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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  Still Like It - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TX Driver - September 15 - 1:16 pm

  I got my Pathfinder brand new and drive it 30 miles every day to and from work. My husband and I also wind up driving it on the weekends instead of his 2003 Chevrolet Pickup. We call it the "grocery wagon" because its so easy to access the back to put in shopping bags. It seems like it can haul just about as much as a full-sized pickup when we fold the seats down. Its sturdy, airtight, and has plenty of pickup on the road. I was looking for another SUV, but the new ones dont have much more to offer than my 2002 model.

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  Nissan rocks - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GOVEGETARIAN - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Pathfinder! Ive got over 33k and it still runs like brand new. I tow a boatover 3000 lb and she flies! I have had to repalce my homelink twice- which was annoying.

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  Happy with my Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pathfinder in MA - September 9 - 11:06 am

  LE 4wd bought new in 05. Good power from V-6, short turning circle. Handles well in snow and sand, never gets stuck. Bose stereo is killer, holds lots of people & stuff. Fold flat 3rd row a nice option. Runs fine on regular gas, mileage stinks around town, 12-13 mpg but will get 20-21 mpg on the highway at 70 mph loaded up with stuff and people. Original equipment tires were junk after 20K miles. Replaced with Continental Cross Tracs - very happy. One little annoying squeak in dash on bumpy roads

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  Good Deal - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nathan Ashworth - September 8 - 10:00 am

  We got this car for $13,900 with 70,000 miles on it and have loved it ever since. We did our homework on it to see that is has been awarded a Used Car Best Bet Award for its overall reliability. The seat warmers are very nice and the climate control works very well. We travel constantly for school and business and it has never skipped a beat. Overall I am very impressed with the vehicle as this is our first SUV. The power is slightly lacking in our 2000 model and I see they upped the engine size in the later models but for normal city/highway driving you wont notice it. Maybe for towing or off roading but we dont do any of that.

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  Used 08 Pathfinder SE V8 2WD - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kdubnyaya - September 6 - 10:00 am

  We have a baby on the way and needed to upgrade from a Scion TC. My family only buys Nissan and have loved them. Her Pathfinder is really nice. It has 42K on it and has no squeaks or rattles. The 310 HP and 388 FT/LB Torque you can feel when the gas pedal is dropped to the floor. Just running around town in rush hour traffic it is getting 15.6 mpg. Which for a big V8 is to be expected. We bought an extended warranty that last for 3 YR or 36,000 miles. Will cost $50 for any issues that we have and Oil Changes are 50% off. Incredible vehicle and because it is a Nissan we will enjoy it for years to come.

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  Worse Nissan Ever!!!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kuffsy2k1 - September 4 - 3:37 pm

  I owned so many Nissan cars, trucks and suvs but I was so disappointed with 2013 Pathfinder. I bought my 2013 Pathfinder SV at first I was enjoying it but after I hit more than 1,000 miles it started shuddering and losing power. All the moulding under the door became loose and when Im driving on the freeway it was vibrating so hard that the sound inside the cabin is so annoying. I brought it back to the dealer for them to fix the shuddering and losing power but the mechanic said "theres nothing wrong with. After three months of driving it I finally trade it in for the Titan which I should have bought in the first place.....

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By starrleight - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I did extensive research before I purchased this vehicle, but it sure paid off! I just love driving my pathfinder! I took a trip a trip in the winter from California to Arizona (1000 miles) just after I purchased it. I was comfortable for the entire ride. But most of all, I felt safe! Especially when cruising in the snow through the pass near Flagstaff, Arizona. During that portion of the trip, I saw 4 overturned SUVs in a 1 mile stretch. I just kept plugging along in 4WD with no problems. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone! I love it as much, if not more, than my Toyota 4x4.

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  This car saved my life - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By companda - August 29 - 5:03 am

  I got this car from my parents for graduation. Its lovely. Drives like a dream and Ive put this thing in places any other vehicle would have been stuck and its pushed through and gotten out with no problem at all. About two years ago I got hit at roughly 110mph from behind. Needless to say the car that got shoved under mine was destroyed and the police/EMTs stated that if I were in any other car I would have died on impact. The car still drives like a dream and you cant tell anything bad happened to it. Its the most reliable car Id ever heard of. My only complaint? The rising gas prices.

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  Great! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By fred55 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a sturdy SUV with great quality.

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  Great Midsize SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dotnet4me - August 25 - 7:06 am

  I traded in my 2004 Nissan Armada for the Pathfinder and I have had no regrets. The quality is outstanding on the Pathfinder (much better than the Armada) and the Pathfinder is just about perfect for us. The ride is quiet and smooth. I feel the interior had a sporty look as well.