The available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn’t absorb audio/climate controls–a huge plus. Inside, drivers will find well-placed gauges and user-friendly controls. The brakes are smooth and progressive, however. Also note that the turning radius is too wide for close-quarters maneuvering. But even low-effort cornering induces nose plow–body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. Handling is decent, with direct, responsive steering. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce, wheel patter, and even body shudder. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE models’ 17s or SE Off-Road models’ all-terrain treads. Pathfinder’s suspension is less absorbent than many car-type rivals, but fine for a truck. 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. Passing maneuvers require a brief moment for the transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter.įuel economy is a sore point. Our test 2WD SE clocked 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. Other available features included power-adjustable pedals and DVD entertainment. Exclusive to LE were driver-seat/mirror/pedal memory settings, wood-toned interior trim, and available navigation system. Leather upholstery was standard on LE, optional on SE Off-Road. 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. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows were standard on LE, optional on the others.Īll Pathfinders had a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat. The LE had 17-inch wheels, the others had 16s. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control were standard. The 4WD system on other Pathfinders should not be left engaged on dry pavement. The LE’s 4WD system was Nissan’s All-Mode setup, which can be left engaged on dry pavement. All came with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that includes low-range gearing. A 5-speed automatic was the sole transmission.įour models were offered: XE, SE, SE Off-Road, and luxury-oriented LE. A V6 remained standard, but horsepower increased by 30 to 270. 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. Pathfinder retained a truck-type design, but adopted independent rear suspension. Although it offered visual improvements, the Rock Creek Edition did little to bolster the Pathfinder's reputation.Nissan redesigned its midsize SUV for 2005, giving it larger dimensions, more power, and seating for seven instead of five. It was available for both FWD and AWD variants of the Pathfinder. Nissan equipped the Frontier Rock Creek Edition with a standard tow hitch and harness and added splash guards. The interior received special touches as well, with unique cues including special Rock Creek Edition two-tone seats featuring contrast stitching and embroidered backrests, Rock Creek badging, metallic trim, and more contrast stitching on the door panels, center console, and steering wheel. It added a black mesh grille, black roof rails, black door handles and mirrors, black front and rear fascia accents, black badges, black overfenders, and dark-finished 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/60-size all-season tires. Nissan sought to improve its three-row crossover's reputation with the Rock Creek Edition package. We nicknamed the fourth-generation Pathfinder the "Mallfinder" because it was little more than a lifted minivan with regular doors.
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