Nissan Pathfinder (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover
Nissan Pathfinder (2010 and older) SUV | Crossover
[Nov 08, 2002]
Mrconnsmyth
Model Reviewed:
Nissan Pathfinder Chillkoot Edition (Manual Transmission)
Strength:
- Engine - Comfortable ride - Overall appearance - Steering wheel controls for both audio and cruise control
Weakness:
- Driver side mirror (not really a weakness) - Dual visors (only in automatic package and once again, not a real weakness) By far and away one of the best deals on the market for a midsize SUV. I was looking at everything from a Toyota, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ford and found this suv to be the best value not only for reliability but quality as well. The 4runner for 2003 was remodelled for this year and they finally installed a bigger engine to drive that sluggish beast, but it cost 10-15 thousand more to buy. It was definitely a consideration until I heard the final sticker price on it. All other models didn't even really hit the radar in my opinion. I test drove, the Toyota Badlands (2002), found it gutless, along with the 4runner. Like I had mentioned, that was the only real competitor I had to the pathfinder, in my opinion. This version that I own is limited to Canada since it is based on a trail in BC. However it has all the main features that the SE and LE have. Power windows, power locks, a/c, 6 in dash cd changer, cruise control, steering wheel controls, step rails, etc. It has the same 250 Hp engine as the other models, but is lacking the leather and sunroof options...so what! For $7500 cheapper, I think I can do without. The Chillkoot edition did not include fender flares, however I had them installed before I even drove it off the lot, and also got the dealer to implement a protection package on the entire vehicle (rust proofing, paint protection, scotchguard, and sound attenuation). I plan on owning this vehicle for many years so I felt it was a must in this climate. Fuel economy? You know what your getting when you buy it so no point in grumbling about it. I can't wait to the first real snowfall to check out the 4-wheel drive Similar Products Used: Nissan Pathfinder XE-V6 (1990). No problems with this bad boy either. Everything was minor for repairs and it had over 180,000 Km. |
[Oct 31, 2002]
dbfreak
Strength:
Very powerful in all types of 4WD terrain, easy to work on, stereo install was a breeze and it rides like a cloud. Styling is far ahead of it's time.
Weakness:
Low horsepower, kind of heavy. Valve covers very hard to remove. Positives far outweigh the Negatives. This is one of the most user-friendly SUV's to date. This thing is so easy to work on, I don't care what goes wrong. The timing belt was ripe when I bought it with 190k on it, and I did myself. The receipts in the dash showed it was done at 120k. I changed the timing belt and the water pump (1987 SE-V6 4WD) and I thought everything was cool. It wasn't easy, but I did it. When we got from Atlanta to Wyoming, the water pump went. Thank God I brought my tools. I did the water pump in about 4.5 hours. The thing got us home, and here in Atlanta I bought her 31.5x10.50x15 tires. She has now got 210k on her and no problems that haven't stemmed from my monkeying I have owned twenty three cars and I haven't had one as dependable as the pathy. This thing will start whenever. If you want a dependable, strong 4wd, this is the truck. The 4WD on this SUV is nothing short of incredible. You feel like you can drive over anything. I have a 3" lift and big tires, but it just pulls up hills and doesn't seem to ming crossing three foot deep creeks and rolling through the mountains. Anything I have presented this truck with it has conquered with ease. Well worth every single dime!!!!! Similar Products Used: Dodge Dakota, Dodge Custom, Chevy Blazer, Jeep Cherokee(terrible), 1971 Ford 250(also broke down on me so I rate the pathy as the #1 SUV I have ever seen or owned. |
[Oct 13, 2002]
DeCarla Casey
Model Reviewed:
pathfinder se
I LOVE MY PATH. I test drove many SUV's and did all the research and this is the one. I got the 3.5 engine and I love the power. I have two small kids and it is a family car and a truck for sure. I can get all the toys,carseat, diaper bags and all the extras and we still sit nice. This car is a very good ride and for a suv it's not too bad on gas. |
[Oct 07, 2002]
dazs154
Model Reviewed:
se 4wd
Strength:
great handling,smooth ride,good build quality,off-road prowess
Weakness:
loves the gas station Great SUV. Just got back from Canyonlands/Canyon Rims area and was very impressed with its off-road capabillities. Bought it with 59000 miles on it, original owners never had any problems and so far neither have I.Execept i did have to replace the original shocks and struts.If you are thinking of getting a pathfinder definitly get leather seats and the limited slip differintial. Similar Products Used: 87jeep cherokee 79 dodge 4x4 pickup |
[Sep 17, 2002]
pathfinderforevr
Model Reviewed:
/Pathfinder Se
Strength:
everything
Weakness:
nothing I have had this car for two months and there is absolutly nothing to complain about you might say oo the fuel economy, well dont floor it everywhere dumb dumb second of all the engine is awesome and no other suv that i know of has the offroading feature of a pathfinder jeeps hah they have no skidplates and if they do its a bar across nice job i thought jeeps were off roading super cars hah next the pathy has one of the most comfortable rides ever its like a caddy but not the same price. and finally do you want a go anywhere do anything kick ass car like the pathfinder or some sissy think its bad ass car like a jeep think about it and jeep owners im sorry but your car sucks Similar Products Used: jeep grande cheroke limited |
[Aug 16, 2002]
magorilla
Model Reviewed:
SE
Strength:
250 hp = power, power, power! nooks and crannies for stashing clutter audio system by Bose cargo space for my 3 very large dogs minimal maintenance costs thus far
Weakness:
iffy mileage VCP component on cargo area floor, not under front seats Kilauea's my automotive dreams come true! The sunroof package, VCP system, and several 12V outlets make mine a cross-country driver's oasis. My small build (5'5" 105#) in this mid-sized gorilla of an SUV makes it just slightly less comfortable than my own bedroom. And it loves the mud and snow! I upgraded from a 1989 Honda Accord LX hatchback and am still riding the high. Loaded for bear, this vehicle is going to be in my garage for a long long time. Similar Products Used: 1990 Jeep Grand Cherokee 1996 Ford Explorer 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
[Aug 05, 2002]
Jay Sherin
Model Reviewed:
Nissan Pathfinder 4wd LE
We (me, my wife, and our 10 y.o. daughter) decided it was time to replace my wife's vehicle, a 1989 Subaru S/W. We had budgeted $25,000 for buying something we could truly enjoy. I have owned a 1983 Saab 900 Turbo for 13 yrs, a 1967 Pontiac S/W for 10 yrs, a 1981 Toyota Celica for 8 yrs, and the Subaru for 11+ yrs. My vehicle now is a Tacoma 2wd extended cab that I bought 3 yrs ago for $14,500. In other words, I have always owned cars that were quality, reliable and could be expected to last. I have also been drawn, from my father's advice, to 1-2 yr old vehicles for the best combination of price and newness. When we bought my vehicle, I was disappointed at the selection. When this time came around, I thought that the extra money would give us a better selection --- WRONG!!! There are two things people do when they "think" they are doing well financially, they buy bigger houses and more expensive cars (they also go on expensive vacations, but that is another issue - this is about getting something other than memories). The '90s and the pre-9/11 '00s has been a boon to these markets and, just like the stock market was, way overpriced. This even affects the used car (and house) prices. It was a very disappointing search. The competition: Toyota 4runner - only if you want to overspend (at least in Central VA) for a truck instead of having a refined vehicle. My wife said NO WAY! Toyota Highlander - we almost bought one, except it dawned on me, why buy a "suv" if it isn't really one? It is merely a tall (top-heavy), refined, heavy, costly station wagon with mediocre gas mileage. It just didn't make any sense. They don't make Camry wagons anymore; this is the current substitute. Read about (and test drive) the noise level above 35 mph when the windows are down. BAD DESIGN! (unless you can not hear really low notes) Honda CR-V - Wife liked it, but no foot room for passenger side and we both have long legs and the glove compartment door kept hitting me in the shin. Not good for long trips. Also spare tire mounted on back door - read the negatives about this design! Honda Passport - WTF !?! (abbreviation of an adult saying) An Isuzu with a Honda name and price tag. Also, doesn't come with the 10 yr, 100,000-mile warranty that gives the Isuzu owners some sense of getting "something" for their money when buying a poorly designed vehicle. READ UP ON TH |
[Aug 03, 2002]
brisoup
Model Reviewed:
LE
Strength:
Excellent build quality Smooth running and peppy 240HP V6 excellent Bose audio system comfortable leather seats alot of options for the money
Weakness:
Poor fuel economy No rear disc breaks No automatic door locking feature Bought my Pathfinder after looking into several other SUVS and ended choosing the Pathfinder based on it's quality and engine performance. Similar Products Used: 2001 Ford explorer Sport-Doesn't compare at all with the Pathfinder. |
[Jul 31, 2002]
02Deuce
Model Reviewed:
Nissan Pathfinder SE
Strength:
Full frame. Great handling (off and on road). Comfortable over the long haul.
Weakness:
Low on power. Exhaust manifold studs fail. Auto transmission burns up if the car battery gets weak and doesn't boot the transmission computer properly at car start. Great SUV. It's given me 165,000 mostly trouble-free miles. I've off-roaded in Utah, Colorado, North Carolina, and Mexico. It still has no real squeaks. I've towed trailors for thousands of reliable miles. Similar Products Used: 1981 Toyota Truck |
[Jul 28, 2002]
Dan
Model Reviewed:
/SE
Strength:
power, looks, fit and finish, reliable, powerful
Weakness:
None Awesome! This is the perfect SUV. Got the 240hp...incredible! Love this truck inside and out, drives great, LOADS of stnd. features, awesome bose stereo, can tow heavy loads, nice 4x4 off-road, smooth and fast...absolutely no complaints here. The interior is nicestr I've seen in a SUV, got the 5spd - shifts smooth. Similar Products Used: Explorer, 4runner, Expedition |