Nissan Pathfinder 1996 - 2004 review

2003 Nissan Pathfinder (photo: Nissan Canada)

2003 Nissan Pathfinder

2003 Nissan Pathfinder

If you are in the market for a used truck-based mid-size SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder (and the Infinity QX4 which is essentially the same truck with more luxury options) should be one of the top choices in your list.
I particularly recommend models from 2001 and up with 3.5L VQ-engine.

The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced to US market in 1986 (it was 1987 model). In 1996 the Pathfinder was completely redesigned, and remained in the same body with minor changes until 2004.
In 2000 it received slightly restyled exterior, 16-inch wheels and few other minor changes.
In 2001 the Nissan Pathfinder (as well as Infiniti QX4) received the new 3.5L V6 24-valves DOHC VQ-engine - one of the best in its class.
For models from 2002 add standard Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer and remote keyless entry, plus available 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Pathfinder is a good quality, reliable, truck-based mid-size Japanese SUV with well-designed interior, good engines and an advanced 4WD system with shift-on-the-fly transfer case. The list of available features include four-wheel ABS system, optional navigation system, steering wheel audio controls, compass, and more.

The driver's place is comfortable, with good visibility, well designed controls and easy to read instruments. The split fold-down rear seat provides extra cargo room.
A powerful 3.5L V6 (models from 2001 and up) engine has decent low-end torque and good towing capacity, delivering 250 horsepower with the 5-speed manual transmission and 240 horsepower with 4-speed automatic transmission.

On the road the Pathfinder feels sporty and nimble.
There is no "boat-like" feeling usually found in larger trucks and SUVs, thanks to the unibody construction - there is no separate frame in the Pathfinder.
A rack-and-pinion steering, McPherson struts in the front suspension and solid axle supported by coil springs in the back give the Pathfinder rather car-like ride, although this design may not be strong enough for heavy off-roading.

Nissan Pathfinder engine

Nissan Pathfinder 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine model VQ35DE

Models before 2001 were equipped with the 3.3L SOHS 12 valves V6 engine with cast iron block and aluminum heads. With only 168 hp this engine feels slightly underpowered, though proven to be fairly reliable.

Starting from 2001 the Pathfinder received beautiful DOHC 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine (model VQ35DE, in the picture) also found in the Nissan Maxima and Murano. With ample power (250 hp with manual transmission), good low-end torque, advanced lightweight design and high durability, this engine, is one of the best in its class. There is no timing belt in this engine; a silent timing chain is used instead. Platinum spark plugs provide longer service intervals.
If properly maintained, you shouldn't expect any major problems with this engine.

Strengths

- Exterior styling
- Interior quality
- Powerful and reliable 3.5L engine (from 2001)
- Good handling, thanks to unibody construction
- Dependability, durability
- Good resale value.
- Advanced 4WD system
- Japan built.

Weaknesses

- Gas mileage
- No rear disk brakes available
- Front suspension is not designed for heavy off-roading

Overall

In my opinion, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best deals in the mid-size truck-based used SUV market. It is nice-looking, not too small, not too big, not too expensive, fairly easy to maintain. With the Pathfinder you get well-designed comfortable interior, plenty of cargo space, a powerful and reliable 3.5L V6 engine, good towing capacity, smooth and quiet ride, the ABS and the advanced 4WD system. Don't expect it to be cheap on gas.

What to look for when buying a used Nissan Pathfinder

First, check the used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc. Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Look for models 2001 and up with 3.5L engine, it's a better choice. The 3.3L engine is not bad, but there is a timing belt that needs to be replaced and it feels slightly underpowered.
- Look for leaking front struts - if one of them is leaking, usually both will need to be replaced.
- Check front CV joint boots.
- If the spare tire is located under the trunk floor, check if the mechanism lowering the tire is still working.
- Check parking brake operation - if not used regularly, the cable mechanism could be seized.
- Check the rear wiper operation.
- Broken rear rubber bump stops located inside the rear springs are common.
- During a test drive, look for noise from the suspension.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Nissan dealer before buying a car; in worst cases repair might be quite expensive.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior to purchase have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice on a lift - many components (e.g ball joints, exhaust) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection.
After buying a car, visit your local Nissan dealer to check if all necessary recalls have been performed.
Shop wisely, check few cars to compare; it's worth to pay a little extra for a well-maintained vehicle in good condition; check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.

Nissan Pathfinder service and maintenance tips

- Change the engine oil regularly - by doing so you can prevent many problems and expensive repairs like, for example, timing chain replacement.
- Don't forget, there is also transmission fluid, rear and front differential oil and transfer case oil that need to be changed regularly.
- At least once a month check your tire pressure. The difference in pressure between tires will add stress on the 4WD system.
- Use Nissan original parts even if you service your car at an independent garage.
- Always check your parking space for leaks, and if you find one, get it fixed as soon as you can.
- Take care of minor problems as soon as you can, so they won't cause serious problems and an expensive repair later.
- Rear drum brakes may need servicing and adjustment once in a while.
- Have your car inspected, at least once a year, in the garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at one of those fast lube places; the vehicle must be on the lift.

Follow this link for more Car maintenance tips

Nissan Pathfinder Specifications as tested
(2003 model with 3.5L engine)

Links

If you are looking for Repair Manual

If you want to find more technical information such as repair manual, check engine codes description, electrical diagram, diagnostic procedures, vacuum line diagram, fluid type, maintenance schedule, component location, technical service bulletins, etc. follow this link: Where to find repair manual

by Vlad Samarin