Nissan Pathfinder History
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The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size sport-utility vehicle that has tended toward more trucklike sensibilities, as opposed to the newer generation of crossover (car-based) utility vehicles that are more passenger-based and comfort-oriented. With impressive towing ability and some measure of off-road prowess (as the name implies), the Pathfinder competes with the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, and most recently the Kia Borrego.
The original '80s-era Pathfinder was a hardscrabble truck model with a very basic interior, crude appointments, and a rough ride, but it emerged as more of a passenger-friendly SUV in 1996. While the previous-generation Pathfinder had been closely related to Nissan's Hardbody compact pickup, this Pathfinder was quite different, trading off its body-on-frame design for a new uni-body one and offering improved ride and handling—though it still shared its 168-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 with the pickups. The Pathfinder became a much better vehicle for 2001, when a 240-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 replaced the older engine.
For the 2000 model year, the Pathfinder was joined by the Xterra in Nissan's lineup; the new Xterra picked up the more rugged, trucklike side of the Pathfinder that had been downplayed since its last redesign.
The Pathfinder was last completely redesigned for 2005, returning to body-on-frame construction that was once again closely related to that of the Frontier pickup, along with the Xterra. A 270-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 is standard, providing plenty of power for most needs, but a 310-hp, 5.6-liter V-8 was optional beginning in 2008. Those tempted by the V-8 should be forewarned that fuel economy is particularly atrocious with this engine.
With tough off-road ability, strong tow ratings, and a rather hard, choppy ride, the Pathfinder has taken a different direction than most mid-size SUVs like the Ford Explorer, which have become more carlike in recent years, and for those who just want a comfortable utility vehicle for the family, the different pedigree shows in a less refined ride and tight backseat. Safety ratings and features have been top-notch, however, ever cince the 2005 redesign. Special SE Off-Road models for 2008 and 2009 wrap up all the features that trail hounds would need, including Bilstein shocks, trail tires, and upgraded skid plates.
The Pathfinder got a styling refresh for 2008, with the new V-8 option, upgraded interior trim, and a slightly different front end but has remained otherwise unchanged.
