Nissan Pathfinder Review

2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE SUV Shown

Some sport-utility vehicles appeal to truck people, while others appeal to car people. The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the few sport-utility vehicles that actually holds some appeal for both. When it debuted in the late 1980s, the Pathfinder had the trucklike qualities of rear- or four-wheel drive, sturdy body-on frame architecture, angular styling and, when equipped with four-wheel drive, genuine off-road capability.

However, as the Nissan Pathfinder evolved through the years, it became larger and more refined. Its designers made changes that allowed it to walk the line between suburban family runabout and macho, rugged rock crawler. Now the Pathfinder is broad-shouldered enough to fit such new-millennium amenities as a fold-flat third-row seat, powerful V6 and V8 engines and a 6,000-pound towing capacity, while remaining tidy enough to fit easily in a standard garage space. It's also one of the rare SUVs to switch from unibody construction back to a truck-based body-on-frame setup, creating a sturdier truck but also adding weight.

That said, the Pathfinder can be considered a jack of all trades, though it has never dominated in any one area. It has always been a solid choice among midsize SUVs, but with its bland styling and unremarkable ride and handling, today's seven-passenger Pathfinder may be overlooked by SUV shoppers who have plenty of other candidates to consider in this class. Those who do take a look, however, should be pleased with its all-around capabilities.

Current Nissan Pathfinder

Completely redesigned for the 2005 model year, today's Nissan Pathfinder is both more civilized and more rugged than ever. Body-on-frame architecture provides a sturdy platform for the Pathfinder, helpful while towing a 6,000-pound trailer or twisting across a dry riverbed. The standard engine is a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. A 5.6-liter V8 is optional, making 310 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment.

The interior is roomy enough for tall people up front and a pair of kids in the standard third-row seat. The midsize SUV features more creature comforts and storage bins than ever, including two gloveboxes. Pathfinder buyers have a choice of three trim levels: base S, midgrade SE and more luxurious LE, each offered with rear- or four-wheel drive (with a low-range transfer case). A special SE Off Road 4x4 trim level adds features that off-road enthusiasts might want.

In editorial reviews, the Nissan Pathfinder has earned favorable commentary for its powerful engines, above-average abilities when taken off pavement and ample storage space. The main criticisms include tight rear seating for adults, inconsistent fit and finish, the V8's poor fuel economy and middling on-road handling.

The most notable midcycle change to the current Pathfinder was the addition of the 5.6-liter V8 engine as an option in 2008. Other changes for '08 included a revised interior and slightly tweaked styling. Otherwise, the current Pathfinder has changed little since its debut.

Past Nissan Pathfinder Models

The second-generation (1996-2004) Pathfinder debuted right when the SUV craze hit a fever pitch. A switch to carlike unibody construction afforded it significant gains in size, interior space and on-road agility, as well as a 200-pound weight loss. However, the softer Pathfinder's unremarkable styling and wimpy engine (its V6 made just 166 hp) rendered it merely average within its crowded segment. Plus, a small backseat made it less suitable for hauling children than some competitors.

A cosmetic update in 2000 was followed by a much-needed engine upgrade in 2001, as Nissan installed its powerful VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. 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, primarily male buyers that Toyota had been snatching up 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. Nor was it very powerful, 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. Four- and six-cylinder motors were offered, as were rear- and four-wheel drive.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.