2005 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
16 - 17 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(301 Total Reviews)
Happy so far
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We bought our Pathfinder after researching numerous other SUV's when the transmission in our '02 Explorer went. I loved the appearance of the PF and after a couple test drives and reading a number of reviews here, felt it best fit our needs. I get about 17.5 MPG on a mix of road and highway and just took a 300 mile road trip to upstate Vermont on 3/4 of a tank using mid-grade. Lots of power and you definitely feel it when you hit the gas. My wife likes to drive it so much more than the Explorer and she says that she feels our 1 year old is that much safer in it. Third row seating is really tough to get in and out of, but we use it so rarely, it's not an issue for us.
Favorite Features
Cup holders are a good size and there is great storage for your "stuff" in the center console. Cup holders on the doors are a nice feature. Gas mileage is pretty good and overall appearance is sharp. Love the style and the power!
Suggested Improvements
Have a small noise coming from the steering column every now and then that sounds like keys jingling. Mostly notice it on acceleration, though it is non-existent on cruise. Third row will be tough for most people but we rarely use it as we prefer to have the storage space with the seats down.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
RECALL NEEDED
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
So 2 months ago vehicle started slamming into 1st gear than Im driving home and it starts having trouble switching gears. I go home start researching transmission 05 nissan. I come across this website hear all about the radiator fluid leaking into the transmission. its gets towed to aamco and sure enough transmission is rusted out due to radiator leaking into transmission!!!!!!!! WTF recall this now I have to pay $370 a month for my payments plus $5300 to fix this problem!!! Now im driving my husbands beater to get around and we cant go anywhere as a family because our family vehicle is in the shop!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Fix your transmission and radiator problems oh ya and my fuel guage has problems too
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Careful of the Pathfinder
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Leased after much research, beautiful black on black. Very disappointed this is the first "foreign" vehicle I owned. Replaced under warranty, rad, ac condenser, transfer case, various fluid seals multiple times. Replaced out of warranty- ABS sensor, fuel delivery system(fuel pump), belt tensioner, heat shield clamp etc All this with leass than 60,000 miles. Dealer now chasing to lease another....... I am tempted but need to look at all of the other options out there
Favorite Features
Towing, stereo, power. Handling in bad weather
Suggested Improvements
Reliability, more support from Nissan. Too many issues with parts that should last as long as the vehicle.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Stay Away from these SUVs
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased the pathfinder based on previous years reliability. Google "Pathfinder Transmission" or search Edmunds discussion groups. The transmission cooler in the radiator will leak, causing anti- freeze to enter into your transmission fluid. With 70,000 miles I need a new radiator and transmission. (Warranty good up til 60K) Interior plastic is very cheap (rear cupholders broke). Squeeks everywhere Just a poorly engineered and built vehicle. Whoever the engineering team is responsible for this transmission cooler design should be beaten with blunt instruments. This will be my last nissan product. I'm selling this to purchase an older american made truck (2002-2004).
Favorite Features
None
Suggested Improvements
Improve the reliability, quality, gas mileage (average 16 mpg).
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Great SUV; bad radiator design
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I've loved my PathFinder since I got it. However, I'm very upset that just as my warranty has expired I am discovering the issue of the radiator putting coolant into the transmission. This should be a recall in my opinion. If you own one, take the car to the dealer while its still under warranty and have a transmission flush and check if it needs a new radiator.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive. Very convenient design for family use. Back seats fold down nicely for occasional hauling.
Suggested Improvements
It's a gas guzzler.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
BAD RADIATOR AND TRANSMISSION
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased in 2005 at 110,000 miles the radiator fluid leak into the transmission without any warning nor is it included in the service repair to change. To no end Nissan will not accept responsibility of a faulty radiator design. I am not the first and the last with this same problem. I will never buy another Nissan! Consumer relations stated they will not accept responsibility and states the warranty of their radiators go out at 36,000 miles.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Replace the faulty radiators
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Excellent Luxery 4x4
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
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We bought our 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 new, with exactly every option we wanted, no more no less. There was one recall (for Pathfinders being driven in regions with snow) for the air bag sensor, which was replace at no charge, of course. A piece of the roof rack came loose in a car wash, and was replace by dealer under warranty, no charge. The vehicle has had no problems or issues (other than mentioned above). It has averaged 17 mpg, overall. I usually get about 18, while my wife gets abotu 16 (I'm a putster, she's a sporty driver), except during winter, inclement weather when mileage drops about 2mpg (that's when it's in all- wheel or 4x4 a lot). It's a keeper!
Favorite Features
Safety, Performance, Style, Comfort, off-road and snow prowess.
Suggested Improvements
Make third row seat move back a little for more leg room.
Happy with my Pathfinder
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
LE 4wd bought new in '05. Good power from V-6, short turning circle. Handles well in snow and sand, never gets stuck. Bose stereo is killer, holds lots of people & stuff. Fold flat 3rd row a nice option. Runs fine on regular gas, mileage stinks around town, 12-13 mpg but will get 20-21 mpg on the highway at 70 mph loaded up with stuff and people. Original equipment tires were junk after 20K miles. Replaced with Continental Cross Tracs - very happy. One little annoying squeak in dash on bumpy roads
Favorite Features
Comfort, off road/snow, stability control, cargo capacity, stereo
Suggested Improvements
Tighten up the dashboard
Buyers Beware
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder XE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have read several comments from people who own a Pathfinder about the problems with the radiator leaking into the transmission. Well, now I am personally having this problem as well. The fluid has leaked into my transmission which now has to be completely overhauled and its only 3 years old and of course out of warranty. So buyers beware. We called Nissan but were basically told too bad. Until now the vehicle ran great so if you do purchase a Pathfinder then make sure you buy the extended warranty!!
Favorite Features
Rides smooth
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage could be better
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
dollar-ed out
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I do love this truck but would love it more if I hadn't had so many issues...At 26,000 miles we had to fix the tension belt and just again at 59,000 miles! The fuel sensor failed and had to be replaced at 50,000. My tire pressure light will not go off even though it has been to the dealer no 4 times and now my air bag light is flashing and they said my extended warranty will not cover anything on it if they find something wrong with the airbag!? which I don't understand and is ridiculous to me. My husband informed me he will sell it if it continues to have issues! I always thought Nissan's were well made vehicles guess I was wrong?
Favorite Features
Body Style, fold down third row seats, interior
Suggested Improvements
the exterior seems plastic! and computer board stinks!
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