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Used 1990 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
19 reviews

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4.13 out of 5 stars

1990 Pathfinder SE

NewEnglandRover, 05/13/2009
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Awesome truck, Nissan definitely did a good job and built it to last. Got used with just under 100,000 miles and it is still running strong with 235,000 miles. Only work done besides the basics (tires brakes belts timing...) was a transmission around 160,000 miles. Really shines offroad and in the winter with the 4x4. Just starting to rust, but after almost 20 years of reliability it is to be expected.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Reliable. Will not die.

Robert, 12/05/2009
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've owned my pathy for almost 10 years now; bought it used in 2000 from a guy who babied it. I've treated it pretty harsh.. lot's of offroading excursions and suspension damage. But the pathy always seems to survive... I can't seem to kill it. The only major repairs I've done are suspension (most likely my fault) and I had to replace the clutch hydraulics at 140,000 miles.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

1990 Pathfinder 4dr XE

woody273, 07/19/2002
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

When Nissan made this car, they couldn't have done a better job. I think this is one of the most reliable cars on the road. I haven't had a SINGLE problem. I drive the car hard, and it does extremely well on road and off. I take this truck to and from Vermont, and it does fantastic in the snow. I think if someone gets the opportunity, they should definately purchase this vehicle.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1990 Pathfinder, original owner

Physco, 10/01/2002
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have close to 150,000 miles. The only major thing that needed fixing is the automatic transmission at about 120,000 miles. It was suggested that there is a possible design flaw that does not pump enough oil to the rear when running at high speeds. The oil flow was increased during the rebuild. It drives great through snow and ice. When I first got it, I drove it off road thought about 3 feet of fresh snow without being stuck. The view is great. It had the largest fuel tank of the SUVs I considered for purchase. Overall, the cost of ownership has been very low and I highly recomment it to anyone.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Built to last

angel, 10/18/2007
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought this suv at 107000 miles and a brand new transmission, four years later and an extra 43000 miles, she is still going strong. I have replaced the water pump, timing belt, and alternator. For the age that she is, she has been very reliable for the most part. I would definitely recommend this car to someone.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

2DR 4WD SE '88

cheuer, 07/08/2002
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought it with 95,000 on it and have driven it another 102,000. With 197,000 miles the only thing I have changed so far is the timing belt, tires, brakes and oil. Clutch, alt, water pump are orig. and I tow things often. You never see these in the junk yard because they are so well built and on the road.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Excellent 4x4 rig

'90PathyOffRoad, 02/09/2008
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I live in a rural area where four wheel drive rigs are a part of life, and this pathfinder is one of the better 4x4s I have ever driven. If you are looking for a "soccer mom" car, get a van. On the other hand if you are looking for a small affordable 4x4 that can go anywhere, get a Nissan Pathfinder. It has the ground clearance and power to get anywhere you want and is still small and light enough to get decent (about 22 mpg highway) millage. The only downside is that the XE model does not come with a limited slip in the back, reducing performance somewhat in snow / mud, but it is otherwise an excellent vehicle.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Thanks For The Memories!

justboughta'98, 11/26/2003
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My wife recently wrote-off this amazingly reliable and functional SUV, after we put 220,000 miles on it with virtually no problems. We are convinced it could have carried on for another 1- 200,000 miles before any major work. It performed adequately, was quiet, reasonably comfortable and could outperform any domestic SUV in snow or serious off-road driving. This vehicle proved to be virtually rust-proof, and remarkably durable in exterior finish. We would definitely recommend this vehicle, and hope our newly aquired 1998 Pathfinder is as good.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My '90 'Finder

Bob, 01/25/2006
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great overall vehicle, hope I can find another as reliable and economical when it finally goes. Used as a daily driver for over 9 years, as well as going skiing, camping, and horsing around off-road. True all-in-one vehicle. Never let me down or stranded me once. I've even had good hiway gas mileage, up to 24 mpg. Most newer "value priced" SUV's (Xterra, etc.) don't have all the features/capabilities this one had.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Still Going Strong, and Heading Off-Road

Nakoosa, 02/16/2004
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Parents purchased this base model, brand new in. 2-doors R-A little bummer, but rubber floor thruout is prfect for real 4-wheelin'! Lightness and narrowness add to the overall off- roadability. Completely stock, wheeled 4'snow, 3.5' deep mud puddles, and am waiting for summer sand and rocks. Plans are: 3" susp. lift, 31" M/T tires, slide bars, ARB front bumper and 9K winch. 123K miles and running as if new. seats r firm, ride is comfy, and a spirited joy! 4 cylnder = Much better mileage than 6 & 8 cyl. hogs, and 4low gets up most any hill that's not going to toss the truck over backwards. Very fun, on and off road!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Chevrolet Trader

"Happy Camper", 08/16/2006
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After selling Chevrolet Truck's for more than 25 Years and becoming ill and lost my demo I found myself on our used-up car lot and after finding this little suv sitting on the "Rock Lot" this is where they keep the cars the can't sell for one reason or another any way I had the lot porter wash it and then I had it checked by the service dept. at that time it already had 104 K but every thing checked out good so I had all the fluid's changed, the AC charged and a new set of tires and she was ready to go and that was 7 years ago and it has been the best suv I have ever driven! soon to hit 200K and I drive it almost every day with the knowledge that she has not ever left me stranded !

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Love my Pathfinder

Samantha Moore, 10/09/2004
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is the most reliable auto I have ever owned. In fourteen years the only repairs were to replace the timing belt (it didn't break - Nissan recommended it be done) and I had some brake work this year. It could get through snow a little better, but all in all I have loved owning this car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My '90 Pathfinder

bobholz, 06/21/2005
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had the Pathfinder since it was new and only had to replace a heater sensor in the first 10 years. After it was the usual maintenance, muffler, timing belt, tires, manifold bolt, and brakes. It is an exceptional vehicle that I take on long trips, because it is to reliable and fun to drive. "like handling a car on a rail"!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Like a Swiss watch

Pick-a-nick Basket, 07/06/2007
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this thing on an impluse and had a nice surprise. I replaced the timing belt and this thing is like a new truck! Plenty of power, quiet inside and amazingly reliable. Electrical can be a little squirrely, so get a pro for that. Sound system is great. Mine has a cloth interior and still looks amazing for it's age. All this for $1000. What a deal.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Confidence, fun, and buff!

Phillip Moyte, 03/12/2002
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This Nissan has over 150.000 miles on it and it runs awesome with no noise in the engine. Nothing squeeks and it still has a bunch of power. The four wheel drive is convenient and nessicary if your a young guy. Its tons of fun and very dependable. Get one!

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4 out of 5 stars

1987 2 door pathfinder

Jason, 09/06/2015
1990 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car was saved i needed a daily this car needed love i drove the beast for 3 years no problems ever 35,000 miles and it was sold to the next owner able to get me around in the nasty seattle rain, snow, sleet,etc.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

RELIABLE

ALFRED H, 10/20/2018
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It's a great car very reliable economic on gas good performances only dash electronics very poor

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2.75 out of 5 stars

Why did I get the lemon?

ScooterXXX, 06/19/2003
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2dr SUV 4WD
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

When we first purchased the 1990 Pathfinder it was the most attractive SUV on the market. 155,000 miles and 4 transmissions later, I can comfortably say that we bought the lemon in the group. Though I have always enjoyed the trucks rugged exterior styling, the problems ranging from transmission to ac failure have made repairs a true hassle and financial burden. Underpowered and unreliable, the 1990 Pathfinder was a perfect first attempt at a 4-door suv with car-like qualities.

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1.88 out of 5 stars

King of the Lemons

lemon taker, 03/10/2002
1990 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2dr SUV 4WD
0 of 3 people found this review helpful

Since purchasing. It has cost approx. $10000.00 on necessary repairs. These are repairs that had to be done, if not vehicle would be worth $0

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