1990 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

My '90 'Finder

Written by: Bob on 01/25/2006

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

Great overall vehicle, hope I can find another as reliable and economical when it finally goes. Used as a daily driver for over 9 years, as well as going skiing, camping, and horsing around off-road. True all-in-one vehicle. Never let me down or stranded me once. I've even had good hiway gas mileage, up to 24 mpg. Most newer "value priced" SUV's (Xterra, etc.) don't have all the features/capabilities this one had.

Favorite Features

Looks, handling, braking - 4 wheel disc brakes (notice how a lot of newer don't have?), and overall value. The adjustable shocks (sport/touring) are cool too.

Suggested Improvements

Would've been nice to have more power/torque... maybe a diesel version like they had in Australia for towing? Interior was so-so, especially compared to today's luxed out vehicles.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My '90 Pathfinder

Written by: bobholz on 06/20/2005

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

I've had the Pathfinder since it was new and only had to replace a heater sensor in the first 10 years. After it was the usual maintenance, muffler, timing belt, tires, manifold bolt, and brakes. It is an exceptional vehicle that I take on long trips, because it is to reliable and fun to drive. "like handling a car on a rail"!

Favorite Features

handling, reliability, looks

Suggested Improvements

horsepower, it is under powered for my liking! And the gas mileage could be better than the 20 mpg (highway) that I've get.

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Love my Pathfinder

Written by: Samantha Moore on 10/09/2004

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

This is the most reliable auto I have ever owned. In fourteen years the only repairs were to replace the timing belt (it didn't break - Nissan recommended it be done) and I had some brake work this year. It could get through snow a little better, but all in all I have loved owning this car.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Still Going Strong, and Heading Off-Road

Written by: Nakoosa on 02/16/2004

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 2 Dr SE 4WD Utility

Review

Parents purchased this base model, brand new in. 2-doors R-A little bummer, but rubber floor thruout is prfect for real 4-wheelin'! Lightness and narrowness add to the overall off- roadability. Completely stock, wheeled 4'snow, 3.5' deep mud puddles, and am waiting for summer sand and rocks. Plans are: 3" susp. lift, 31" M/T tires, slide bars, ARB front bumper and 9K winch. 123K miles and running as if new. seats r firm, ride is comfy, and a spirited joy! 4 cylnder = Much better mileage than 6 & 8 cyl. hogs, and 4low gets up most any hill that's not going to toss the truck over backwards. Very fun, on and off road!

Favorite Features

Fun, on and off-road; lasting quality and great 4-wheel'ability.

Suggested Improvements

List of 4x4 crazed upgrades listed above.

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Thanks For The Memories!

Written by: justboughta'98 on 11/26/2003

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr XE 4WD Wagon

Review

My wife recently wrote-off this amazingly reliable and functional SUV, after we put 220,000 miles on it with virtually no problems. We are convinced it could have carried on for another 1- 200,000 miles before any major work. It performed adequately, was quiet, reasonably comfortable and could outperform any domestic SUV in snow or serious off-road driving. This vehicle proved to be virtually rust-proof, and remarkably durable in exterior finish. We would definitely recommend this vehicle, and hope our newly aquired 1998 Pathfinder is as good.

Favorite Features

Reliability, quality of construction and finish, engine smoothness and quietness, true 4WD ability, value for your money.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel consumption.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Why did I get the lemon?

Written by: ScooterXXX on 06/19/2003

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 2 Dr SE 4WD Utility

Review

When we first purchased the 1990 Pathfinder it was the most attractive SUV on the market. 155,000 miles and 4 transmissions later, I can comfortably say that we bought the lemon in the group. Though I have always enjoyed the trucks rugged exterior styling, the problems ranging from transmission to ac failure have made repairs a true hassle and financial burden. Underpowered and unreliable, the 1990 Pathfinder was a perfect first attempt at a 4-door suv with car-like qualities.

Favorite Features

The high pitched whine when attempting to merge into traffic.

Suggested Improvements

AC, transmission, power...all of these have been fixed by now.

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1990 Pathfinder, original owner

Written by: Physco on 10/01/2002

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

I have close to 150,000 miles. The only major thing that needed fixing is the automatic transmission at about 120,000 miles. It was suggested that there is a possible design flaw that does not pump enough oil to the rear when running at high speeds. The oil flow was increased during the rebuild. It drives great through snow and ice. When I first got it, I drove it off road thought about 3 feet of fresh snow without being stuck. The view is great. It had the largest fuel tank of the SUVs I considered for purchase. Overall, the cost of ownership has been very low and I highly recomment it to anyone.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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1990 Pathfinder 4dr XE

Written by: woody273 on 07/19/2002

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr XE 4WD Wagon

Review

When Nissan made this car, they couldn't have done a better job. I think this is one of the most reliable cars on the road. I haven't had a SINGLE problem. I drive the car hard, and it does extremely well on road and off. I take this truck to and from Vermont, and it does fantastic in the snow. I think if someone gets the opportunity, they should definately purchase this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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2DR 4WD SE '88

Written by: cheuer on 07/08/2002

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 2 Dr SE 4WD Utility

Review

Bought it with 95,000 on it and have driven it another 102,000. With 197,000 miles the only thing I have changed so far is the timing belt, tires, brakes and oil. Clutch, alt, water pump are orig. and I tow things often. You never see these in the junk yard because they are so well built and on the road.

Favorite Features

Looks, dependability, and toughness. Very good offroad vehicle. Nissan built these for trails, very solid frame, skid plates, etc. Not to get groceries or take the kids to little league practice. I can't believe people pay $35,000+ to drive their suv around town, what a waste.

Suggested Improvements

Needs more h.p.! Not very powerful for pulling bigger things behind it. Mine is starting to rust along rockerpanels and in the fender wells, but the truck has served me well.

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Confidence, fun, and buff!

Written by: Phillip Moyte on 03/11/2002

Vehicle

1990 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

This Nissan has over 150.000 miles on it and it runs awesome with no noise in the engine. Nothing squeeks and it still has a bunch of power. The four wheel drive is convenient and nessicary if your a young guy. Its tons of fun and very dependable. Get one!

Favorite Features

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