1999 Nissan Pathfinder Review
1999 Nissan Pathfinder Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fresh shape, wonderful interior, good reliability.
Cons
- Steep price, engine could be stronger.
What’s new
Only the LE trim level sees change in 1999, with new body-color fender flares and SE-style alloy wheels, tires and tubular step rails.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4dr SUV 4WD and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$282/mo for Pathfinder SE
Pathfinder SE
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
The Pathfinder sports one of the friendliest interiors of any SUV that we've tested in recent years. Ample passenger space fore and aft, a large cargo area with convenient tie-down hooks, standard dual air bags, a killer sound system, comfortable seats and a great view are just a few of the reasons we like this truck so much.
A few things we don't like, however, are the narrow rear doors and tubular running boards. This poorly planned combination means that passengers exiting from the rear of the truck will undoubtedly have their pants dirtied by the ineffectual running board as they try to squeeze through the small door.
With Nissan's 1996 Pathfinder redesign came a more sophisticated, aerodynamic look and a gutsier version of their 3.3-liter SOHC V6 engine. Though not the engine of choice for speed freaks, it moves the Pathfinder along highways and two-track roads with ease. Speaking of two-track roads, the Nissan lost none of its sporting personality when it acquired its much-heralded car-like ride. Just ask our editor-in-chief, who took the Pathfinder on a day-long jaunt along the Continental Divide and managed to squeeze the truck through some nasty Jeep trails without scratching the paint.
In 1999, the LE model gets a bit of a polish, with new alloy wheels, body-colored fender flares and tubular running boards. The only option available for the LE is a luxury package, which includes power sunroof and power front seats. Colors available are Sierra Silver, Cayenne Red, Neptune Blue, Mahogany Pearl, Sahara Beige, Rain Forest Green, Super Black and Cloud White.
The Nissan Pathfinder gives a competent on- and off-road ride, while surrounding its passengers in surprising comfort and luxury. Our favorite model is the tough-looking SE five-speed equipped with the Off-Road Package and Bose Audio/Sunroof Package. If you require a rugged yet sophisticated vehicle for hauling your tribe around town and over the hills, the Pathfinder deserves your attention.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Nissan Pathfinder.
5 star(76%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
68 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Reliable and great in off-road/snow conditions
erynnjean, 04/22/2012
1999 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV 4WD (1999.5)
I bought my 99 Pathfinder used in 2006 with 109,000 miles on it.
Since then I have put another 100,000 miles on it, driven back and forth across the country 3 times and used my car frequently in off road/snowy conditions.
I treat my cars pretty roughly, but Pathfinder never gave me any problems.
If you are looking for a reliable truck that performs excellently in snow and off road … conditions
this could be a great car for you.
She is a reliable commuter car, but does not get great MPG.
Beware, though, the 99 comes in a 99.5 model.
This means that finding the right parts can be a bit laborious - it seems as if Nissan mixed and matched parts when they made the 99.5.
5 out of 5 stars
1999.5 Nissan Pathfinder LE
jonathanmw, 03/24/2015
1999 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV 4WD (1999.5)
Very happy with the Pathfinder. Currently has 313,000kms and purchased it with about 260,000. I've had it for about 3 years. Before this I drove a 2010 Subaru Impreza, a good car, but I prefer driving this older Pathfinder more. It's very reliable even the exhaust is original. The struts did need replacing.
3.75 out of 5 stars
Moon mileage.
Tom, 10/07/2010
1999 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4dr SUV
The fuel pump failed the third week of ownership and I thought uh-oh. But that turned out to be the last major problem thus far, 251,000 miles later. Most reliable car I've ever owned. Have used 15w-50 synthetic oil every 6k miles and drain the 4 qt of transmission fluid out of the automatic every 30k and everything still works, except for the CD player. Mileage is now only around 19 … with gasohol,
4.88 out of 5 stars
RR
KR, 06/03/2009
1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (1999.5)
I purchased the care new in 1999. Have 180,000+ miles on it and its still going strong. Had to replace struts, ignition and blower motor ... not bad for 10+ years of ownership. Still getting 20+ mpg too! Only down fall is it doesn't have the 3rd row seat ... guess that gives me an excuse to get a new one!
1999 Pathfinder Highlights
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $282/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 38.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | four wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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