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Nissan Pathfinder - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 16 out of 20 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 39 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Pathfinder, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

First introduced in 1986 and redesigned in 2005, the long-running Pathfinder delivers spacious seating for seven, a versatile interior, and decent off-road chops. However, it lags behind competitors in on-pavement handling and interior refinement.

"For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such crossover rivals as the GMC Acadia and Nissan's own Murano," says Consumer Guide. "Only the most expensive versions offer 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 7000-lb trailering capacity." Unless buyers spend most of their time off road, the Pathfinder may be a poor choice, especially for families. While it offers seating for seven, the second and third rows are cramped. Buyers who want a rugged SUV but need more comfortable accommodations should consider the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Explorer.

For 2009, the Pathfinder gets standard side-impact and side curtain airbags.The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is available in six trims: the base S, the SE V6, the SE V8, the SE Off Road, the LE V6 and the LE V8.

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• "Riding the same fully boxed frame as the full-size Armada SUV, the Pathfinder is exceptionally rugged, and the addition of a V-8 option last year gives it strong performance and towing capability. Independent suspension makes for good road manners, and there's seating for seven." -- Car and Driver
• "While the escalating fuel price has slowed the rate at which daily commuter drivers have purchased trucks, there are still significant numbers of buyers who have a real need for this kind of vehicle." -- Popular Mechanics
• "The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder plays the role of a tough, rugged cowboy ready for the range. Yet, when negotiating city streets, the Pathfinder is a tame tiger offering many amenities to please the in-town crowd." -- DogCars.com
• "Never having been much of a fan of the $40,000 SUV weighing nearly 5,000 pounds, I didn't find a lot enticing about this vehicle. It did go well in snow, with the drive-mode selector in "auto." The rearview camera, the heated steering wheel and the navigation system all proved useful enough at various times, but I could live without any of it and not miss a thing." -- AutoWeek
• "The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder can tame the wilderness with its off-road skill, but it's not as adept in the concrete jungle. Consumers just wanting a comfortable seven-passenger midsize SUV will be better served by some competing models." -- Edmunds   

Pathfinder Performance - 7.6 (Good)

Test drivers like the 2009 Pathfinder's solid driving feel and powerful V8 engine option. "Though it's a traditional body-on-frame SUV, the Pathfinder's all-independent suspension delivers surprising agility, as well as a smooth ride," says Car and Driver. However, reviewers continue to complain about a less car-like ride than competitors. But the bright spot is the Pathfinder's off-road abilities. continue

Pathfinder Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)

Reviewers have mixed opinions on the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder's look. Automobile.com calls it "a truck in truck's clothing, sharing the blocky, chiseled styling of the Xterra, but even more closely resembling the chrome-grilled Titan and Frontier pickups." continue

Pathfinder Interior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder's seven-seat interior is roomy, versatile, and even somewhat upscale. Back when it first reviewed the Pathfinder, Motor Week said, "The Pathfinder's interior is naturally roomier than previous years and primed with the comfort and amenities necessary to compete in its class." Reviewers appreciate the standard third-row seat. continue

Pathfinder Safety - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder does relatively well in federal government crash tests. Hill Start Assist comes standard on the SE Off Road model. continue

Pathfinder Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Pathfinder comes with Nissan's three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue