Click HERE to see a comparison test between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Nissan Pathfinder.
The other Japanese SUV
Back in 1987, one could have purchased almost 2 ½ SE 4X4 Pathfinders for the price of today's Pathfinder LE. The big question now is whether the 2005 is really that many times better than the original. It definitely has become bigger, heavier, and more powerful and it certainly has a longer list of features. However, if the recent declining quality trend of Nissan products is any indicator, I am not willing to say that it is superior.
The Pathfinder has long loomed in the shadow of the Toyota 4Runner for the Japanese SUV of choice. However, that situation changed for the 2001 model year when Nissan dropped their potent 240 hp 3.5L V6 engine under the bonnet. The Pathfinder was now more powerful, just as well equipped and slightly less expensive to purchase. Nissan wisely decided that it should ameliorate several items and offer certain features that are not available in the Toyota, such as a third row of seats and a V6 nearly as powerful as a V8 that would theoretically consume less fuel. They did deliver on most counts, although it was at the expense of quality; a common theme for Nissan these days.
A base Pathfinder XE can be delivered for $35,598. An all-dressed LE with DVD and Navigation commands $52,398. The tested LE lacked only the Navigation system and it retails for $48,998.
Exterior styling
The new Pathfinder is a far cry size-wise from the previous one, but it
clearly joins the rest of the Nissan truck family principally in the form of the grille with soft V-shaped chrome accents. The prominent and bulging front fender and wheel flares are reminiscent of the Frontier and the new Xterra. The Pathfinder's square shoulders and straight lines convene power and are actually quite handsome. The rear split hatch is very useful, however I must mention that water infiltrated into the cargo through the back glass at the carwash.
Interior styling
The dash layout is simple and functional. The set of gauges is very complete: voltmeter and oil pressure meter on top of all the usual ones. The materials that Nissan has been choosing for its vehicles in the recent past are discouragingly cheap. Surfaces that look smooth but are in fact very hard have become the norm; you can look although you should not touch otherwise the effect will be ruined. The front seats are pleasantly comfortable and supportive. The second and third rows are also cozy. The last row could even serve to transport adults if only for a short trip.
The manner in which the interior is assembled is adequate. The fact that only the driver's window has the auto up/down function continues to be irritating for me. The steering-wheel mounted controls are very user friendly and easy to consult. Storage compartments abound from a twin glove compartment up front to an under-floor bin with dividers in the cargo area.
The other Japanese SUV
 |
The Pathfinder has long loomed in the shadow of the Toyota 4Runner for the Japanese SUV of choice. However, that situation changed for the 2001 model year when Nissan dropped their potent 240 hp 3.5L V6 engine under the bonnet. The Pathfinder was now more powerful, just as well equipped and slightly less expensive to purchase. Nissan wisely decided that it should ameliorate several items and offer certain features that are not available in the Toyota, such as a third row of seats and a V6 nearly as powerful as a V8 that would theoretically consume less fuel. They did deliver on most counts, although it was at the expense of quality; a common theme for Nissan these days.
A base Pathfinder XE can be delivered for $35,598. An all-dressed LE with DVD and Navigation commands $52,398. The tested LE lacked only the Navigation system and it retails for $48,998.
Exterior styling
The new Pathfinder is a far cry size-wise from the previous one, but it
 |
Interior styling
The dash layout is simple and functional. The set of gauges is very complete: voltmeter and oil pressure meter on top of all the usual ones. The materials that Nissan has been choosing for its vehicles in the recent past are discouragingly cheap. Surfaces that look smooth but are in fact very hard have become the norm; you can look although you should not touch otherwise the effect will be ruined. The front seats are pleasantly comfortable and supportive. The second and third rows are also cozy. The last row could even serve to transport adults if only for a short trip.
The manner in which the interior is assembled is adequate. The fact that only the driver's window has the auto up/down function continues to be irritating for me. The steering-wheel mounted controls are very user friendly and easy to consult. Storage compartments abound from a twin glove compartment up front to an under-floor bin with dividers in the cargo area.