Used 1996 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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16 years old and still going strong
gpapgar, 04/08/2011
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
At almost $4.00 a gallon, I'm driving it less and less. I was riding home from work this winter in the dark and enjoying the Christmas lights at 20 degrees (Fahrenheit) from the back of my even-more-ancient Yamaha. But, mpg aside, when I do drive my 96 Pathfinder, I have an absolute sense of confidence. At 16 years old with only 95000 on the odometer, I think I could get another 16 out of it. Nothing has gone wrong with the vehicle since I have owned it (second owner). Recently, at about 90000 miles, I replaced the timing belt and water pump just because it was time. Most of the exhaust system was rotted away this year. $400 later, with a shiny new exhaust, we're still just rolling along.
17 Years old and still going!
cathcall, 07/13/2013
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This 1996 Nissan Pathfinder is my third vehicle. The first time I toke this pathfinder for a test drive i fell in love! Out of all the vehicles I have owned and driven this one is truly the best! All the build materials used don't feel cheap it all feels solid and when you close the door you can hear the quality that was put into this SUV.
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Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned
Curt, 03/03/2009
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my Pathfinder in 99 with 34000 miles on it. Now, almost 10 years later, it has 170,000. By far the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only non-maintenance items were a manifold, that Nissan covered, and rear suspension bushings. Otherwise, the Pathfinder drives like it did the day I bought it. Fabulous reliability!
The old toy!
eric, 04/10/2009
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Owned it from new! gave her a name then and Jenny has never let me down.. until last week! she and a Dodge ram got into a tiff.. But thats ok cause Jenny is in getting a 4800 facelift.. one of the best trucks i have ever owned i use it for work to fire hall. in northern ontario she has no problem going through 3 feet of snow! belts, brakes and wipers and tires.. and struts but that cheap if you do it your self! $400 bucks..
Did I make a mistake
Michele Edwards, 04/30/2002
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is fun to drive and reliable on the road. Only minor problems come up such as the accelarator sticking due to carosion, the CD player messing up. It accomadates children nicely and I love my Pathfinder. I will definately buy another one.
these trucks are great
m-, 02/28/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Pathfinder is hands down one of the best trucks I have ever driven. It's as solid as anything, the suspension makes for a great ride and good handling on a variety of road conditions, and the 3.3L engine is big enough for all my needs. I've taken it through axle deep snow and mud in 4x4 and never got worried even though we were 20 miles off the main road. All pieces on it seem to be built to last; even the buttons (except the somewhat crappy radio) are solid to the touch. But the real test comes on rough roads: cross several sets of railroad tracks or run up a forest service road in spring, and you don't hear a single rattle.
Not bad but not good
carshopper, 08/10/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The engine is strong and reliable. Had to replace the water pump after 45K miles. Changing the oil is a pain due to the oil filter is located under the plastic skid gaurd. It has to be taking out everytime you change the oil. The suspension I would rate very poor. After 60K miles of highway driving, I had to replace the torsion bars, ball joints, and RF cv joint. The car does seem to be built solid as there are no annoying little rattle after 90K miles. The radio is cheap and my power attenna broke after 50K.
Trouble free
Spiff, 11/26/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought new 1996 4WD LE , and just turned 110K miles. Very reliable. Non-maintenance repairs: Throttle positioning sensor and washer pump at 50K miles.($150, $100) O2 sensor at 110K miles($300). Ground harness for emissions system needed at 110K miles, and Nissan did repair under warranty, even though it was 10K past! So less than $600 in repairs over six years and 110K miles. All else was maintenance- replaced nissan struts with KYB ones at 60K- improved handling. Replaced CD player (80K), which had begun to get hot on drives over 3 hours, otherwise, wouldn't have noticed.
Love this old thing
Jeannie, 10/09/2006
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
10 years old and I keep waiting for this old guy to start having problems, but so far it goes when & where I want it to. Big enough to haul anything I need to, small enough that it's maneuverable and doesn't make gas a budget item, even at $2.50. It's comfortable, has great visibility for the driver all around and it's just plain pretty. At 10 years old it doesn't look dated at all. Had to replace the exhaust manifold, struts & shocks about 3 years ago, but beyond that it's been only oil, brakes, etc. The worst thing about this old guy? Its radio buttons started popping off a few years ago and I've lost several of them. Everything still works, just don't have all the buttons ; )
It keeps on ticking
edwin ballow, 05/25/2007
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Almost 200,000 miles and almost no problems. The car actually gets better with age. I'm getting the best mpg ever from 17 to 18-19 consistantly. With 200,000 miles I'd trust it to go cross country in a heartbeat. I treat it rough and ugly, then clean it up and it looks great. Nissan does not focus on mpg. If you have one, put in a K&N air filter for more power and put on tires rated for low rolling resistance to increase the mpg.
Old Faithful
bill, 07/22/2010
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is part of the family. The '96, my wife's vehicle, currently has over 243,000 miles on it. Over the past 6 months a few things need attention but overall this SUV has been a pleasure to own. I do not have one complaint other than the MPG, but I can deal with that knowing I always had a vehicle I could count on. We recently purchased a Honda and I have having a hard time parting ways. Great SUV, built solid and tickled to death that I have able to own a vehicle I could believe in.
Falling apart; No more Pathfinders
Nomorepathy, 07/10/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
The wheel bushings shredded on me twice, causing it to sway during normal freeway use. $800+ each time. It rattles at 1800 RPM-3 dealers and 5 mechanics have never located/fixed. The CD stops playing on long trips and just clicks away. The seats are painful on long trips. The fuel gauge drops from 1/4 tank to E in 25 miles. The gas pedal sticks and has to be kicked at stoplights to get going. I have a $3k estimate for: check engine light, leaky water pump, leaky transmission, leaky muffler system, new throttle sensor, dead A/C, wheel bushings (AGAIN). If you see my black car at a dealership in the next few months, run.
SnowTank
Andy, 12/14/2008
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Found the truck of my dreams the day I found my '96 Pathfinder "SnowTank". This vehicle lived up to its name: I used it for work in upstate New York year round for 6 plus years and never was left stranded in the snow. With 263,000+, it's time to start looking for a replacement. It's like replacing the family pet. Started using synthetic oil at 40,000 and have had no major engine issues. Started up reliably in sub-zero weather and maintains the the same 17-18 mpg I got when I bought it. The five speed transmission gave me even more control in bad weather as well as put the "sport" in "sport utility". The clutch was replaced at 175,000 without problems since. Suspension bushings at 200,000.
Great Budget SUV
gone4seconds, 08/12/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought one used based partly on Edmund's reviews and I have'nt been disappointed. Lift hatch could open a tad higher, may son and I are tall and we constantly bump our heads. Engine is a little underpowered and gas mileage could be better but for a good budget SUV it's tough to beat. Ride and comfort are okay but this is still basically a truck and rides and drives like one. Originally bought as a 3rd vehicle but I now drive it more than our other cars.
A Fond Farewell
JDFinnell, 10/10/2005
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After nearly 10 years with my Pathfinder SE it is, regrettably, time to trade. My Nissan has been the best vehicle I have driven so far. In 116K miles it has only had two minor problems to speak of. In '00 there was a nagging engine power problem that took three visits to correct. In '01 the A/C quit and the compressor was replaced. Not bad, altogether. On the plus side, the 4WD system has always been there for me, the interior is comfortable, the finish is perfect, and all the electricals have worked flawlessly since I drove it off the lot on May 8, 1996. My hat's off to Nissan for hitting this one out of the park. If you are looking for a reliable SUV, this should be on your list.
Best car I've ever owned
dontwalk, 02/15/2006
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Over the years, I've traded Fords & Chevy's every 2-4 years. I've had my Pathfinder going on 10 years. Outside of the 3 recalls in the first few years, having a temporary problem with brakes (who I blame Just Brakes - not Nissan) and having to replace the starter twice, my Pathfinder has been a good car. The only gripes that I have are the same ones that most owners have had. Poor gas mileage and low engine power. I'm starting to get the "new car itch" and am going to look closely at the Pathfinder as well as the Murano.
268k and not a leak
Tim, 10/20/2020
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Thing is a monster. Family owned from new, I got this with 268,000 miles on the clock and EVERYTHING still works. Fantastic piece of car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
sweet_thing, 07/18/2002
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about it. I wish gas was a little bit better. Handles great off and on road. 4-wd was great during winter. I will always own a nissan, now and forever. Its a great over all car.
Dependable Delight
Thanks2Calvary, 11/25/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not a single mechanical problem in 97,000 miles. Wow! Good torque. Pleasant ride. Does better pulling the boat than I thought.
Hank's Review
Matt Hank, 05/29/2005
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good Rig. Very reliable over the years to Mexico and North Dakota and everywhere in between. For the measly MPG wish I could have a V8. No interior rear window pop button, frustrating. Other than strange worn bushings that had to be replaced in the rear suspension at about 75,000 miles- it has been sturdy and reliable.
GREAT CAR
CKOTA1, 02/08/2004
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WE HAVE HAD IT SINCE EARLY 03 AND HAVE ONLY HAD TO CHANGE 02 SENSOR AT 85K. I CHANGED THE GAS CAP AT 82K. REPLACED STEREO AT 85K. NOT TO BAD
great car
sojana, 08/31/2004
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I have it paid off now but I have no reason to get rid of it. I think this was one of the best investments I have made. It has been dependable and even eight years later it still has today's style.
The Overall Best SUV...
Jabez, 03/04/2005
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought my 96 used not quite a yr ago. I had around 87K from the 2nd owner who bought it of a lease in 97. I have done nothing to it other than two oil changes, previous owner was the same with two t-ups (1 brk job, 2 sets tires) and one window solenoid...that's it four 8yrs?! Still is mostly original (including the exhaust?!). Sure the 4 rnr may have one or two things over the pathfinder, but I don't believe it's worth the price difference (plus pathfinder has nicer intereor) better overall styling. Body is still rust free...no squeaks and still tight. Great job on this one Nissan...and the newer 3.5L engine...Wow, the one thing it lacked POWER (01 and up models)!!!!!!
just needs more hip & leg room
DD, 02/18/2006
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is there for me. I am so confident in it starting and being a good responder to my quick needs. Love the car. I'm just under 6', so naturally it would be wonderful if Nissan figured out that most Americans are not short and 90#s. Duh! I'd give up some of the hatch space, say 5 inches or so to get more leg room in the front and the back seats.
practical
oldtimer, 12/19/2006
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2000 with 40,000, now it has 130,000 on it and the engine still runs well. Overall I have been very pleased with my pathfinder. It is very reliable, the only problem that i have had is an occasional starting problem which my local nissan dealer was unable to completely repair. That was at 100,000. The gas mileage is lousy, and the pick-up is below average when compared to newer SUVs. However I prefer the less aggressive exterior styling of the 96-99 pathfinders. The car is incredibly practical I have used this vehicle and nothing else to move my furniture 3 times in 6 years. The 4wd has got me out of a few jams over the years also.
Superb
Dutch, 06/29/2007
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ten and a half years of trouble-free performance. Excellent build-quality; still no rattles. The vehicle has been totally bullet-proof.
Nissan Pathfinder 96'
Pantherfan, 06/21/2002
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
So far so good! Great car!
Great car in college
smithrep, 04/12/2008
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Pathfinder used and it was a great vehicle the whole time I had it. I always drove everywhere while in college and my roomates and friends always piled into the back. I never had a problem with it for the time I had it until the end when I traded it in. I honestly think I waited too long without changing the oil and it started smoking heavily. That was my fault though :(
Best SUV we've owned.
kayakers2, 10/20/2003
1996 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Left our home to buy a 4 Runner that we had been inside and loved but had never driven. 1 mile latter we were shopping again. We have driven it for 3 years and it has always performed as it should.
not bad at all
miksmyth, 05/03/2004
1996 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this vehicle for several years and it has treated me well I consider it to be a good investment.
Poor Gas Mileage
curt, 12/08/2007
1996 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
When I bought this vehicle, it seemed at the time to get pretty good gas mileage, but now, after tune ups, ect, it seems to be at its worse.I think I get around 13-14 mp/gal. Lately, the vehicle woobles when I am at speeds of 60-70mph. So bad that I have almost lost control a few times. I have replaced the starter 3 times and the manifold twice. I believe the ole 96 is about gone for me. I believe a trade in is coming soon. If you see a forest green 96 pathfinder on the lot turn the other way.