2005 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

Super-Sized Midsize SUV

Just as the human species has become larger and heftier over the span of time, so too has the Nissan Pathfinder. But where

Nissan is serving up an overflowing platter for the third generation of the model for 2005. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

humankind's advancements in girth have been due to improved diet and fitness over millennia, the Japanese sport utility's ballooning size has more to do with the growing appetites of North American consumers for big, bodacious trucks. As such, one can't fault the automaker for serving up on an overflowing platter for the third generation of the model for 2005.

When the Pathfinder debuted way back in 1987, the SUV landscape was just in its infancy, with the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevy Blazer and Ford Bronco the competition. The first generation Pathfinder, a two-door model powered by a 3.0-litre V6 producing 140 horsepower, was an immediate success with the

The 2005 Pathfinder resembles it's forebears in name only. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

outward bound set. A four-door model was added in 1990, as was a fuel injection system that boosted the ponies to 153.

The second generation came about in 1996, with a longer wheelbase, standard 4-wheel antilock brakes and, surprise, surprise, a bigger engine. The new 3.3-litre V6 produced 168 horsepower.

My how a generation can change things? The 2005 Pathfinder resembles it's forebears in name only, having stretched more than nine inches in length over its predecessor and packed on a whopping 450 kilos (1,000 lbs) in curb weight.