Recently, we gave you our first impressions of the brand new Infiniti QX4. Naturally, we told you that this newly redone luxury sport-ute was, as always, based on Nissan's faithful Pathfinder. But, as the QX4 goes, it too was redone by its manufacturer. Well?« redone» is a big word. Let's say it was slightly retouched. But what is the biggest change is the engine, as in the QX4.
Actually, Nissan calls it its brand new Pathfinder a 2001 model but astute readers will recognize the original design that was introduced as a 1999.5 model. Only a few trims were changed including some new 16-inch aluminum wheels.
As far as the interior is concerned, it too was revised, mostly within its instrument panel and console. But for the rest, it is still the same modest set-up, modest but attractive. As usual I can always complain of the too tight rear doors but the seating is correct.
The Pathfinder has always been one of my favorite sport-utes but, like many of its owners, I always complained of its lack of power. The last version I tried out was a 1999.5 on a short but amusing off-road course in winter. Yes, the Pathfinder is a good off-roader but I really wanted more power.
Well, it looks like my prayer were answered since the newest 2001 Pathfinder comes with the same 3.5 liter V6 that powers the QX4 (this engine code named VQ30DE is from the same origins as the marvelous Maxima powerplant but specially tuned for the small truck's applications). Instead of the 170 hp of the former 3.3 liter, the new 3.5 develops 240 hp some 70 hp's more! Torque comes in at 265 pound-feet. These figures are for the automatic. The five-speed version will get 250 horses but only 240 pound-foot! A question of saving the equipment, we were told.
So? Well, the new Pathfinder yields much better accelerations cutting of a good 2 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark, a performance that is most noticeable in two-wheel drive. What's more, passing capabilities are definitely more obvious. But as funny as it may seem, towing capacity stays the same at 5000 pounds, a question of avoiding overheating, it seems.
Otherwise, the 2001 Pathfinder retains its excellent roadhandling and mostly its quietness on the road. It should also keep its reliability. But something is for sure. Though its looks are sill pleasant, this Nissan is beginning to show its age. Nissan will surely have to look after it very soon if it does not want the competition to take too much of a lead.
It is now pleasant to see that Nissan has a more complete array of trucks starting with the luxurious QX4, this new and more powerful Pathfinder and the much more affordable Xterra. The Frontier truck seems to be doing fine and I can't wait to tell you about a more powerful version that should come out this fall (a supercharged 3.3 V6?). Also, word is that Nissan is preparing its own version of a full-sized V8 powered pick-up truck. Isn't Nissan exciting all over again?
Actually, Nissan calls it its brand new Pathfinder a 2001 model but astute readers will recognize the original design that was introduced as a 1999.5 model. Only a few trims were changed including some new 16-inch aluminum wheels.
As far as the interior is concerned, it too was revised, mostly within its instrument panel and console. But for the rest, it is still the same modest set-up, modest but attractive. As usual I can always complain of the too tight rear doors but the seating is correct.
The Pathfinder has always been one of my favorite sport-utes but, like many of its owners, I always complained of its lack of power. The last version I tried out was a 1999.5 on a short but amusing off-road course in winter. Yes, the Pathfinder is a good off-roader but I really wanted more power.
Well, it looks like my prayer were answered since the newest 2001 Pathfinder comes with the same 3.5 liter V6 that powers the QX4 (this engine code named VQ30DE is from the same origins as the marvelous Maxima powerplant but specially tuned for the small truck's applications). Instead of the 170 hp of the former 3.3 liter, the new 3.5 develops 240 hp some 70 hp's more! Torque comes in at 265 pound-feet. These figures are for the automatic. The five-speed version will get 250 horses but only 240 pound-foot! A question of saving the equipment, we were told.
So? Well, the new Pathfinder yields much better accelerations cutting of a good 2 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark, a performance that is most noticeable in two-wheel drive. What's more, passing capabilities are definitely more obvious. But as funny as it may seem, towing capacity stays the same at 5000 pounds, a question of avoiding overheating, it seems.
Otherwise, the 2001 Pathfinder retains its excellent roadhandling and mostly its quietness on the road. It should also keep its reliability. But something is for sure. Though its looks are sill pleasant, this Nissan is beginning to show its age. Nissan will surely have to look after it very soon if it does not want the competition to take too much of a lead.
It is now pleasant to see that Nissan has a more complete array of trucks starting with the luxurious QX4, this new and more powerful Pathfinder and the much more affordable Xterra. The Frontier truck seems to be doing fine and I can't wait to tell you about a more powerful version that should come out this fall (a supercharged 3.3 V6?). Also, word is that Nissan is preparing its own version of a full-sized V8 powered pick-up truck. Isn't Nissan exciting all over again?