best bang for the buck, better buy than the 4runner! Im so happy w/the Pathfinder!

• 

  Good Purchase - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Reibsachick - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan has been a good suv for me.. It has been able to handle everything I put in the cargo section (I carry a lot of stuff).. It appears to have some problems gaining momentum - sometimes you can feel the transmission slip a bit.. Overall, it was a good purchase