2004 Nissan Pathfinder: Road Test
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2004 Nissan Pathfinder ▼
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- MSRP: $26,900 -$34,050
- Invoice: $24,878 -$31,490
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder help you decide if a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Test 4WD Pathfinder clocked 9.0 sec 0-60 mph, OK for a truck-based 6-cyl SUV. Tapping full power requires a heavy throttle foot, and automatic transmission can be slow to downshift for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test Pathfinders averaged 14.2-16.5 mpg, depending on conditions, about par for this class. Premium-grade fuel required.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Firm in all models, though some bumps and ridges can feel jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Taut suspension aids control, keeps cornering lean moderate. Steering properly weighted in turns but suffers vague on-center feel at highway speeds. Turning radius larger than that of most rivals. Pathfinder LE's all-surface 4WD is more useful and convenient than SE's older, less-sophisticated system.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Wind and road noise well-muffled. V6 emits throaty roar in rapid acceleration, but cruises quietly enough.
CONTROLS
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Pathfinder has a functionally sound dashboard. Cabin decor is classy on leather-equipped Pathfinders, but quite ordinary otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
Ample room and comfort for adults. Driving position is good and sufficiently adjustable, but thick roof pillars impede visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
Leg space barely adequate for adults with front seats more than halfway back. Rear bench low to floor, lacks proper back support. Entry/exit hampered by relatively high step-in, narrow door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Cargo volume is good and flip-up tailgate window is useful, but folding rear seat is more complicated than it should be.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5.1 |
Kudos for available side- and curtain-airbag protection and antiskid-system security. But old-fashioned 4WD weighs against Pathfinder unless you splurge for the LE. Still, no Pathfinder has what it takes to be a compelling value. Note that Nissan's premium Infiniti division no longer sells the QX4, a luxury version of the Pathfinder. Giving all Pathfinder LEs Platinum Edition trim for '04 aims to make up for the loss.
Total Score
| 4WD SE | 4WD LE | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 47 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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