2002 Nissan Pathfinder Review
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+47
Used Pathfinder for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 engine, car-like interior, solid reliability record, rear entertainment system option, available Infiniti All-Mode 4WD on LE models.
Cons
- Tight rear accommodations, high price tag, hard-to-fold rear seats.
What’s new
The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder receives only minor refinements. These include a new front grille, steering wheel and a revised audio system with new faceplate and faster functioning in-dash six-disc CD changer. The SE trim, now the base Pathfinder since the XE has been dropped, features a new titanium-accented step rail and roof rack with integrated air dam, body-color bumpers and fender flares, new 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and new seat cloth. Not to be outdone, the luxurious LE has 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels as standard equipment this year.
Edmunds says
With plenty of power, off-road capability and luxury, this is one of the best midsize SUVs available.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$352/mo for Pathfinder SE
Pathfinder SE
vs
$204/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Nissan's hardy Pathfinder has always been our vehicle of choice for seeking a new path to the premium outlet center. Though the exterior may exude that tough-guy outdoorsy image, the interior has always been comfortable enough for the dilettante woodsman who doesn't like to get his nails too dirty.
So revel, all you who seek liberation from urban ennui -- the Pathfinder is energized by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, it produces a mighty 250 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. Matching it to an automatic tranny will usurp 10 ponies but add 25 foot-pounds of twist. Either way, it's ample power to haul plenty of equipment for mountain climbing, as well as merge onto freeways without fear.
The Pathfinder comes with rear-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive, the latter of which provides a shift-on-the-fly transfer case that can be engaged at speeds up to 50 mph. On LE models, an automatic All-Mode four-wheel-drive system can be specified, giving you one more reason to skip paying the extra tariff the Infiniti QX4 commands. All-Mode operates in two-wheel drive, automatic 4WD, 4WD-Hi and 4WD-Lo, all selected using a simple rotary knob on the dashboard.
We've long admired the Pathfinder for its excellent ride and handling, further enhanced by solid unibody construction. Quality construction, supportive front seats and useful features make the interior one of the friendliest of any SUV on the market. For 2002, there are only two trim levels available: the SE, which gives you a choice of automatic or manual transmission along with sporty exterior trim, and the more luxurious LE, which includes foglights, 17-inch wheels, a Bose audio system and fake wood accents.
Both models can be ordered with a wide array of equipment. Highlights include a leather package (which includes side airbags) and a mobile entertainment system that includes a 6.4-inch flip-down LCD screen, a video or DVD player, and ports to plug in a gaming console like Sony's PlayStation 2. A navigation system, of the variety found in the Infiniti QX4, is also available, but we don't recommend it. While the "Birdview" perspective is interesting, teensy, tiny, little, itty-bitty buttons control the thing, along with some of the climate control functions. Get a map.
Items that remain static this year include a substantial maximum cargo-carrying capacity of 85 cubic feet (surprising for what appears to be a relatively small vehicle). However, some of this space, in our humble opinion, should have been used to alleviate the still-cramped rear accommodations.
Despite a few quibbles, we highly recommend the Pathfinder. Nissan has a product that is truly the best compromise between car-like ride and truck-like utility. As more and more consumers are utilizing their SUVs as primary transportation, stylish, comfortable and rugged rides like the Pathfinder will truly offer the best of all worlds.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder.
5 star(72%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
165 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Bulletproof!!!
jonnom130, 01/10/2015
2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I recently purchased this vehicle with 220k miles and was skeptical because of the mileage. However, this skepticism was short lived. This truck is solid! There are no fluid leaks, seeping gaskets, or strange noises. It doesn't smoke, knock, or tick. I am amazed at how well it runs with such high mileage. EVERYTHING works as it should. I have had to make a few minor repairs that are … common with high mileage vehicles.
I recommend this model year vehicle to anyone looking for reliable transportation. My only complaint is the fuel economy. I have to say it gets terrible gas mileage. Expect about 13 city and no more than 20 on the highway.
UPDATE: 332,000 miles later still runs strong. Best car I’ve ever owned. Has never left me stranded
5 out of 5 stars
Bought new and 165k miles of trouble free driving
Steve Lake, 06/07/2016
2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this new in 2002. Besides basic maintenance (oil, filters, etc), I only changed the plugs and brakes...once. 165k miles of trouble free driving. Good in winter snow (4x4) and some offroad but still really comfortable on the highway too. MPG is not great but that's because its V6 rocks and has good power. (17-19 MPG...once got 22 on a long hwy drive.)The original CD changer sucks … but still sort of works. This 2002 Pathfinder is the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It drives almost like new.
June 2017: Still running perfectly with 177K miles. Only oil and gas. Edmunds asked me to update this so there you go.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Love my Pathfinder
cagrrl1971, 10/23/2009
2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
I inherited my car from my sister in 2003 and it has been the best vehicle I have ever had. It has 150000 miles now and you can't even tell. We handle typhoon like rains here in Northern CA. I've driven it through the snow without hesitation. This car is so reliable. My mechanic and a couple guys at the oil change shop have said they'll buy it anytime I'm ready to sell. The only … major problem I've had is the bushing pin went out right when I took over from my sister - I figured it was because she didn't know how to drive a manual transmission. No problems ever since. If they sold this model again I would buy it. When this one dies I'm buying the latest version of a Pathfinder.
4.5 out of 5 stars
great 2nd car..Love it!
jeadie, 02/04/2011
2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2002 Pathfinder on a whim 2 years ago when I had my Mercedes in for service.
Other than the questionable gas mileage, the car is perfect.
Very reliable, comfortable and plenty of power for my needs.
I loved the way it looked and the amenities are awesome for car of its age.
I only paid $9k for it with 72k miles and it was and is in excellent condition.
Although we will keep … primary cars which get better mileage, I plan to keep the Pathfinder in my fleet for as long as it will have me.
So far, so good.
2002 Pathfinder Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,649 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $352/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Pathfinder include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
People who viewed this also viewed
3.9 average Rating out of 15 reviews. |
Starting at $35,990 |
4.1 average Rating out of 24 reviews. |
Starting at $37,090 |
4.3 average Rating out of 18 reviews. |
Starting at $36,650 |
Related Used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Toyota Highlander 2021 Review
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2021 Review
- Toyota Highlander 2020 Review
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2020 Review
- Toyota Land Cruiser 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Hyundai Palisade
- Used Kia Telluride
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee-wk
- Used Volkswagen Atlas-cross-sport
- Used Ford Explorer
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2019
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2016
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2013
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2015
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2012
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2011
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2018
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2014
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2010
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Cadillac XT4
- 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2023 Tesla Model 3
- 2023 Bronco
- R8 Audi R8
- Mini Cooper Car 4 Door
- 2023 Town and Country
- 2025 Tesla Model 3 News
- Ranger
Research other models of Nissan
- 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan GT-R 2024
- 2023 GT-R
- 2024 Nissan Frontier
- Armada Nissan SUV
- Nissan Truck 2023
- 2023 Sentra
- Nissan Titan Pickup
- Nissan Versa Versa
- 2023 Nissan Kicks
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Trailblazer
- Porsche Macans
- MB GLC 300
- 2023 Dodge Durango
- 2023 Subaru XV Crosstrek
- 2023 Kia Telluride
- Acurazine RDX
- Traverse Automobile
- Mazda CX 30
- GMC Terrain
Other models
- Used Jaguar Xk-Series in Rohnert Park, CA
- New Porsche 911 for Sale in Drexel Hill, PA
- Used GMC Savana in Laredo, TX
- New Land-Rover Discovery-Sport for Sale in Vacaville, CA
- Used Dodge Durango in Clementon, NJ
- Used Nissan Murano-Crosscabriolet in Gallatin, TN
- Used Audi E-Tron-Sportback in Springfield, VA
- Used Infiniti G20 in Manchester, CT
- Used Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Hollister, CA
- Used Hyundai Kona-Electric in Davenport, FL