1997 Nissan Pathfinder Review

great suv

Written by: bk on 10/14/2009

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

I have owned 3 pathfinders along the way. First was a 1996 se, then went to a 2001 with the 3.5l and now I am back in a 1997. They all have been absolutely great vehicles! Never left me stranded anywhere, go through snow up to the bumpers, repairs are rare and they hold their value. The only complaint I had was going from my 1996 with 150,000 miles to the 2001 with 80,000 miles, I expected the same fuel mileage and was disappointed. A year later and I was back in the 1997 and regained some of the fuel mileage back again. This is a cant miss suv. Why pay thousands more for a 4 runner?

Favorite Features

4wd is awesome

Suggested Improvements

1996-1999 model needs more leg room for people above 6 ft tall.

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Best vehicle I've ever had

Written by: Gary on 08/12/2009

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr LE 4WD Wagon

Review

When the recession hit, I could no longer make monthly car payments so I saved up some money and bought my used 97 pathfinder with cash. I researched and found this is one of the best SUV's for reliability. I replaced all belts, hoses, water pump,timing belt and bought 4 new tires. I recently drove this on a 3000 mile trip and it did wonderful. I love this truck despite that it does get thirsty. This vehicle will run for another 100,000 easily. Love it.

Favorite Features

4x4 and build quality. They don't make em like this anymore. Will keep this forever.

Suggested Improvements

It's slow and thirsty, but I don't get any speeding tickets so maybe that's a good thing?

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Still the one

Written by: hmp49 on 07/29/2009

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr XE 4WD Wagon

Review

Mileage, handling, braking, transmission, better than when it was new. Engine is smooth as silk. Changing oil every 3,000 miles, transmission every 30,000, serviced only at dealer. Using Michelin Mud and Snow tires with Nitrogen really brought up the MPG, get an honest 19 mph on the highway.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Good, solid, reliable vehicle

Written by: Tim on 07/27/2009

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this SUV in 8/05 with 118K and it now has over 182K. Besides routine maintenance and tires, I have only had to replace a thermostat, water pump, and muffler ($600 total). I would recommend the vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

Favorite Features

Roominess, reliability

Suggested Improvements

I average about 19 MPG (mostly highway)- could be better/could be worse

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Even more reliable than I am.

Written by: Cee.PerezGo on 05/22/2009

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Pathfinder 4 Dr SE 4WD Wagon

Review

This car has gotten me through thick and thin. I have been careless at times not changing the oil regularly but even so... it's still charging forward. I love to give her all she's got especially in parking lots, I feel like I'm flying a plane. I've had to replace the exhaust a couple of times as it rusts through as well as the runners. I have an oil leak in the engine but it's still going strong. A check engine light showed up about a week ago but my mechanic said it's nothing just a sensor near the fuel system. It's nothing important just related to the emissions. Otherwise a magnificent vehicle. Very comfortable as people always tend to fall asleep when they're driving with me.

Favorite Features

Reliability, comfort and resiliency. A big difference in 4WD mode. I can plow through anything. Transmission runs smoothly except it clunks hard sometimes.

Suggested Improvements

Weak in snow in 2WD. Can't even get out of an inch of snow. Acceleration needs to be quicker even for this model. Fuel efficiency. Rear seating could be larger.

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