Decent off road capabilities. Looks great!

everything--especially Nissan the corporation.

This has been the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The entire transmission failed after only 62,000 miles. It was less than 2,000 miles out of warranty, and Nissan refused to stand behind it. (That was a quick $4,800 bill) In addition to that, both exhaust manafolds have cracked and have needed to be drilled out to be fixed. ($400 a piece -- The mechanic at the dealership told me that it is a design flaw that causes this)
It is impossible to replace the rear spark plug without burning your arm-even with the special tool Nissan so ingeniously engineered. Both rocker switches for the heated seats have been replaced. ($90.00/each not that big of a deal, but for a switch?) The entire cooling hose system has been replaced ($350.00-I can see this as normal service) The truck only gets 13-15 MPG with city driving. (It got close to 20 when it was new) You can't get in the back without giving yourself a concussion. Two of the speakers have blown, the $800 factory cd player is acting up. Both front leather seats have split at the seam.
As you can see, the transmission failing left a bad impression with me, and the other things might not have been so bad if it hadn't been for the tranny. (oh yea, Nissan also wouldn't allow me to pay in two installments--(I was a student at the time) they wanted the lump sum. To their credit, they did offer me a free oil change! My Pathfinder was never abused, always serviced, and still has been the biggest pain in the A## I have ever had the displeasure of owning.
In the last conversation I had with Nissan in arguing about the transmission, they had the audacity to ask if I would purchase another Nissan product. I told them that not only would I never purchase one, but I would spend the rest of my life trying to prevent others from doing the same--thus my article. You make the decision--it's only money.

Similar Products Used:

This product cannot compare--even to the Pinto. (though it does look better)

I have owned both the 1995/2001 models. The greatest strength to both has been reliability. If you take decent care of your vehicle, it will last...
I personally like the 1995 body style better than the 2001, but the 2001 has been growing on me.
The 3.5 L engine has finally given the pathfinder decent power. Still no rocket but it has the power to comfortably cruise up Colorado mountains and pull a decent load.( I pulled a 5000lb trailer 1000 miles with the 2001---no worries cruising 70 mph on the highway) I wouldn't have even considered this with the 1995 motor.
I bought the LE model on the 2001. It is nice, with all the luxury items you could ask for except navigation. The Bose stereo and in dash CD changer are great. Sounds great in front but a bit anemic in back.

Biggest weakness of the 1995 model-- lack of power. However, if this isn't an issue for you, it's a great vehicle for the price used.
2001
The memory function for the power seats doesn't work
Stock tires not great--I changed mine out for 255/70 R16 BF Goodrich All-Terrain--much better off road and looks better
Back seats are a bit difficult to get in and out of.
No readily available after market off road items (ie lift kit)
Cannot modify stock stereo easily--you have to change both the speakers AND head unit because of the individual amplifiers.
Gas mileage 14-16mpg the way I drive (hard acceleration) You need to use premium unleaded for optimal performance--it does make a difference

For the price, a great SUV. I haven't driven the Acura MDX but a lot of publications like it. I like the way the pathfinder looks better though.

Similar Products Used:

Land Rover Discovery--Nicer inside and better reputation but V8 is weak and vehicle is too heavy.
Toyota 4 Runner- Nice looking but WAY overpriced and now underpowered
Jeep Grand Cherokee--Great but you see one every other mile. Also history of reliability problems

This SUV drives really nice compared to other SUVs. The new 240hp engine just rocks, All-mode drive is really cool. And for the money you get a lot of stuff, LE model needs to have one package upgrade, and you get all you can get. It beat any other SUV I considered in terms of price, features and performance. I drove this car on the beach, in snow, on dirt road around the Cascades, and I love how it handles. If you wanna spend more money, you can get navigation system, entertainment system (TV and VCR) and even a cooler. Who will need a home with a car like that?

There are a few small things that annoy me about this SUV:
- Gas mileage is not quite what Nissan claims to be
- Driver seat memory does not work all the time (trust me, it's not operator error)
- Side boards are just for looks. The way they are positioned, they don't help getting in and out at all.
- Rear seats are a little tight for bigger people
- Sunroof is noisy when you open it
- Radio reception is not very good. I will have to change the antenna

Before I bought my pathfinder I did my homework. I testdrove half a dozen SUVs, and Pathfinder prevailed. It performs really nice, is fully loaded, powerful and good value. With a vehicle like this, who needs a man??

Similar Products Used:

Toyota 4 runner limited - way too expensive and didn't handle as nice
Mitsubishi Montero Sport - It was a tough choice, but I liked the looks and reputation of Pathfinder better.
BMW X5 - too luxury to take skiing and put muddy mtn bikes in
Ford explorer - argh...it sucked. No finesse.
Honda Passport - horrible handling, limited rearview.
Land Rover discovery - Out of my price range.

it rides well and most systems have held up well, AC, electrical etc. good for getting around town.

gas mileage is poor, been through two transmitions in 5 years (in the shop as we speak). has a rough idle, manifolds cracked, busted door locks, under powered.

it has been a good truck and mostly reliable but has given me some problems with mechanics

Similar Products Used:

audi, toyota previa. pathfinder is a decent truck and off roads well but I cant say I realy love the thing.

carlike ride and handling, smooth and powerful engine, look(simple and
real truck looking), big tires, new bigger muffler (indicates more power), Bose sound with 6-CD changer, cargo space (with 2nd. seats down), long established reliability and quality, price (why wanna buy a $35000 4runner limited with 183 hp?)

hard to get in (front and rear), rear seat comfort, running pipes are only for look, spongy breaks, small rear view mirror, cheap looking dashboard.

If you are looking for a reliable, powerful, good looking, comfort but not
over priced mid-size SUV, Nissan Pathfinder 2001 is the best bet I can think of.

Similar Products Used:

My first mid-sized SUV, bought at first test drive. I've been punished by driving a 2001 Kia Sportage, but thank God, that was a rental car.

- It looks great! The salesman called it a "truck". I think it's a great-looking "tall car".
- Power. After driving compact cars with 4 cylinder engines for the last 12 years, it took very little to get used to the engine.
- It's quiet. Even with the sunroof open. I couldn't believe it.
- Interior controls: 6-disc Bose sound system controllable from the steering wheel. And a man's favorite toy ... an outside thermometer and compass which, surprisingly, I use ALL the time.
- Leather interior. 'Nuf said.
- As with any SUV, the view from the road is a real plus.
- Have I said it looks great?

- I'm 6'2" tall and, if the seat isn't back a little, my hair brushes the headliner. So, I put the seat back a bit and had the system automatically "memorize" my preferred sitting position. Nice touch.
- The back door should have the capability of being opened from the interior. A key is required unless the doors are already unlocked. Opening the back window without opening the entire door is also a strange manuever till you get the hang of it ... which I haven't.
- The price is a little steep. But, if that's a problem, you shouldn't buy it ... it's definitely a "high-end" vehicle.
- Don't believe the gas-mileage estimates. I get 17 mpg on average and 19 mpg if I'm lucky and stay on the highway. It tends to like the primo gasoline, too, although the way it runs on "regular" it fine.
- If you're a short person, it can be a little tough "hopping" into it!
- The Pathfinder has a fair number of view "obstructions" (posts). I find it harder to see to the sides and rear than I did in my Altima.

I've only had my '01 Pathfinder LE for a month and there's not been a THING "happen". It runs like a top. It's quiet. It's got all the power I need. A great sound system. Many, many useful and nice-to-have "extras" (Side mirror defrosters? What a fine idea!) If you're looking for a SUV that has an upscale car ride and all the amenities ... and aren't put off by the price and the poor gas mileage you'll get, I'd definitely suggest you consider the Nissan Pathfinder.

Similar Products Used:

I test drove the Subaru Forester (what was I thinking) and the 4-Runner. Since I already owned an Altima, I thought I'd give the PF a try. Man, was I glad I did. I didn't try any of the American-made SUV's ... I won't buy American until they get it right.

Powerful, Auto Mode 4 wheel low and high positions, Navigation system..no need to carry bulky maps, voice guides you and pinpoints as if someone is watching you(of course..that satellite is!)..Bose audio system, leather/wood trim, dual memory seats, power sunroof...simply superb. Drove smmothly in the snow..16 inches of snow and it sails through it like sailing in the sea. Front Brush Grill saved it from scratches-positively.

Gas hungry...8.7 miles in the city and 12 on the highway...not kidding..I am keeping a log and dealer says he'll do adjustment after 2000 miles

Great to drive, 4X4 automatic feature is superb, the navigation is top of the line, running board does spoil the pants while getting out, outside temp is not accurate but in all I'd rate this vehicle a nice suv to own.

Similar Products Used:

Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4 Runner

My wife purchased this truck in Aug.1990 as a demo. model.Since that time ,the vehicle has accumulated 165,000 miles and still runs great!The mechanicals(engine,transmission) have proven reliable over the years.To this day,it still starts effortlessly even in the coldest weather.Replacement parts are fairly inexpensive but in short supply(maybe it's because Pathfinders are "unkillable")Never a problem with the A/C,power windows and locks.

The V6 engine gets a little loud when the throttle is pressed to the floor and when the transmission downshifts into passing gear.
Gas mileage could be better.I average 14 MPG in the city but a reasonable 21 MPG on the highway at 70 m.p.h.
The combination headlight switch stopped working(no tailights),but I saved $82.50 by pulling the clear plastic cover off the back of the switch and spraying electrical contact cleaner on the copper contacts.

I would recommend Pathfinders for someone looking for a low maintence vehicle that has very good off road capibility.
Also if you should have the unfortunate disaster occur of your Pathfinder's engine taking a crap, I know for a fact that an 84 to 89 300ZX motor(minus the intake)and 85 to 92 Maxima motor will work just fine in your Pathfinder.

Similar Products Used:

I've driven my friend's 96 Rodeo and in my opinion,the Pathfinder has better ride quality and handling.One thing I've noticed about Pathfinders in general, ride quality is better than most SUV's(Rodeo,Montero,Explorers)

I love the new body style of the Pathfinder. Since 99.5 the LEs got the bigger tires just like the SEs. The ride is great, the best truck/SUV I have ever driven. Tastefull interior, and great reliabilty.

Could use more ponies. Motor is a bit loud.

I love this SUV on all fronts. I also don't regret waiting for the 2001. The discounts on the 2000s made them $5000+ less then the 2001s. I didn't think I would like an SUV this much since I have always had cars.

Also, I am also glad that I didn't buy a Jeep. A good friend just bought a new Jeep Gran Cherokee Limited. The thing is gorgeous but it's been in the shop 10 TIMES ALREADY!! The thing stalls, the drivelines shot, it won't start. Good thing my Pathfinder can give him a tow!

Similar Products Used:

Toyota 4runner (too truck like). Maybe some of the US SUVs, but I don't know since I don't buy American.

2001 LE with all the fixins'. Silver w/Black Leather.
Absolutely LOVE the interior. Not a thing wrong with it. LOTS of gizmos to play with. Exterior is very sharp and not too flashy. Love the heated seats (2 levels), the dual power front seats, the lumbar support, the 6 CD Bose system, the cup holders,..heck the wipers are the best I've ever had on a car.
The engine is extrememly peppy. Lots of power in this sucker. Going 70 on the highway feels like it takes absolutely no effort at all. Cornering takes some getting used to (went from a compact car to this beast...quite the change)

With a large vehicle like this, the mileage is gonna suffer.
Also, if they'd ship it with Michelins it would be even more perfect.

It's powerful. It's luxurious. It looks nice. Sure, it's not the cheapest thing in the world, but it's worth every penny. Do yourself a favor and test drive it before deciding on anything else.

Similar Products Used:

Much more comfortable and plush when compared to all the other top-of-the-line SUV's. The horsepower can't be beat.