1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2000 Nissan Pathfinder
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1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder ▼
- Price Range: $1,800 - $6,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Steering/handling
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Rear leg room
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
Fully redesigned for 1996, Nissan's sport-utility vehicle went on sale after the model year began. This was the first major reworking of the Pathfinder since its debut a decade earlier. A new, longer-wheelbase unibody chassis replaced the old body-on-frame design. In addition to dual airbags and standard 4-wheel antilock brakes, the new Pathfinder got a bigger V6 engine. Overall length increased by 6.7 inches, wheelbase stretched 2 inches, and width grew by 2.2 inches. Despite the increased dimensions, weight actually dropped by about 200 pounds. The spare tire moved under the cargo area, but an outside-mounted tire carrier was optional. The 4-door wagon had a rear liftgate and a separate top-hinged glass back window. Three models were available: base XE, sport-oriented SE, and luxury LE. All three used a 3.3-liter V6 producing 168 horsepower. Peak torque increased from 180 to 196 pound-feet. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on XE and SE Pathfinders. Four-speed automatic was standard on the LE, optional on others. The SE had standard part-time 4-wheel drive (not for use on dry pavement), with shift-on-the-fly capability via a console-mounted lever at speeds up to 50 mph. XE and LE models had rear-drive standard, with 4WD an option.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Pathfinder 4WD auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder.
Year to Year Changes
1997 Nissan Pathfinder:
Changes were minimal in the new Pathfinder's second season. All four doors got new map pockets. Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division, introduced a plush QX4 sport utility, evolved from the Pathfinder.
1998 Nissan Pathfinder:
Pathfinders were essentially unchanged for 1998.
1999 Nissan Pathfinder:
Little change was evident as the model year began, but Pathfinders earned a facelift at midyear. Meanwhile, LE models now had body-colored fender flares, plus the same wheels, tires, and side steps used on the SE. In addition to freshened styling, the 1999 1/2 model got optional front side airbags, in a package with leather upholstery for SE and LE models.
2000 Nissan Pathfinder:
Following its freshening in midseason of 1999, Pathfinders had a short 2000 model year. The Off-Road Package with outside spare tire was dropped. An revised Pathfinder debuted in spring 2000, as an early 2001 model.
Our road test for the 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Softer-riding than before, with additional rear seat and cargo room, the new Pathfinder also delivers better acceleration and has a more modern dashboard. Because of its relatively low ride height, getting in and out of the front seats is easy. Despite large rear doors, however, the back seat presents more of a challenge, partly because those doors do not open 90 degrees. There's little room to swing your feet and legs through the narrow opening. The V6 engine is smoother than in the previous model, though a heavy throttle foot yields a loud engine roar--too gruff and growly when worked hard. The 2001 V6 brought Pathfinder/QX4 up to par with the competition. '01 Nissans claimed 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec--2.1 sec faster than earlier models. Low-speed response is good, though a Pathfinder cannot beat its domestic rivals--with V8 engines--in all-out acceleration. Fuel economy is on the dismal side, like most SUVs. An SE 4x4 with automatic averaged a meager 14.1 mpg in a combination of city, suburban, and highway driving. Ride and handling rank among the most carlike in the sport-utility field. A tight suspension and linear steering contribute to a sense of control. Even so, you get a surprising amount of body lean and tire squeal during fast turns. The ride is firm, but devoid of harshness over bumps. Road and wind noise are low. The Pathfinder's dashboard is one of the most user-friendly you can find, with all controls easy to see and reach. Head room is good all around, if not exceptional, but the rear seat offers barely enough leg room for anyone taller than about 5-foot-10. Worse yet, toe room is scant under the front seats. Cargo space is good, but folding the rear seats requires tilting the cushion, then removing the head restraints so the backrests can lie flat. Thick side roof pillars might impair the driver's over-the-shoulder views.
Value for the Money
Pathfinders are not cheap, but largely because of excellent road manners and truck-tough construction, they're worth a look before buying an SUV in this class.
Pathfinders are not cheap, but largely because of excellent road manners and truck-tough construction, they're worth a look before buying an SUV in this class.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Pathfinder 4WD auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 6 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
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.
Airbags:
Airbag-indicator light may flash, indicating a failure. Dealer will replace the SRS (supplemental restraint system) sensor under warranty. (1996)
Audio system:
The radio may loose its presets and the clock its time due to voltage spikes. A replacement radio, less susceptible to this problem, is available. (1996)
Brake noise:
A high-pitched squeal or whistle from the area of the front brakes is eliminated by replacing the baffle plate on both sides. (1996-98)
Suspension noise:
The front suspension squeaks on rough roads due to a problem between the strut rod and rubber bumper. (1996)
Vehicle shake:
Vibrations at 30-40 mph are often the result of the front driveshaft being installed out of phase. (1996-97)
Wheels:
The black anodized lug nuts' surfaces corrode (looking light white dust spots). Nissan will replace them with chrome lug nuts. (1996)
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 | $660 |
| Alternator | $460 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,115 |
| Brakes | $670 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $610 |
| Exhaust System | $460 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $490 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $490 |
| Universal Joints | $310 |
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2000 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $4,800-6,500 | $4,000-5,500 | $1,800-2,500 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $5,500-7,200 | $4,700-6,200 | $2,300-3,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $4,000-5,300 | $3,300-4,300 | $1,300-1,700 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $4,600-5,900 | $3,900-5,000 | $1,700-2,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $3,300-4,500 | $2,600-3,600 | $800-1,100 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $3,900-5,100 | $3,200-4,200 | $1,200-1,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $2,800-3,900 | $2,100-2,900 | $600-900 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $3,400-4,700 | $2,700-3,700 | $900-1,200 |
| 1996 | |||
| Pathfinder 2WD | $2,500-3,400 | $1,800-2,500 | $500-700 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | $3,000-4,000 | $2,300-3,100 | $700-900 |
|
|
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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. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.1 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3675 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 85.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.8 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.5 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Pathfinders carried the same engine: an overhead-cam 3.3-liter V6, producing 168 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic might be installed.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 168 | 196 | 5-speed manual: 16/18 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.1 |
|
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 | 1999 Pathfinder |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
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 1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1996:
Carpet padding on some vehicles could be too thick, catching driver's right foot.
1996:
Due to type of lubricant used, steering-wheel effort at low ambient temperatures could increase.
1997-2001:
Recall affects vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The fuel filler tube may rust due to an incomplete coating process. In areas where road salt is used, the rust may perforate the tube, causing fuel leakage, increasing risk of fire. Dealers will replace the fuel filler tube with a new one with an improved coating process.
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