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2009 Nissan Pathfinder Review

July 13, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

progressive design that is both stylish and rugged
Kelley Blue Book

the most unusual feature of the side view—the rear door handles mounted vertically and higher than the front door handles—hasn't changed" Edmunds: "dash and center console have been revised for easier use
Cars.com

Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder offers acceptable styling both inside and out.

The exterior of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder scores fairly well. Most reviewers side with Kelley Blue Book, which says that the Nissan Pathfinder boasts a "rugged, purposeful exterior befitting the vehicle's lineage and ability." Kelley Blue Book informs those not familiar with the Nissan lineup that "the new front end mimics other Nissan models such as the Armada and Frontier, tying in a familial theme." Though Edmunds states that the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder "comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Off-Road, and LE," there aren't a lot of exterior differences among them, aside from the "exclusive off-road shocks and tires" and "skid plates" on the SE Off-Road. Edmunds also notes "its body is far larger than past models," which is part of Nissan's effort to make the Pathfinder "suitable for mainstream multiple passenger transport." Cars.com is disappointed to find that "the most unusual feature of the side view—the rear door handles mounted vertically and higher than the front door handles—hasn't changed," as those handles are placed such that "kids can't reach them."

Inside the Nissan 2009 Pathfinder's rugged exterior is a functional cabin, though Cars.com says it "isn't the prettiest around." ConsumerGuide praises the Nissan Pathfinder for its "well-placed gauges with user-friendly controls," and they approve of the fact that while "the available navigation system takes time to learn," it "doesn't absorb audio or climate functions—a plus."

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is nicely styled on the exterior, though some reviewers quibble over details.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:progressive design that is both stylish and ruggedKelley Blue Bookthe most unusual feature of the side view—the rear door handles mounted vertically and higher than the front door handles—hasn't changed" Edmunds: "dash and center console have been revised for easier useCars.com Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder offers acceptable styling both inside and out. The exterior of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder scores fairly well. Most reviewers side with Kelley Blue Book, which says that the Nissan Pathfinder boasts a "rugged, purposeful exterior befitting the vehicle's lineage and ability." Kelley Blue Book informs those not familiar with the Nissan lineup that "the new front end mimics other Nissan models such as the Armada and Frontier, tying in a familial theme." Though Edmunds states that the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder "comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Off-Road, and LE," there aren't a lot of exterior differences among them, aside from the "exclusive off-road shocks and tires" and "skid plates" on the SE Off-Road. Edmunds also notes "its body is far larger than past models," which is part of Nissan's effort to make the Pathfinder "suitable for mainstream multiple passenger transport." Cars.com is disappointed to find that "the most unusual feature of the side view—the rear door handles mounted vertically and higher than the front door handles—hasn't changed," as those handles are placed such that "kids can't reach them." Inside the Nissan 2009 Pathfinder's rugged exterior is a functional cabin, though Cars.com says it "isn't the prettiest around." ConsumerGuide praises the Nissan Pathfinder for its "well-placed gauges with user-friendly controls," and they approve of the fact that while "the available navigation system takes time to learn," it "doesn't absorb audio or climate functions—a plus." ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is nicely styled on the exterior, though some reviewers quibble over details. 2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "progressive design that is both stylish and rugged" Cars.com: "the most unusual feature of the side view—the rear door handles mounted vertically and higher than the front door handles—hasn't changed" Edmunds: "dash and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

First of all, if you plan to haul people and don't anticipate towing much or regularly off-roading, you should look into more carlike choices like the Ford Edge, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, or Nissan's own Murano. The Pathfinder's design is already several years old, but it feels thoroughly modern next to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which mates dated styling with a cramped interior and subpar performance and will soon be discontinued. The Toyota 4Runner is another possibility, with plenty of off-road ability, though it has a noisier interior and a harder ride and can get quite expensive at the top of the line. The Ford Explorer has a nicely updated, comfortable interior with more standard safety features across the line, but it doesn't possess the sturdy off-road ability of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. An alternative might be the Dodge Durango, which offers a slightly larger package overall, though it doesn't handle the road especially well. Each of these vehicles has poor fuel economy and a less-than-ideal ride, and most shoppers would be better suited with a modern crossover design from these automakers.

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See the Nissan Pathfinder in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By fakhir #1, Posted: 7/25/2009

    hello

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