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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  Good Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jason - August 29 - 3:56 am

  Bought in 06 used with 20k. Did have a sending unit problem causing engine light to come on at 50k. Bought one online for $80 and spent 2 hours by myself swapping it out. Not to hard to do. And also was not painted very well in the gap between the front pillars and fenders. Found that out at high press car wash, used touch up and cant tell anymore. Other than those two problems I am pleased with her, lots of power, not bad in the dirt or mud and I dont baby it. Rides good on highway and handles a trailer well. Was looking at Trailblazers but Pathys have better reliability and much better crash ratings. Important to me when its the wifes car and shes always hauling my 2 girls.

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  Problems solved, hopefully - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dargon - August 28 - 10:41 am

  Purchased in July, 2010 with 82k miles on it from dealership without knowing what issues the vehicle had. After reading all the reviews I took preemptive measures and replaced the radiator myself, $200. Evap code tripped on the way home from dealership same day of purchase. Took evap canister out, found out a tab holding the evap valve in place was insufficient and zip tied the crud out of it and havent had a problems with it. According to carfax report the fuel sender had already been replaced. Havent had an issue with it since, but transmission has always made a small clacking noise when it makes its first shift after start-up, hope this is normal.

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  great all-round suv - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Matt - August 27 - 10:30 am

  My Pathfinder was well equiped w/ leather, Sirius radio, sunroof and stickered for $36,125. This was my first foreign car and has impressed me enough to want to buy another. It is very off-road capable, has a smooth ride on road. Has alot of cargo space. But the thing that impressed me the most is the engine and drivetrain combination. Throttle response is great and with the

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  Worst ever purchased...traded for Honda - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By glassman53 - August 25 - 8:02 pm

  The shudder got to bad and Nissan answers phone in Manila, Philipines and stalls forever and wears you down. Dealer network very poor in our area, and traded off now because the market is all ready getting the buy backs on the market and values are falling fast. Nissan should do a recall but will not do so until forced

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  I love my new truck! - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ASiler - August 25 - 3:00 pm

  I have driven this SUV for 1400 miles and wanted to let your readers know what a great vehicle this is. The ride is very smooth and very quiet but powerful. We wanted a vehicle that was safe for Michigan winters so we chose a 4x4. We wanted to be able to move out on the freeway and this has a lot of power off the block as well as when you need to pass. We need a quiet interior as we do a lot of business in the car and it is super quiet. The majority of the driving I have done is in town and I am pleased to be getting 18.1 miles per gallon. My husband just loves the look of it. Its beefy but still easy for me to get in and out of.

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  I love it.. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kris - August 25 - 1:13 am

  I have had the pathfinder around 9 months, and enjoy it more every day. I am glad I decided on the LE, after reading comments about other models interior. I still get wow!! many places I go, this is a good looking, fun driving vehicle. I test drove the highlander, landcruiser and pilot and this was the best.

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  Nissan 2010 - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Vicky Amburgey - August 22 - 9:56 am

  I love my new Nissan Pathfinder. We drove 6 different 4 wheel vehicles, before deciding on the Pathfinder, It is the first Nissan I have ever owned. It handles great, smooth ride for an SUV. Lots of leg room and great comfort. Beautiful slate gray color. I also appreciate the resale value of the Nissan.

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  Incredible - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By timmoody - August 22 - 2:46 am

  If you want a pathfinder make sure it is post 2001 so you get the awesome engine. I was used to the performance of my maxima and doubted the pathfinder until I drove a 2001, WOW! I would like a nicer interior and better placement of the bose sound speakers, but the performance and handling are too good to complain about. I battled between this and the 4runner for a long time, I made the right decision, this car is flat out sweet!

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  Love at first sight and now Im in love! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jerry - August 17 - 6:23 pm

  A family w/ 1 teenager and 2 elementary graders who love road trips as a family tradition. Ever since we bought her new 3 years ago, we havent had any problem at all. She took us coast to coast yearly and most of the time, driving for 8-18 hrs straight except gas, snacks or nap were a great plus. We chose her because of safety feature for our 2 kids in 3rd row seat. In addition, it has 2 pairs of A/C or heater exhaust vent (standard) each row on top of the headboard with dual automatic climate control-great for summer or winter time. Of all the SUVs we drove, she is the only SUV that picks up speed and power from 0-60mph. We know this and we had really fun!

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  Steering Problems - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DeeDee - August 16 - 7:26 am

  I just purchased my Pathfinder in July 2005 and I was loving it. I had a Mitsubishi suv before and hated it because of the rough ride. The ride in the Pathfinder was much smoother, but, for some reason now when I ride over bumps the rear of the truck dances or should I say it shifts for some reason. But, the sound system is great and so is the dvd player. I just wish I wasnt having the rear wheel problems. It started after I put air in my tires.