On two occasions, I found myself stuck in very little snow. On one of the instances, the truck was floating on a small snow bank. The problem, I believe, was mostly caused by the running boards on which the Pathfinder
was basically sitting instead of on its wheels. The second incident found the front end of the truck once again sitting on the running boards. Even with the mode selector positioned in 4-LOW, the rear wheels could not grip adequately to pull itself out. The transfer of torque and power would continue to the front wheels needlessly. Had the Pathfinder had at least a rear locking differential, I would not have had to spend $30 on a tow cable...
Safety
The Pathfinder has standard dual front, optional side and side curtain airbags (standard on LE), ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the 2005 Pathfinder.
Conclusion
I am beginning to feel like I am repeating myself: No vehicle that encompasses so many compromises and shortcomings should cost so much money. In this price range, most other SUVs have a V8 engine and a more sophisticated AWD system with locking differentials. I think that adding Infiniti's 4.5L V8 could do wonders for the Pathfinder. It would quiet down the interior, add more low-end torque and simply refine the truck a little.
It may not seem like it, but I actually enjoyed driving the Pathfinder. I like vehicles that make me work as a driver. Somehow, I found the truck involving. It may be because I started out the week with the Grand Cherokee. Nonetheless, if I was in the market for an SUV of this size, I would strongly consider the Toyota 4Runner if only because of Toyota's legendary reliability.
Sidenote: And by the way, if you have seen the video related to both trucks, I meant to say midsize at the beginning, not compact. My mistake...
Good stuff:
The drive (for an SUV)
Not so good stuff:
Enormous thirst for fuel
Off-road capabilities (LE)
 |
Safety
The Pathfinder has standard dual front, optional side and side curtain airbags (standard on LE), ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for both front passengers in a frontal impact. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the 2005 Pathfinder.
Conclusion
I am beginning to feel like I am repeating myself: No vehicle that encompasses so many compromises and shortcomings should cost so much money. In this price range, most other SUVs have a V8 engine and a more sophisticated AWD system with locking differentials. I think that adding Infiniti's 4.5L V8 could do wonders for the Pathfinder. It would quiet down the interior, add more low-end torque and simply refine the truck a little.
 |
Sidenote: And by the way, if you have seen the video related to both trucks, I meant to say midsize at the beginning, not compact. My mistake...
Good stuff:
The drive (for an SUV)
Not so good stuff:
Enormous thirst for fuel
Off-road capabilities (LE)
 |
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