2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 Nissan Pathfinder
2008 Nissan Pathfinder
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2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder ▼

  • Price Range:  $11,800 - $25,600
CG Rating

57

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger and cargo room

Cons

  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan redesigned its midsize SUV for 2005, giving it larger dimensions, more power, and seating for seven instead of five. Pathfinder retained a truck-type design, but adopted independent rear suspension. Compared to the 1996-2004 model, it was 6.3 inches longer in wheelbase, 4.9 inches longer overall, 3.1 inches wider, and about 450 lb heavier. A V6 remained standard, but horsepower increased by 30 to 270. A 5-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Four models were offered: XE, SE, SE Off-Road, and luxury-oriented LE. All came with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that includes low-range gearing. The LE's 4WD system was Nissan's All-Mode setup, which can be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD system on other Pathfinders should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control were standard. The LE had 17-inch wheels, the others had 16s. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows were standard on LE, optional on the others. All Pathfinders had a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat. Exclusive to SE Off-Road were standard all-terrain tires, Rancho-brand shock absorbers, skid plates, and unique upholstery, plus Nissan's Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems. Leather upholstery was standard on LE, optional on SE Off-Road. Exclusive to LE were driver-seat/mirror/pedal memory settings, wood-toned interior trim, and available navigation system. Other available features included power-adjustable pedals and DVD entertainment.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category 4WD Pathfinder SE Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 9
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 57
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder.

Year to Year Changes


2006 Nissan Pathfinder: There were no changes for the Pathfinder in 2006.
2007 Nissan Pathfinder: Pathfinder carried over unchanged.
2008 Nissan Pathfinder: The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder got slightly freshened styling, and for the first time, was offered with a V8 engine. Newly available were SE V8 and LE V8 models with a 310-hp 5.6-liter V8. For '08, all Pathfinders have revised exterior and interior appearance. Newly standard on all except S models was a 7-inch color information screen with rearview camera.

Our road test for the 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Pathfinder is capably peppy. Our test 2WD SE clocked 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. Passing maneuvers require a brief moment for the transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter. Fuel economy is a sore point. Test 2WD SE averaged an acceptable 17.0 mpg in a city/highway mix despite gas-eating performance tests, but test 4WD versions averaged just 13.6-15.7 mpg in routine driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel. Pathfinder's suspension is less absorbent than many car-type rivals, but fine for a truck. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE models' 17s or SE Off-Road models' all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce, wheel patter, and even body shudder. Handling is decent, with direct, responsive steering. But even low-effort cornering induces nose plow--body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. Also note that the turning radius is too wide for close-quarters maneuvering. The brakes are smooth and progressive, however. Inside, drivers will find well-placed gauges and user-friendly controls. The available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio/climate controls--a huge plus. Cabin surfaces are nicely padded in places most frequently touched, but mostly hard plastic elsewhere, which imparts a low-budget ambience. The LE model's wood-tone trim lends a classier look. Occupant space is good up front, with ample leg and headroom. Available adjustable pedals allow pilots to tailor a good driving position. Thick roof pillars impede driver visibility over the shoulders. Second-row headroom is good, even beneath sunroof housing. The third row seats are sized for kids, and are tricky to access even with the standard tumble-forward 2nd-row seats. All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing headrests. A fold-flat front-passenger seatback is available for longer cargo items.
Value for the Money
For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such car-type rivals as the Honda Pilot and Nissan's own Murano. Plus, only the top-line LE offers the convenience of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. However, Pathfinder does possess a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including real off-road prowess and a 6000-lb trailer-towing capacity.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category 4WD Pathfinder SE Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 9
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 57

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.

Dashboard lights: The tire pressure warning lamp will glow steadily when the car is started if the long-term storage fuse (also called electronic parts fuse) is temporarily removed. (2003-04)

Electrical problem: The electrical system could be damaged, or even start a fire due to a short if trailer wiring that is connected wrong. The company was updating earlier models with revised body control module and wiring harness, but only on vehicles that entered the shop so it is important to check that this service was performed. (2005)

Engine noise: A rattle noise from the 4.0L engine at around 2,000 rpm is the power valve actuator dithering and can only be corrected by replacing the manifold complete with new valve. (2005)

Seat: On trucks with power seats, the seat cushion may not go up and down due to a failed motor. Also, on trucks with manual seats, the seat back may not move fore and aft due to separation of the linkage, which must be replaced. (2005)

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 $720
Alternator $390
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,870
Brakes $310
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $910
Constant Velocity Joints $1,840
Exhaust System $930
Radiator $510
Shocks and/or Struts $650
Timing Chain or Belt $760
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
2008
Pathfinder LE $24,500-27,500 $22,800-25,600 $15,900-17,900
Pathfinder S, SE $18,500-24,500 $17,000-22,500 $11,800-15,700
2007
Pathfinder LE $20,500-22,500 $18,900-20,700 $13,300-14,600
Pathfinder S, SE $15,500-19,800 $14,100-18,000 $9,900-12,700
2006
Pathfinder LE $18,200-20,000 $16,700-18,400 $11,600-12,800
Pathfinder S, SE $14,200-18,000 $12,900-16,400 $8,700-11,000
2005
Pathfinder LE $16,500-18,000 $15,000-16,400 $10,600-11,500
Pathfinder XE, SE $13,000-16,000 $11,800-14,600 $7,500-9,300
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. 112.2
Overall Length, in. 187.6
Overall Width, in. 72.8
Overall Height, in. 69.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 4586
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 76.2
Standard Payload, lbs. 1415
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 7
Front Head Room, in. 40.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 39.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Pathfinder comes only with a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Newly available in 2008 were SE V8 and LE V8 models with a 310-hp 5.6-liter V8.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 4.0 / 241 270 291 5-speed automatic: 15/21 5-speed automatic: 17
dohc V8 5.6 / 341 310 388 5-speed automatic: 12/18 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
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 206 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%.


No Recall History is available at this time.


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