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 41 through 50 of 60.00

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  97 Pathfinder was good to me - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tjm - September 2 - 3:23 pm

  I had only one problem ever with this SUV. The heater motor went out at about 97,000 miles. Other than that it never gave me a problem.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Arturo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy my Pathfinder.It is a very well-made vehicle.

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  Poor performance, expensive repairs - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By notsopathfinder - August 6 - 10:43 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 98,000. Good for first six months, after that, it got real expensive. Replaced both front struts/shocks twice in the same year, persistant belt noise. Rear suspension was crap. Seriously lacking power, even with the standard transmission. Repairs extremely expensive compared to my last vehicle, a Chevy. Wanted $350 just for one headlight, part only, that consistantly had water leaking in and blowing the bulb. Dealer service was horrible, bad enough that they went out of business. Above problems were from normal everyday road driving, no offroad, harsh use. Went back to Chevy because at least I can repair it at about 1/4 the cost of foreign autos.

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  1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ZoHootie - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 35,000 miles. The pathfinder is the smoothest riding SUV I have ever been. The ride comfort is second to none. At 60,000 miles had to have the brakes replaced, front & rear shocks replaced. At 68,000 miles there was a funny noise in the front end. Had to replace the sway-bar link. Now at 76,000 miles I have to have the brakes replaced again. Overall the car runs well and I would recommend it to anyone else, but the brakes and struts/shocks need to be replaced more frequently than normal. Also, the engine has very poor acceleration but is reliable.

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  Excellent truck for the money - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SteveBoulder - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought the truck about 2 years ago and were really impressed by the reliability and workmanship. The interior design is prefect, roomy and comfortable, being a big guy I find the seats to have great side and thigh support. We got a loaded XE which is no different from a pricier SE. Its an able off-roader, particularly when you install 265/70/R15 All-terrain tires on it. Breaking stops are excellent. Our 5-speeder is much faster to take off than the automatic models. Huge cargo capacity, excellent handling. And it looks good too, much more athletic than those boxy Tahoes, Blazers, 4Runners, or Cherokees.

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  Reliable! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kilaga - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been a very reliable vehicle. I dont own the 4-wheel version but I live on a rough road and I drive the heck out of it and it has held up well. I have been happy with it, it gets decent mileage and it has zip when I need it. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

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  Beautiful and reliable - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By LE1997 - January 25 - 5:36 am

  Great design. LE interior is nicer than any other car than I ever owned. At 120,000 miles, still zero wear on the leather seats. Replaced original tires with Kumhos, which much improved stability around corners. Bose sound system is great and powerful. Fuel economy could be better, but I guess its an SUV. Mechanically still very sound after all these years, only minor repairs needed over the years. Engine isnt overly powerful, but SO reliable. Could offer some more driver head room.

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  Built to Run and Run - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fred - June 12 - 6:30 am

  I owned the vehicle for about 60K miles, not particularly fond of the comfort, and dont hit ice at 60 MPH in RWD only. Sold it at 140K, still going strong. The exhaust would rust out every two years, but thats all that I can complain about. Handled 6 inches of unplowed snow beautifully. If you prefer reliability over creature comforts, great vehicle, my third Nissan, would certainly buy another.

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  I will never buy another Nissan - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By justicebrown - May 16 - 7:13 am

  Several expensive repairs prior to 90,000 miles. Front struts, causing tire wear, frequent tire replacements and eventual front strut replacement. Rear Suspension was wobbling at high way speeds, causing consumer hazard and had to be replaced. AM/FM/CD replaced several times, eventually purchased after market replacement. Speakers go out sporadically but, infrequently. Nissan didnt forewarn about exhaust manifold problem. I almost paid for this out of pocket. Luckily I found out about a TSB. Nissan doesnt value customer safety or customer satisfaction.

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  Extremely Reliable - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bigjno - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this model because of its high ratings for reliability. I have not been disappointed. In 74,000 miles, the only thing ever to need repair was the cd player.