2003 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With plenty of power and luxury, this is one of the better midsize SUVs available.
Pros
Powerful V6 engine, carlike interior, solid reliability record, rear entertainment system option, available All-Mode 4WD system on LE models.
Cons
Tight rear accommodations, high price tag, hard-to-fold rear seats.
What's New for 2003
All 2003 Pathfinders will offer optional satellite radio, with a choice of XM or Sirius services. The LE model receives a standard leather-appointed interior, while SE models feature restyled wheels. Both models also feature a new four-spoke steering wheel and electronic rear-hatch window release. For safety, there is a new Vehicle Dynamic Control Package that bundles Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), traction control and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Two items no longer offered are the manual transmission and the optional navigation system. Guess you have to buy a map.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Not pleased with my purchase
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I traded in a 95 Cadillac and a 99 Tahoe. Im really disappointed with this vehicle, not even a week after I bought it, I had the a.c. compressor go out and there was an exhaust leak. Now when I accelerate it still sounds like theres an exhaust leak and lacks the get up when I step on the gas. The other thing with it there's something loose that rattles when I'm driving. The driver seat is really uncomfortable, the room in this vehicle is very limited to what I'm used to when I had my Tahoe, even my Brougham had more room than this Pathfinder. I'm regretting this purchase would not purchase another one, I should've gone with the Toyota 4Runner at least its reputation is a heck of a lot better.
Favorite Features
None
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy, the seating improve your exhaust problem. It's nice to have a Bose system but if you want to replace it cost way too much. And a 2003 to have the A.C. go out at only 5 yrs is not good.
I love it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my '03 Pathfinder in Aug '05 and ever since it's been wonderful. Yeah, the gas mileage isn't anywhere near a hybrid --but if that's what you're looking for then buy a Civic. But my Pathfinder is great!! I've never had any mechanical problems. The only problem I had was with the heat shields. They became rusted and was removed, but that's what I get for living in Chicago. Let me tell you, I absolutely HATE driving in the snow, but the 4WD helps a lot. I love the bose, heated seats, 6CD changer, programmable driver's seat, & everything else! My boyfriend was mad because I made the decision of buying this car without him, but he (being the car guy he is) even admits it was worth it!!
Favorite Features
Heated seats, 4WD, Bose, leather, the amount of power you get with only a v6!
Suggested Improvements
I wish the back was completely flat when you folded the seats down and I wish the glove compartment was bigger! haha I really have no complaints!!
Great Vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is a great vehicle that is hampered by some annoying flaws. It's powerful engine and rugged off road capability make it fun to drive. Highway driving is decent and the gas mileage is about as good as one would expect. The exterior styling of this model is perfect and it's a shame that the newer models changed this. The interior is spacious and relatively comfortable. My two main complaints are the stock tires and the in-dash stereo. The tires offer terrible traction particularly in poor weather conditions and need to be replaced. The CD player is useless and was obviously made with a cheap laser which constantly skips.
Favorite Features
Exterior styling; powerful engine; 4WD; speakers are decent.
Suggested Improvements
Better tires; better in-dash stereo.
Pathfinder = Reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my pathfinder with 28,000 miles on it and I have never ever had a problem with it. I love the interior, exterior and the way it handles. Small enough to fit into tight spots but big enough to get a true SUV feel. Gas is decent, I have a short so I dont get hit as much.
Favorite Features
Style, handling, size, comfort.
Suggested Improvements
interior size is not as big as I would have liked.
Great purchase
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Ok, so the gas mileage isn't the best. It's an SUV, what are you gonna do? I still think that out of all the SUVs out there, this one has some of the best mileage I've seen. I'm averaging 20city/24hwy. The comfort of the ride is extremely smooth and it's got great get up and go. I'm very glad I bought this car. It has been reliable comfortable car.
Favorite Features
Bose stereo, luggage rack, V6 engine.
Suggested Improvements
Reduce outside noise. It's not too loud but it could be softer.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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