Used 1997 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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97 Pathfinder was good to me
tjm, 07/14/2005
1997 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had only one problem ever with this SUV. The heater motor went out at about 97,000 miles. Other than that it never gave me a problem.
Good SUV despite Nissan
Gasoholic, 03/17/2003
1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle as a leftover demo. It's not that I haven't liked the Pathfinder but it has at any given time had several repairs that needed to be done: *bolts broken off manifold/exhaust interface. I found out about it when they were replacing a valve between the fuel tank and engine that was broken. *new front brakes at 52K? *new clutch at 60K. *cracked struts at 65K with never more than light off-roading? These babies cost $1000 a piece to replace. *The climate control is clumsy and it's either been too cold or too warm in the truck. Nissan needs to stop convincing itself that they are as good as Toyota and Honda.
1997 Nissan Pathfinder for sale near you
Showing 3 of 3 listings
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,4951,449 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A617 mi away
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: N/A782 mi away
Loved it-buying a new one
Michael from AR, 02/19/2006
1997 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved my Pathfinder and when I sold it a few months ago it was still going strong with over 168,000 miles on it. It went through ditches and it handled great in snow/ice covered roads last winter even though it was only a two wheel drive. It even pulled a 1 ton Dodge truck. I'm going to buy a new one here in a few weeks. I would recommend the Pathfinder. It was a great truck!
A great preowned SUV!
Frank, 03/12/2007
1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle used with 106,000 miles on it only because it is a Nissan. Had it been any American car I wouldn't have considered it with that kind of mileage. I have to say what a great ride and feel it has. Still tight and quiet, like it was new! Very reliable as everything is in great shape. Very little signs of wear. The gas mileage has little to be desired, but is in line with todays SUVs gas mileage. Everything considered, I am extremely happy with this vehicle and would highly recommend it.
Beautiful and reliable
LE1997, 07/10/2007
1997 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great design. LE interior is nicer than any other car than I ever owned. At 120,000 miles, still zero wear on the leather seats. Replaced original tires with Kumhos, which much improved stability around corners. Bose sound system is great and powerful. Fuel economy could be better, but I guess it's an SUV. Mechanically still very sound after all these years, only minor repairs needed over the years. Engine isn't overly powerful, but SO reliable. Could offer some more driver head room.
Tough Canadian SUV
Rob Dunne, 11/27/2007
1997 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With 191,000 km I have found my pathfinder to be one of the best used vehicles I have ever owned. I like everything about it except it could use more power. This was resolved in 2001. I love all the power options and the bose stereo is the bomb! I am getting my mechanic buddy to change the timing belt and all the fluids for longer life. I don't foresee any problems.
Extremely Reliable
bigjno, 05/20/2003
1997 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this model because of its high ratings for reliability. I have not been disappointed. In 74,000 miles, the only thing ever to need repair was the cd player.
Nissan Pathfinder
Arturo, 06/26/2003
1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy my Pathfinder.It is a very well-made vehicle.
Death wobbles
Johm, 11/21/2020
1997 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So I bought my Nissan with 250,000 miles I Know What Was I Thinkin but it seems turns out this vehicle is in great shape and I know I can easily get another hundred thousand miles just bought it used and drove for a couple hours but never got on the freeway soon as we were on the freeway it started the Pathfinder death wobble haven't found out why yet, sway bar or struts idk what to do,but am keeping it
Built to Run and Run
Fred, 07/25/2007
1997 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I owned the vehicle for about 60K miles, not particularly fond of the comfort, and don't hit ice at 60 MPH in RWD only. Sold it at 140K, still going strong. The exhaust would rust out every two years, but that's all that I can complain about. Handled 6 inches of unplowed snow beautifully. If you prefer reliability over creature comforts, great vehicle, my third Nissan, would certainly buy another.
Nice 4X, but some minor problems
Kevin1452, 05/06/2002
1997 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this following up on previous use of a Jeep Cherokee and Suzuki Sidekick. It's a different vehicle altogether, with much more car-comfort ride and good 4WD capabilities. Had several minor problems which in some cases the dealer took care of under warranty (brakes, tires, alternator, battery), and others such as throttle control (they claim this was a maintenance problem - I think it is poor design), interior items falling off (seat lever, third brake light, storage privacy screen). Overall it's been a good car (now 48,000 miles. Biggest recurrent headache is brakes which I have had replaced and again recently resurfaced.
Do Not Buy One
james m, 04/17/2006
1997 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I dont know if i got a lemon or what, but my nissan had a underhood fire, 2 transmissions, and major engine work all within 3000 miles after purchasing used. Took it back to the dealer and threatend to sue. bought a chevy trailblazer for replacement. am very happy now.