2005 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An excellent blend of off-road toughness and everyday comfort, but its concessions toward true backcountry capability might turn off those who want the image more than anything else.
Pros
Most powerful V6 in the class, above average off-road ability, well-laid-out interior, flexible seating design, ample storage space throughout.
Cons
Tight rear-seat accommodations, on-road handling not as refined as car-based competitors, some odd interior materials.
What's New for 2005
The Pathfinder has been completely redesigned for 2005 and now includes third-row seating and a larger, more powerful V6.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Nice SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Lease return bought from a friend at buy out for 17730 what a great deal. 88000 km. extended warranty to 120000 km and 2 more years. Fuel sending unit screwed, replaced for free under extended warranty. Great service so far from Nissan. Super fun drive, way nicer than my 2007 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon. Poor MPG a little better than the jeep. Way more power than the jeep but jeep better off road. No trani problems but will keep a eye on it with their still being extended warranty.
Favorite Features
Strong engine, 5 speed auto, looks, ride, versatility and room. Fun ride anywhere
Suggested Improvements
MGP,cheap plastic interior, some build issues
Watch out on transmissions!!!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
My 2005 just went dead with only 50K miles on it and the dealer says the transmission is done and needs to be replaced out of warranty at a cost of $5K!!!! What kind of a car is this??? Do I have any chance of getting this replaced by Nissan at their cost? Last time I buy a lemon from this company!!
Favorite Features
None
Suggested Improvements
Dump it!
worst bumpers ever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Cheap plastic inside and outside - everything inside breaks - plastic covers on the side of the seat broke, central storage bin in between passenger seat and drivers seat also broke. But the worst things is the bumpers - for a car of this class - a big suv, these bumpers are very flimsy.. Minor things will cause them to break, crack, tea and lose paint. Horrible. Cd player broke - cd's get stuck. Also the whole car makes noises - squeaking and rattling everywhere. Dealer said it's normal and couldnt fix it. Horrible gas mileage 12 mpg city / 16 highway, made no difference if putting super, premium or regular gas.
Favorite Features
big and mean
Suggested Improvements
make stronger bumpers, scratch resistant. eliminate squeaks and other noises while driving.
Really happy with my pre-owned Pathfinde
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought our 05 Pathfinder used in July '08 with about 40,000 miles on it. We are really liking it. PROs: Great performance with so-so gas mileage. I did get just over 20 miles/gal once on a 400 mile road trip though. Around town it's getting between 15 and 16. I have also towed a heavy load (around 5000 lbs) a couple of times for a couple hundred miles and it still performed well. CONS: -At about 50,000 miles, our gas gauge is working only intermittently. Sometimes it reads fine, other times it sits on "E" after a fill up. -Only other con is a heat shield or 2 on the underbody has started rattling. Over all this is a great rig with great performance and lots of room.
Favorite Features
Adjustable pedals, Bose stereo, sleek interior, great power from the engine, does great towing heavy loads, easy to drive.
Suggested Improvements
Better brakes and to me the gas pedal is too sensitive.
Best Bang for the Buck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased our 05 Pathfinder in July 2005. $26,000 out the door. A lot of truck for the money. The 4.0 V6 delivers plenty of power. So smooth, you cant even feel the tranny shift. As far as comfort, no complaints here. I had one problem in four years. The belt tentioner had to be replaced. I love the looks and secure ride of this vehicle. I will most likely buy another one. Also looking at the Suzuki Equator (Pick-up). This vehicle is a twin to the Nissan Frontier. Suzuki give the better warranty.
Favorite Features
Power, looks, smooth shift, comfort, value.
Suggested Improvements
Squeaks and rattles.
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