2005 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

Bigger, Bolder and Better than Ever

When Nissan introduced its full-size Pathfinder Armada last year, a general concern spread over those faithful to the

The first Pathfinder entered the scene in 1986, garnering accolades and devout 4x4 loyalists ever since. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

venerable midsize Pathfinder. Would this Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition competitor replace their favorite SUV?

While it was initially confusing for Nissan to attach the Pathfinder name to their new full-size sport utility, which was recently simply renamed the Armada, it's hard to blame the Japanese brand's marketers for trying to associate something all-new with an SUV as legendary as the Pathfinder. After all, the first Pathfinder entered the scene in 1986, garnering accolades and devout 4x4 loyalists ever since. It was among the forerunners in the SUV game.

Speaking of forerunners, Nissan's number one Pathfinder competitor since day one, the Toyota 4Runner, was completely updated last year, making the outgoing Nissan look and feel more than a bit dated. But out with the

Nissan has given its midsize SUV a complete makeover including all the right equipment to take on its Asian, European and domestic challengers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

old and in with the new, Nissan has given its midsize SUV a complete makeover including all the right equipment to take on its Asian, European and domestic challengers.

When I first saw the 2005 Pathfinder in photos I knew I was going to like it even more in person, and happily wasn't let down when I first arrived in Estérel, Québec to see a bevy of multicolored SUVs lined up in the hotel parking lot. Personally I find the new Pathfinder the best looking of all new midsize sport 'utes. Its bold, in-your-face chrome grille, mirroring its larger Armada sibling, works for me, while its muscular fender flares add to its take-no-prisoners persona.