2003 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

Great SUV for the money

Written by: Steve-O on 04/09/2007

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is our second Pathfinder (first one just wrecked) and it won't be our last. An SUV that gets 20 mpg is great in my book, overall great quality, I wish those little rubber seals between the fender flares and body wouldn't discolor, but hey, if thats all there is to complain about who cares. If you're gonna buy one, splurge!! Get the loaded SE leather, sunroof, heated seats, and the extra side and curtain airbags.

Favorite Features

Bose radio, radio controls on steering wheel, 20 MPG, price tag, resale value!

Suggested Improvements

None.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

2nd Pathfinder

Written by: Bass-o-matic on 02/21/2007

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This is my second pathfinder. We have owned it for about three weeks, so my review will not reflect long term reliability. However, I know that these things will last. I have several friends that have well over 200k on their older Pathfinders. I sold my 93 with 200k on the odo and would not have hesitated to drive it across the US. I hooked a trailer on my old one and drove it across the US with 155k on the odo. But this is a review about a 2003, so what do I think- Great build quality, equal or better than the Lexus RX300 we traded in. Great power (the 93 could barley get out of its own way). Noisy when cold- belts, and valve clatter, better when warm. Great off road capability.

Favorite Features

Leather, heated seats, power- 240 hp 265 ft-lb. Handling is better than most SUVs. Steering wheel audio controls, (if you hold the UP or DOWN button while a CD is playing it will change CD's, tap and it will advance songs). 8 way adj. driver seat. Good ride quality. Auto 4x4 is nice-2wd or awd ability

Suggested Improvements

Road noise is a bit much for a high end suv, wind and rain make quite a racket. Gas mileage like there is a hole in the gas tank. (To be fair, I knew this before we bought it,do your research- if you expect 25mpg don't buy this car) MPG is lower than average for SUVs in its class. AVG -15city 18hwy

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Not as good as expected

Written by: wmhray on 09/25/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Driving is acceptable, but the brakes had a problem with the pedal going lower than the gas. Dealer had to go over it several times, but this was a safety hazard. The A/C developed a leak, and the Service Engine light cost $900 to get a leak fixed. The shield under the engine fell down due to a corroded fastener breaking.

Favorite Features

Interior finish.

Suggested Improvements

The corrosion problems need to be addressed and warranty increased.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

stylish

Written by: pkmcd99 on 09/14/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Finally an SUV with luxury options at an affordable price. 5 star safety is a welcomed bonus. love my Nissan, glad to rid my Jeep.

Favorite Features

heated leather seats

Suggested Improvements

should offer traction control locker in rear, although, limited slip option performs flawlessly

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Pathfinder Rocks

Written by: PFinder Driver on 09/02/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've had this car on lease for the past 3 years..now I am faced with the difficult choice of buying it out, or getting a new car. Always got me where I needed to go. GREAT for packing anything and everything into. Drives like a car not a truck.

Favorite Features

Radio controls on steering wheel, sunroof, arm rest, pick-up for an SUV, BODY STYLE, room in back to haul.

Suggested Improvements

Why they changed the body style in 2006 is beyond me, that is the ONLY reason I will not be buying a new one. I LOVE the old look of this style. Oh well.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

More room in a car

Written by: hunterbaby on 08/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We bought our Pathfinder only 9 months ago and traded it in for a regular car!! There isn't that much room in the Pathfinder for two adults and two kids with car seats. Never had a problem with it. When the kids get bigger - might consider buying another. They would have to do something about the gas mileage though!!

Favorite Features

vcr, Bose stereo

Suggested Improvements

GAS MILEAGE!!! Block out more outside noise

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

way better than zoom zoom

Written by: Jim on 05/12/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This SUV is very solid, has good torque and is comfortable over the long haul. I have been very pleased from the get go.

Favorite Features

Easy to manuver, fun to drive, good pick up, easy to park.

Suggested Improvements

Most improvements I would list have occured in the 2007 model. One improvement, seems rigid or stiff in the rear when going over bumps.

Report inappropriate post

All around vehicle Pathfinder SE 4X4

Written by: Steve on 03/17/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've used this vehicle on and off road, summer and winter and been pleased with almost everything about it except the Bridgestone tires that came stock on the vehicle (but this isn't a tire review). Fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this weight at 18 to 20 mpg. I mounted a class 3 hitch and have towed up ~3,000 lbs. over 700 miles with no problem, getting 15 mpg through the mountains of NC, VA, and West VA. I did have a leaking seal on the transfer case fixed under warranty at 10,000 miles, but no other incidents.

Favorite Features

Easy to engage 4X4 good power from the 3.5 litre.

Suggested Improvements

The painted numbers on the controls are wearing off.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Luxurious!

Written by: A Parker on 01/04/2006

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I think it really depends on what you were driving before. If you were driving a cadillac, you might not like it as much. I went from an '88 Honda CRX to this and I LOVE IT!! The ride is smooth, the stereo is great, and it didn't break the bank. Gas mileage in an SUV always isn't going to be the best but I'm averaging right about 20/gallon so I can't complain. I love my new car. And there's so much room inside. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Favorite Features

V6 Engine, Stereo, comfy seats

Suggested Improvements

None, ...make a hybrid version?

Report inappropriate post

Imapathfinder2

Written by: Lawanda on 10/24/2005

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This has been my best purchase yet! I really enjoy driving this vehicle, and the fuel consumtion is not so bad. I plan to keep it for a long time!

Favorite Features

The overall look outside and especially inside. I like all of the extra's that come with the loaded packag; from the steering wheel and seat comfort, to the quality stereo system.

Suggested Improvements

There isn't much room for backseat passengers.

Report inappropriate post