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2006 Nissan Pathfinder Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Pathfinder Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Wider availability of leather upholstery marks 2006 for Nissan's midsize SUV. Pathfinder is a seven-passenger truck-type wagon with independent rear suspension. It offers four models: S, SE, SE Off-Road, and luxury-oriented LE. All have a 270-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The SE Off-Road comes with 4-wheel drive; other models offer a choice of rear-drive or 4WD. LE's 4WD is Nissan's All-Mode system that can be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD on other models should not be left engaged on dry pavement. All 4WD Pathfinders have low-range gearing. ABS and an antiskid system are standard. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are standard for LE, optional on other models. Pathfinders have a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat. Leather upholstery, standard on LE, is optional on SE Off-Road and newly available for SE. SE Off-Road also comes with all-terrain tires, Rancho-brand shock absorbers, additional chassis skid plates, and specific upholstery, plus Nissan's Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems. Other available Pathfinder features include power-adjustable pedals and DVD entertainment.
The SE Off-Road comes with 4-wheel drive; other models offer a choice of rear-drive or 4WD. LE's 4WD is Nissan's All-Mode system that can be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD on other models should not be left engaged on dry pavement. All 4WD Pathfinders have low-range gearing. ABS and an antiskid system are standard. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows are standard for LE, optional on other models. Pathfinders have a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat. Leather upholstery, standard on LE, is optional on SE Off-Road and newly available for SE. SE Off-Road also comes with all-terrain tires, Rancho-brand shock absorbers, additional chassis skid plates, and specific upholstery, plus Nissan's Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems. Other available Pathfinder features include power-adjustable pedals and DVD entertainment.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Redesigned for 2005, Pathfinder should stay pretty much intact for the next few years. We'd like to see side airbags standard on more models than just top-line LEs, and Nissan could oblige in the next year or two.
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Peppy from a stop and around town. Test 2WD SE clocked 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. Passing maneuvers require brief moment for transmission to downshift, but power ample thereafter. However, some testers feel V6 labors to deliver brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds. Towing capacity is 6000 lb.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Peppy from a stop and around town. Test 2WD SE clocked 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. Passing maneuvers require brief moment for transmission to downshift, but power ample thereafter. However, some testers feel V6 labors to deliver brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds. Towing capacity is 6000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test 2WD SE averaged 17.0 mpg in a city/highway mix despite gas-eating performance tests. Test 4WD versions averaged 13.6-15.7 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Test 2WD SE averaged 17.0 mpg in a city/highway mix despite gas-eating performance tests. Test 4WD versions averaged 13.6-15.7 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Less absorbent than car-type rivals, but fine for a truck. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE's 17s or SE Off-Road's all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce, wheel patter, even body shudder.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
Less absorbent than car-type rivals, but fine for a truck. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE's 17s or SE Off-Road's all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce, wheel patter, even body shudder.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Direct, responsive steering, but even low-effort cornering induces noseplow, body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. Turning radius too wide for close-quarters maneuvering. Smooth, progressive brakes.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Direct, responsive steering, but even low-effort cornering induces noseplow, body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. Turning radius too wide for close-quarters maneuvering. Smooth, progressive brakes.
Quietness
Quiet for a truck in gentle cruising, but wind rush rises markedly with speed. V6 sounds coarse, strained at full throttle. SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires quite noisy, regular treads less so.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Quiet for a truck in gentle cruising, but wind rush rises markedly with speed. V6 sounds coarse, strained at full throttle. SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires quite noisy, regular treads less so.
Controls
Well-placed gauges, user-friendly controls. Available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio/climate controls--a plus. Cabin surfaces padded in places frequently touched; mostly hard plastic elsewhere, which imparts a low-budget ambience. LE's wood-tone trim lends a classier look.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Well-placed gauges, user-friendly controls. Available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio/climate controls--a plus. Cabin surfaces padded in places frequently touched; mostly hard plastic elsewhere, which imparts a low-budget ambience. LE's wood-tone trim lends a classier look.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample leg, head room for most occupants. SE/LE seats soft, supportive, but some testers dislike seatback shape. Available adjustable pedals allow for good driving position. Driver visibility aft, over the shoulder impeded by thick roof pillars, rear windshield wiper, and rear stop-lamp. Step-in is true-SUV lofty. Well-placed grab handles assist entry/exit, but available running boards mostly get in the way.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ample leg, head room for most occupants. SE/LE seats soft, supportive, but some testers dislike seatback shape. Available adjustable pedals allow for good driving position. Driver visibility aft, over the shoulder impeded by thick roof pillars, rear windshield wiper, and rear stop-lamp. Step-in is true-SUV lofty. Well-placed grab handles assist entry/exit, but available running boards mostly get in the way.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Good 2nd-row head room, even beneath sunroof housing, but tight leg room for tall riders with front seat more than halfway back. Third-row seats sized for kids, tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Good 2nd-row head room, even beneath sunroof housing, but tight leg room for tall riders with front seat more than halfway back. Third-row seats sized for kids, tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats.
Cargo Room
All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing headrests. Fold-flat front-passenger seatback available for long cargo. Available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Cabin storage otherwise ample, includes clever in-floor compartment under 2nd-row seats.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.3 |
All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing headrests. Fold-flat front-passenger seatback available for long cargo. Available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Cabin storage otherwise ample, includes clever in-floor compartment under 2nd-row seats.
Value within Class
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. 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 6000-lb trailering capacity.
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
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. 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 6000-lb trailering capacity.
Total Score
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 59 | 57 | 56 | 55 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon | $25,400 | $23,756 | $605 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon | $27,400 | $25,627 | $605 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon | $26,650 | $24,647 | $605 |
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| 4WD SE 4-door wagon | $28,650 | $26,496 | $605 |
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| 4WD SE Off-Road 4-door wagon | $31,450 | $29,085 | $605 |
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| 2WD LE 4-door wagon | $33,500 | $30,982 | $605 |
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| 4WD LE 4-door wagon | $35,700 | $33,017 | $605 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding rear seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, full-size spare tire, 245/75R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SE adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, interior air filter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hook, 265/70R16 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
SE Off-Road adds to SE:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control, hill ascent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning w/rear controls, power-adjustable pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Additional skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.
LE adds to SE Off-Road:
Safety
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose sound system, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control, hill ascent control, fold-flat passenger seat, additional skid plates, front tow hook, off-road suspension.
265/65R17 tires, 4WD adds: All-Mode 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Airbag Pkg.
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S, SE, SE Off-Road
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$700
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$607
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Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment. Std. LE.
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Premium Pkg.
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SE, SE Off-Road
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$1,700
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$1,474
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Power sunroof, Bose sound system, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights. SE requires Comfort Pkg., bodyside moldings.
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Comfort Pkg.
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SE
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$1,550
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$1,345
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, power-adjustable pedals, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors.
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Leather Pkg.
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SE, SE Off-Road
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$1,400
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$1,214
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors. Deletes fold-flat passenger seat. SE requires Comfort Pkg., bodyside moldings.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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LE
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$1,800
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$1,561
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Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
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SE, SE Off-Road, LE
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$1,600
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$1,388
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SE requires Premium Pkg.
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Satellite radio
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SE, SE Off-Road, LE
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$350
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$304
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SE requires Comfort Pkg.
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Interior air filter
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S
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$60
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$44
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Floormats
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S, LE
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$240
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$176
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SE, SE Off-Road
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$140
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$99
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XE, LE include cargo mat.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bodyside moldings
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S, SE
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$140
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$98
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Mud guards
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S, SE, SE Off-Road
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$140
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$108
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NA LE.
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2006 Nissan Pathfinder Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Pathfinder 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. | 4629 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 79.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| 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.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /241 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 270 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 291 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Pathfinder 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Sirius Satellite Radio (receiver and antenna); 4-piece floor mat set. SE Premium Package (power slide and tilt sunroof w/one-touch open and close, automatic headlights, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bose Audio system with 10 speakers & AM/FM 6-disc CD, steering wheel audio controls, MP3 CD capability, speed-sensitive volume) Nissan Mobile Entertainment System (DVD player, 7" color monitor for rear passengers, 2 rear seat infrared headphones, infrared remote control.) Leather Package (leather appointed front and second row seats, leather door trim insert, heated front seats, dual power heated mirrors, 4-way power passenger seat, body color side moldings.) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.16 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat John Biel APR Kirk Bell The Pathfinder may feel a little truckier than many would prefer, but for anyone looking for a tall, well-built, capable tow vehicle, the Pathfinder would make a fine choice. I suggest we move our Value ratings up one point each. Rick Cotta In its 2005 redesign, Pathfinder gained height, weight, and blocky styling that turned it from a pleasant, road-capable SUV into a more brutish, off-road-capable one. It's good at what it does, but the transition to a tougher image came at the expense of qualities that would probably be more appreciated by the 95 percent of buyers who never venture off the beaten path. |
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Also in the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Pathfinder Full Review
7.
8.
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