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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  Great vehicle - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JB - October 6 - 8:16 am

  Great suv for the money! The v8 has great power and will tow anything. I take my patty to the mountains in Colorado to ski and it will pass anything in the snow. The luxury is great and its a very sturdy car. No rattles. I have but 27k on mine and no problems. I had a toyota 4 runner before this. The seats were small, had no options, horrible stereo and the transmission in the 4 runner would burn up every time I went up the mountain passed. Toyota over rated and an under performer. You can be take everyone and own a toyota but I laugh as a pass a 4runner with 4 people cramped in and dogging it up the pass. I can sleep at night knowing that I got what I paid for.

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  Amazing - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cbusam - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is not only reliable but also fun to drive. So much fun!!!!

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  Do not buy this vehicle!!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By slb10 - September 30 - 2:40 am

  I read some negative reviews on this car. But I figured most people who review cars have probably had a bad experience, and were not the majority. I guess I learned a hard lesson. We bought the car 23 days ago. It has been in the service department for 16 of those days. It has broke down 3 times and had to be towed back in. The last week it was in the shop they had no answers for us. Today they informed us the are ordering a new engine control unit. I am not typically a complainer, but this has been beyond frustrating. The dealership (Nissan Uftring in Peoria) have been terrible communicators. My wish is they would just buy the car back. Unfortunately I dont think that is going to happen.

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  98 Pathfinder SE - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GCD70 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Two problems: performance and leg room for passenger. Poor acceleration with a 5 speed, will only be worst with an automatic. Besides that, a pretty nice vehicle. Reliable.

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  Good for family - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dsgtbfdsgb - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The reason I purchased the Pathfinder was that it had the best acceleration of all of the other SUVs I test-drove. Although I enjoy my Pathfinder, I miss the feeling of driving my old sports car. If I had a family, this would be the best thing to have if I was limited to buying an SUV or mini-van.

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  Reliable Performer! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sherwin - September 25 - 3:46 am

  Agile and reliable with lots of power to spare. Its got Nissans consistent strong design build and reliability. I used to own a Nissan Patrol 4WD which performed excellent on off-road and on the road conditions. Currently also drive a Mitsubishi Montero and against the Nissan Pathfinder, no comparison!

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  Taking some getting used to - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KNEECY1 - September 21 - 3:00 am

  Had a 04 Maxima that was fully loaded for 1yr 9 mos, major problems with it so traded for 08 Pathfinder. Loved the Maxima but Pathfinder is getting there. Went on vacation to IL from MS a day after I purchased. Drove great, gas mileage was awesome, and looks great. My son complained bc he had to ride in the 2nd row and he is 62, very noisy when you rolled the back windows down, and there was some hard switch over after you lifted your foot off the accelerator. The pricing was sufficient for the package

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  2013 pathfinder problems - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pepo9500 - September 20 - 6:04 pm

  Purchase the 2013 pathfinder march 2013. At about 160 miles the shaking, shuttering with the cvt started and the car was losing power at 1200-1500 rpms during acceleration.. The dealer found no prob. I was almost t-boned twice with my family in vehicle and so after 2 more trips to dealer and no fix I got nissan corporate involved. Needless to say they were no help. They acknowledged that they had received numerous consumer complaints but no solution. I requested that they replace my vehicle for another new pathfinder and a week later they refused with no explanation. The dealer eventually replaced it for me but have same cvt prob with new one. Dont buy this SUV too many prob..shame niss!

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  One of the best - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By capitolcars - September 20 - 4:16 pm

  Bought this car with 75K miles for commuting, and also for occasional off-road use. With regular maintenance, this car held up through mud, rain, snow, ice, and more off-roading than I expected. Very few problems with this car, the transmission started slipping around 160,000 miles, but it just kind of corrected itself? Also, since I bought it, the back passenger-side window wont roll down on its own, you have to operate it from the drivers seat. Today, this car just passed 200,000 and still no real, major problems.

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  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NELLY - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED MY FORD EXPEDITION IN FOR MY NISSAN. THIS SUV IS A GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE. ITS BETTER ON FUEL,COMFORT, AND OVERALL HANDLING. I HAVE NO BAD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MY PATHFINDER. I ALSO THINK OVERALL YOU GET A GEAT PERFORMANCE SUV FOR A GREAT PRICE.