2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2001 Nissan Pathfinder
2004 Nissan Pathfinder
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2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder ▼

  • Price Range:  $4,700 - $12,900
CG Rating

49

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Cargo room
  • Build quality

Cons

  • Rear-seat room
  • Rear-seat entry/exit

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan's updated premium sport-utility wagon began the 2001 model year in spring 2000, offered in base XE, sporty SE, and top-line LE versions, with additional standard features. This truck-based four-door wagon shared its design and V6 engine with the QX4 from Nissan's upscale Infiniti division. A new twincam 3.5-liter V6 replaced the single-cam 3.3-liter. Horsepower was 240 with automatic transmission, and 250 with manual shift. Prior Pathfinders had used a 170-horsepower engine. Torque ratings were now 265 and 240 pounds-feet, respectively, versus the previous 200. Towing capacity was unchanged at 5000 pounds. Only the SE was available with a manual gearbox. The Pathfinder adopted several options that had previously been reserved for its upscale Infiniti sister, the QX4. All models came with rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The latter had low-range gearing, intended for slick surfaces only. The LE's 4WD system was now the QX4's on-demand All-Mode setup, which was usable on dry pavement. It had 2WD, automatic 4WD, and locked-in 4WD High and Low settings. Antilock brakes were standard across the board. Front side airbags were available in the Leather option package for SE and LE models. The 2001 Pathfinders also got a restyled dashboard and console, standard cruise control, and power windows/locks/mirrors for all models. SE and LE versions gained standard steering-wheel audio controls and memory power seats. Newly optional on SEs and LEs was the QX4's satellite-linked navigation system, with dashboard touch-screen and audible route instructions. The LE and SE could also get a newly optional rear-seat entertainment system with video player, flip-down LCD screen, separate audio controls and game port. Infiniti's QX4 also got the bigger V6 and a revised dashboard this year, but had side airbags and the All-Mode 4WD system as standard. Pathfinder competitors included the Acura MDX, Ford Explorer, Lexus RX 300, and Toyota 4Runner and Highlander.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD, automatic transmission Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 49
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Nissan Pathfinder: The more-expensive of Nissan's two SUVs dropped the previous year's base model, and added features to the remaining Pathfinders for 2002. Gone was the XE model, leaving SE and LE versions. The 4WD SE Pathfinder was available with manual shift; other models had automatic. New for 2002 were a restyled grille, body-color bumpers, and fender flares for the SE. Fresh wheels included 17-inch alloys in place of 16s on the LE. Interior trim revisions included a new steering wheel with available audio controls.
2003 Nissan Pathfinder: Front side airbags and curtain-style airbags became available this year- standard in the LE model and optional for the SE. An antiskid/traction-control system was newly available, as part of a Dynamic Control option. Nissan no longer offered a navigation system in the Pathfinder, but the LE gained standard heated front seats. Both models got LATCH child-seat anchors, a redesigned steering wheel and center dashboard, and an electronic tailgate release.
2004 Nissan Pathfinder: No major changes were made to the Pathfinder this year.

Our road test for the 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Previously a performance also-ran, the Pathfinder is now more than competitive in its class. Test Pathfinders and QX4s have accelerated to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds, which is good for midsize six-cylinder SUVs. Still, tapping full power requires a determined throttle foot, and the automatic transmission can be slow to downshift for passing. Pathfinders and QX4s have averaged 14.2 to 16.5 mpg, depending on conditions. That's about par for this class, but premium-grade gasoline is required. Both the Nissan and Infiniti ride firmly, though the QX4 is acceptably comfortable over bumps and ridges that feel jarring in a Pathfinder. A taut suspension aids control, and keeps body lean in corners moderate. Steering feels properly weighted in turns, but suffers vague on-center feel at highway speeds, and the turning radius is larger than most rivals'. The QX4's all-surface 4WD is welcome on the Pathfinder LE. An SE's old-fashioned 4WD setup is far less convenient. Wind and road noise are well-muffled. The V6 emits a throaty roar in hard acceleration, but cruises quietly. The Pathfinder and QX4 share a functionally sound dashboard. The nicely integrated navigation system works well, once you master its programming. Cabin decor is classy in the QX4 and in leather-equipped Pathfinders, but quite ordinary otherwise. Front space is ample and comfortable for adults. The driving position is good, and adequately adjustable, but thick roof pillars impede visibility. Rear leg space is barely adequate for adults, if front seats are more than halfway back. The seat is low to the floor and deficient in back support. Step-in height is relatively high. Narrow door openings further complicate entry/exit. Cargo volume is good, and the flip-up back glass is useful. The folding rear seat is overly complicated.
Value for the Money
An antiquated 4WD system weighs against the Pathfinder, unless it's the top-of-the-line LE with the QX4's system. Neither of these SUVs has what it takes to be a compelling value. Available side-impact protection and antiskid security could be a plus in 2003 models.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD, automatic transmission Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 4
Total Score: 49

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.

Automatic transmission: Automatic transmission may flare (seem to drop out of gear) between shifts requiring replacement of the transmission control module. (2001)

Engine noise: A rumbling, bearinglike noise from the transfer case is corrected by replacing the companion flange with a redesigned component. (2001)

Suspension problems: Stones tend to lodge in between the right rear shock absorber and its top mounting bracket requiring insertion of a piece of foam to keep stones out. (2001)

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 $555
Alternator $610
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,995
Brakes $445
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $410
Constant Velocity Joints $510
Exhaust System $370
Radiator $420
Shocks and/or Struts $1,035
Timing Chain or Belt $335
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
2004
Pathfinder 2WD $11,500-13,200 $10,400-11,900 $6,300-7,300
Pathfinder 4WD $12,700-14,300 $11,400-12,900 $7,400-8,300
2003
Pathfinder 2WD $9,000-11,500 $8,100-10,400 $4,700-6,000
Pathfinder 4WD $10,100-11,800 $9,100-10,600 $5,300-6,100
2002
Pathfinder 2WD $7,000-8,500 $6,200-7,600 $3,300-4,000
Pathfinder 4WD $8,000-9,500 $7,200-8,600 $4,100-4,800
2001
Pathfinder 2WD $5,500-6,700 $4,700-5,800 $2,300-2,700
Pathfinder 4WD $6,400-8,000 $5,600-7,000 $2,800-3,500
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. 182.7
Overall Width, in. 69.7
Overall Height, in. 67.9
Curb Weight, lbs. 4131
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 85.0
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
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 used a 3.5-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine. When driving a four-speed automatic transmission, the V6 produced 240 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With a five-speed manual gearbox, ratings changed to 250 horsepower and 240 pound-feet. Pathfinders could have rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.5 / 214 240-250 240-265 5-speed manual: 17/19
4-speed automatic: 16/19		 5-speed manual: --
4-speed automatic: --

With four-wheel drive, all EPA ratings dropped by 1 mpg.

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 2002 Pathfinder
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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 2001-2004 Nissan Pathfinder directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

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.
2001: Some brackets used to attach the two gas struts to the rear hatch may have been improperly made, resulting in the struts detaching from the bracket(s) when opening or closing the rear door. Dealers will replace the strut brackets.

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