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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  WoW! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By I Lovr this truck - October 1 - 3:10 am

  We bought this truck about three months ago. And every day its fun to drive and it never gets boring.At a first glance its big bold face looks like its ready to take on anything.The inside is comfortable.The seats are soft but offer great suport.The bose is clean and clear no matter how loud it is.The simpe fetures like one touch moon roof are great and the individual climate controll is great.How ever this is a truck and going down the free way is hard at times but the suspesion feels firm and solid.When you put your foot in it the pathfinder seems to think its a 350z it takes of burning the chick in the Chevy Taho.It holds the open road and when thrown into a curve it sicks.

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  Great drive for great price - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave - October 1 - 12:28 am

  Price-Value very high in comparison with other vehicles in its class. Very nice ride, maneuverability, acceleration, great on snow (12 days of snow in past two weeks; no problem with Pathfinder). Very peppy, even on the mountain roads between home in N. Nevada back and forth to California.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BELINDA - September 30 - 10:00 am

  ROOMY POWERFUL FUN TO DRIVE COMFORTABLE SEATING

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  Great Machine - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By I LOVE THIS CAR - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The new pathfinder (2001 and later) is the best midsize SUV outside of the luxury class. There is nothing to match the performance of this V6, build quality, style, and pure presence on the road. History has proven the Pathfinders reliability, build quality, and high resale value compared to American products...and for less than a comparable Explorer. It sounds very much like Jamey has never even driven (much less owned) one of these fine gems. (By the way the sound system is Bose)

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  Great SUV - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By THEDOC - September 20 - 6:50 pm

  I have nothing but great luck with this car....it is built well, runs well and hardly ever breaks down. I have spent very little to keep it running and has never let me down. I have 221000 miles and it still runs great. I will never buy an American car again after owning a Nissan. Built well, runs well, and still looks contemporary.

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  another new nissan that fits the bill - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By allenas - September 18 - 10:00 am

  pretty fast for suv too early to tell u quality but if like past should be great

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  2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By maximus18 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  overall, this suv is great. the exterior is awesome; it really looks rugged and heavy. the interior is also good. all the nissans have the sporty- looking steering wheels.

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  2002 Nissan SE 4wd - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Yonna92 - September 15 - 7:23 am

  I love my pathfinder! Very fun to drive, reliable and great performance. Only complaints:1.quality of cloth -- not terribly bad but it getting worn fast. Also, the because beige in color, shows stains. Recommend leather or dark cloth. Always replace brakes at the dealer. I made a mistake of getting brakes at one of those discount stores and their brakes do not hold up well

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  Incredible! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CarEnthusiast - September 15 - 2:00 am

  With 29,100 miles and 2.5 years, my Nissan Pathfinder has been just wonderful. Its handling is outstanding, great power, simply a joy to ride. Has handled "blizzard of 2003" in Washington D.C. with no problems. The only problem I have had was with the CD-changer (had to be replaced)

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  great in head-on - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ellen black - September 13 - 8:40 pm

  This is my second Pathfinder. I was in a head on collision in my first at 45mph with my daughter in the front seat. Both cars were totaled, but we both walked away. I had whiplash, but by daughter was unscratched. Accelerator pedal sticks, doesnt handle well on turns, and the fuel economy is awful, plus there are small rust spots around passanger door windows already, after 60,000 miles. Im still mostly happy with it.