1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1995 Nissan Pathfinder
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1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $2,400
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Wet-weather traction (4WD)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (optional)
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
By the time Pathfinder arrived in 1987, it was faced with a group of rivals that included the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevy S-10 Blazer, and Ford Bronco II. Original Pathfinders, available in base XE and uplevel SE trim levels, came with a 153-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard across the board, with a 4-speed automatic optional. Initially available in just a 2-door body style, a 4-door body was added for 1990, with both 2WD and part-time 4WD.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Pathfinder SE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Nissan Pathfinder:
In 1991, the 4-door Pathfinder becomes the only body style. Among other changes, the optional antilock brakes become standard equipment and leather seats are a new option.
1992 Nissan Pathfinder:
A new exterior color--Safari Green--is the only change for the 1992 Pathfinder.
1993 Nissan Pathfinder:
Changes for 1993 include mildly modified bumpers and reshaped fenders for this 6-year-old sport utility. Also, new inner door beams provide more side-impact protection and CFC-free air conditioning refrigerant replaces ozone-depleting R-12.
1994 Nissan Pathfinder:
Hoping to attract more luxury sport-utility buyers, the 1994 Pathfinder adds a new luxuriously equipped LE flagship model. Standard equipment on the LE includes automatic transmission, leather upholstery, heated front seats, luggage rack, semiautomatic air conditioning, a CD player, running boards, privacy glass, rear disc brakes, styled alloy wheels, and other features that are either optional or not available on XE or SE models. In addition, a new instrument panel replaces the former unit with its upright, angular design. This new unit has more ergonomic, flowing design with controls that are larger and easier to use.
1995 Nissan Pathfinder:
The big news for 1995 is the addition of a 2WD version of the LE luxury model added to the model lineup last year.
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Early Nissan Pathfinder models seemed to ride smoothly, with less of the rough bounce customary on some of the new truck-based compact sport-utility vehicles. Adequate power finally arrived in 1990 when the 3.0-liter engine switched to multipoint fuel injection, giving the Pathfinder 180 horsepower, but low-end torque still is not sufficient to help the Pathfinder keep pace with the Explorer or Cherokee when called upon to climb hills or haul heavy loads. Given that the Pathfinder was not significantly changed after 1990, the newer Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee have provided more popular carlike features and handling, making Nissan's older design feel dated, too stiff, and unsophisticated. Gas mileage is dismal as well. In our test we only achieved 14.7 mpg with the automatic. The Pathfinder's 4WD system is another drawback. Since it lacks full shift-on-the-fly capability, it's far less convenient than most competitive part-time systems used by an ever-growing number of rivals. The handling is safe and predictable, but ranks far below the head of the class. Also, narrow rear doors that combine with a high step-up made entering and exiting a bit of a chore.
Value for the Money
To its credit, the Pathfinder provides precise steering and ample cargo room. It's also rugged and as durable as a Swiss Army knife. Unfortunately, the compact sport-utility market has stampeded forward toward more carlike vehicles, effectively leaving the Pathfinder in the dust.
To its credit, the Pathfinder provides precise steering and ample cargo room. It's also rugged and as durable as a Swiss Army knife. Unfortunately, the compact sport-utility market has stampeded forward toward more carlike vehicles, effectively leaving the Pathfinder in the dust.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Pathfinder SE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Pathfinder includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Pathfinder .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Rattling or rumbling from the blower may be caused by leaves and other debris that are not stopped by the fresh-air grille. (1993-95)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission does not shift properly until warmed up, make sure it is filled only with Nissanmatic "C" transmission fluid. (1990-95)
Coolant leak:
Coolant leaks in cylinder heads could be coming from blind plugs. The plugs can be resealed without head removal. (1990-95)
Coolant leak:
Coolant may leak from the front of the cylinder head, which may appear to be a head gasket, but comes from a threaded plug in the front of the head. (1990-95)
Hard starting:
If the engine is hard to start at high altitudes, it is flooding from too much fuel and a revised water-temperature sensor will cure the problem. (1990-95)
Oil leak:
Oil leaks from the manual transmission are likely coming from the breather vent. (1990-93)
Oil leak:
There is a revised pinion seal to correct oil leaks at both front and rear differentials on 2WD and 4WD models. (1992)
Poor drivability:
A check-engine light accompanied by poor drivability could be caused by water in the wiring connector for the oxygen sensor. (1995)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $540 |
| Alternator | $250 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $830 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Exhaust System | $275 |
| Radiator | $460 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $295 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $375 |
| Universal Joints | $170 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Pathfinder details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| 1994 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1993 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1990 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Pathfinder include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 171.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3795 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 31.9 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.1 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The only engine available in the 1989 Pathfinder was a V6 that provided 140 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 166 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Switching to multipoint fuel injection in 1990 helped boost both horsepower and torque. Revising the fuel delivery resulted in new ratings of 153 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 153 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Pathfinder include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 Pathfinder |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 1 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1995 Nissan Pathfinder directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-91:
Front-seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
1994:
Latch plate in seatbelt buckle could engage only partially, causing tongue to come out of buckle during collision or hard braking.
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