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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  Reliable SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By spokes - March 7 - 8:33 am

  Ive had my Pathy for about three years now. So far I havent had any major problems. It still rides better then most cars. The gearbox moans when I put it in reverse sometimes. The Bose (Clarion actually) CD changer stopped working. Its a known problem that Nissan wont fix. I sent mine to Clairon for repair. The paint has held up well. I wish the springs were a little stiffer as they compress too easily and can bottom out when hauling adults and cargo. I put Yoko tires on and it eliminated some of the body roll, better ride too. Id still recommend the 2001 although I like the styling on the 2004 and newer better. Hopefully the gas mileage is improved.

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  Be careful Cheap Materials... - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dan - March 6 - 2:23 am

  and poor suspension. I had to go back to the dealer twice already. Once for the plastic material on the roof rack falling off and once for the rattling I get in the front driving it. Nissan service is horrible to boot. So beware, I thought they were suppose to be up there in quality, I would put them on the Ford level.

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  Keep looking if you want Reliability - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carbuyerone - March 3 - 8:25 am

  The issue is quality and reliability. Our time owning this vehicle was beleaguered with numerous mechanical problems, break-downs, recalls and quality issues. The vehicle had chronic fuel pump and fuel sender failures (Google and read owner blogs). This resulted in the fuel gauge not working or fuel pump failing altogether. Fuel pump issues left us stranded twice (towed to dealer both times). We replaced the sender and fuel pump 3 times while owning. We had ball bearing and CV issues in the front end. We had the car battery explode once, leaving my wife stranded (towed to dealer again). We had the transmission slip out of drive a few times and one time out of 4WD while pulling the boat out on a ramp. The ECM (electronic control module) had to be fix/replace twice. The sliding moon roof rode off its track, became jammed and had to be completely replaced. The back lift gate pistons failed to keep the back gate open. The cargo board liner came undone (I fixed myself), passenger cup holders broke off (poorly placed by design). Styling molding covers on the roof rack came off on the highway. The banding on the exhaust heat shields rusted away resulting in a metallic rattle between the exhaust pipes and heat shielding which require re-banding (I fixed myself). The underbody shows far too much rust development for a modern make, this made me concerned about the vehicles long term handling of underbody rust. 2nd row passenger AC/heat control buttons kept coming off. The paint chips and scratches easily. The interior plastics are soft, also scratch easily and the lighter tone plastics are hard to clean. The font bumper cover cracked and tore pushing through a snow drift.

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  Impressive - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Donn - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Best in class, great power, sturdy, not too big, not too small (will actually fit with another car in a two car garage).

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  Loving it to death - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SS - March 2 - 6:16 am

  I love it. It is the most reliable and go everywhere vehicle. Ive now got 247,000 miles and it gives no indication of quitting anytime soon. Regular maintenance and love make it happy. Ive driven it in the desert, mountains, snow, wind, you name it. It performs like a champion.

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  A Cut above the rest of the pack - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By julwal - February 19 - 8:30 pm

  Owned for about two weeks, Very impressed with this newly designed Pathfinder. Design is very clean, with modern looks, but still gives the suv rugged feel. Driving impressions are very good, alot of power on tap, great VQ engine, sounds great when driving, but is not too loud due to the well insulated and designed cabin. Very quiet a high speed. Good handling around twisty roads, suspension seems to work very well on this newly introduced truck platform. Good storage and seating options. Plenty of room in second row seating even when driver seat is all the way back. 3rd row seating in ok, probably comfortable for kids. Huge size trunk

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  Great Vehicle, Dealer Lacking - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jerryol - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is great even though I dont need an SUV. 50,000 miles on only oil changes and a wheel alignment. The dealer, Country Line Nissan, did rip us off on a CD Changer, which we paid for but never received. What we did receive was hollow promises and shuffling back and forth between sales and service. I gave up; they won.

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  The kids named it Thor..and Im okay with that - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By markfahlsing - February 13 - 8:35 pm

  We just picked up a 2014 Pathfinder on year-end closeout; paid <$35K for the Platinum (no premium) Other car is a 2008 Infiniti M35, and I can safely say that this Pathfinder is our M35 with a 3rd row! We looked at the Flex Limited and CX-9 Grand Touring, and the Nissan just flat-out wins. Yes, we did look at the JX35/QX60, but I cannot see the difference to justify a 12K gap in pricing (wake up Infiniti, and put the 3.7 in there...) Kudos too to the Nissan buying experience; Ford is still stuck in Anchorman-era. Mazda offers compelling choices, and I will probably kick myself when the diesel CX-9 comes out next year, but heres to X-MAS bonuses

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  Nissan Value - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By William Hart - February 13 - 11:57 am

  Fourth Nissan stretched over 20 plus years. Extremely reliable with great resale value. Nissan service departments have always been easy to deal with and I have been comfortable with their recommendations. I went with the Platinum trim to get the 20 inch vs 18 inch wheel, which may explain the slight road noise. It took awhile to learn the controls and instrumentation. I like the auto adjust on the steering wheel and the electric seat adjustment on the passenger side as well. I purchased the cargo protector which unfolds to protect the third row seat also when down; a nice feature. Overall, very satisfied with this purchase and ready to take my first road trip.

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  Love it - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dennis - February 10 - 3:33 am

  I have owned Pathfinders in the past and I would have to say that Nissan really out did themselves this time. I feel that the 2006 Pathfinder really is the best they have come out with. Way to go Nissan.