Used 2001 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

Great mid size SUV

This is the best truck I've ever owned, with plenty of power and quality. 26000 and no problems whatsoever only oil changes. I love to drive this truck however, if you are going to use the back seat a lot it is not as confortable...I highly recommend this SUV.I have been using unlead gas eventhough premium is required and I have noticed no change in perfomance or increase or decrease in my mileage. Premium gas only once/month.

Easy to live with every day

Great power finally! The old engine was so weak! 3.5 is awesome. Handling is great. Reliabillity is excellent.

Always Nissan

I've never bought a car unless it was American. I ;ove my pathfinder. It's sporty, handles good, and I bought it at a good price. But most of all it holds it's value...that's important for trades.

GOOD SUV!

I bought this SE pathfinder in the spring of 2000 and got a good deal on it so thats why i bought it, but thats not the only reason. I love this thing for its 240Hp engine, BOSE stereo, just cause its a nissan. Im not to impressed with the gas mileage but I got it anyway and i have to deal with it.

Decent SUV

I bought the 2001 Pathfinder LE when it first came out in April 2000. Wish I would have waited a little while until the full-time 4WD was available. But overall I am rather happy with the vehicle. Just make sure you get the extended warranty from Nissan. The standard 3yr/36,000 warranty expires quickly. I have 48,000 miles and have used the extended warranty 3 times already in the past 12,000 miles (for emissions sensors and a leaking wheel cylinder) so it was well worth the cost.

This is a great car

My family and I love this car. It is absolutely great for taking on a trip. There seems to be plenty of room for a small family and any gear you want to take with you. I think this is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. We had a 95 pathfinder before this one and this one is 100% better. I pulled a 3500 lb. load with it and it handled it great. I don't have any problems with the rear seat being too small, but we have only one kid back there. This car is the perfect size, large enough to pack a family in and travel but small enough to drive around town easily and park easily.

The Absolute Best!

I did my "homework" for almost six months before deciding on the "Pathy". It was my first SUV. It was love at first drive - and the love affair continues 19 months later! Handling, style, reliability. Over all "coolness" - it's great! I could not have done such a thorough exploration on the various competitive without Edmunds - and the corresponding sites, comments, and info. Edmunds, in turn. Led me to. You can't go wrong with this car (please don't call it a "truck"). It is the BEST!

Worth every penny

I bought my 02 Pathfinder used. Have had it for a year and not a single issue. 4x4 works great and plenty of getup. However, the brakes squeak on occassion and the rear hatch shocks squeak.

Looks, safety, and comfort

I have to say, if you are looking for an SUV that's fun to drive, and really safe for your loved ones, this is it. I just toatalled mine and it saved my life. The frame bent, the vehicle gave, but I escaped with very minor injuries. Also, invest in the Nissan dealer installed bumper guard. It gives you an extreme amount of added protection. I highly reccommend this vehicle if safety and style are your main concerns.

Fun SUV

I traded in my silverado for an older SUV that I could beat up in the wood line and still look good on the street. The pathfinder exceeded my expectations. w/o a lift kit, I have taken it on some challenging SC trails should I say treeless spaces. The smaller size helps me squeeze up and down the small trails on local hills. Assent and desent angels are great for scalling over things and she can get sideways pretty well too; but I won't push too hard until I get a lift kit and a wench. Plenty of power at the stop light, from a roll, and on the highway pass. I get a scare now and then about rolling over; but otherwize runs and handles like a champ. Comfortable w/quality materials inside.

Happy traveler

We have taken the Pathfinder as our preferred vehicle on many long-distance trips (500-2500 miles). It is a very comfortable road car. Only once has it been off-road and that was equally impressive. It was a very fast dash on gravel roads in Death Valley. The only flaw is getting in and out of the vehicle requires you to be small and/or agile. Possibly the best car we've owned over 40 years.

Great SUV

His name is Walter. I have had him for 5 years and am very happy it. Like with the other reviews, my CD went out at 15k miles (covered), replaced, and went out again at 40k miles. By this time I had an iPod, so I didn't really care. At 70k miles my A/C went out, only cost $400 to replace. Tires lasted 45k miles, so I was happy with that. I was rear ended at 60k miles and the unibody construction kept me very safe. After being repaired, I have not noticed any performance or rattling problems. If I were to buy another SUV, I would definitely buy a Pathfinder. I've been very happy with it.

Not quite as reliable as it predecessor

Previously had a 95 Pathfinder that lasted us 200K miles, this 01 seems it will last another 20-50K at best. It has a good strong 3.5 for hauling even decent loads. It is comfortable but a bit tight for a larger or taller person. Fuel economy is average for an SUV (always 15-16mpg). The inside is easy to use and get to. The 6-disc CD player was dead when we bought it at 45K miles and the dealership would not fix/replace it. This vehicle also eats through 60K mile tires every 30-35K miles even with perfect alignment and maintenance. The engine over 100K miles seems to be weakening, especially at higher RPMs (interstate). The front brakes have needed to be fixed 3 times in the past 40K miles.

Still great after 5 years

After 5 years of ownership, still pleased. Have only done routine maintenance and changed tires and battery. Only issue being the 5 disc changer no longer working. Use iPod anyway, so non-issue. Performs well. Comfortable ride (well, it is a truck nor a sedan). Plenty of power. Used to drive 30 mile one way trips in Texas summer, now driven in Minnesota below zero winter, dependable either way.

Cant believe this is so nice

Even after 7 years of towing a 4500 boat, utility trailer and hauling yard supplies and people around this Pathfinder doesn't seem to skip a beat. The only problem I have had so far is O2 Sensor that needed to be replaced and squeaky belt. Other than that. Just oil, gas, and filters on a regular basis keeps her running nice. Most people who step inside are amazed how quiet and comfortable the Pathfinder is. We have received a lot of compliments on her towing ability as well. This vehicle was so good that my parents bought the 2002 model and they have had the same experience minus the O2 sensor going out. Beautiful running and well rounded SUV. Pretty quick for an SUV too.

two yrs- many more!!

Excellent vehicle; fun to drive; handles in snow and rain very well (not as good as my ol' Bronco tho) Classy interior with awesome stereo and features. Very reliable with nothing but oil-changes and gas so far. It probably will need tires before it hits 40K (stock tires were cheap.) service dep't is excellent and quick (usually).

top marks to Nissan Pfinder

The Nissan Pfinder is an excellent vehicle that has been trouble free in two years of ownership. With 240 horse under the hood, the Pfinder definately has power to spare. Interior is very functional with leather heated seats and in dash CD player which sounds like a concert hall. I have been off roading with it in Colo. as well and the 4 wheel drive will climb like a billy goat. Fully loaded 4x4 SE for 31,500.00 and 3.9% for 60 months were icing on the cake. I may never drive a domestic car again.

Dealer decline to honor warranty

The car showed a paint imperfection like small craters all around the body. I took the car to the dealer to get the dealer paint the car. However it declined to do. The fact is that the car is parked under the roof/garage all the time. The dealer alleged it was caused by environment. The dealer is Motorambar, San Juan Puerto Rico.

Outstanding Vehicle (3.5L LE 2 WD)

Bought it a month ago, vehicle garaged, serviced and well maintained by the orig. owner. I gave it 10s across the board, still trying to find flaws with the vehicle, other than the minor scratches that the vehicle was exposed to in an apartment parking lot environment for 6 months. 10's because my expectations of it are tempered by what it is. 135K miles, many newer SUVs won't run with it.

2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE 3.5

I sold my 98 Silverado for 2500 after buying it for 1600 in February and bought a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder with 110k. She’s got rust on the windshield, mirrors, fenders and rockers. But the inside is literally brand new and everything works like a dream. Electronic climate heated seats and steering whee Bose sound system 4wd sunroof everything. Hopefully it dosnt give me a problem this winter. My 2003 Infiniti i35 would put itself in theft mode in 10 degree weather. Building another single turbo b5 s4 right now for next fall/winter so hopefully this pathfinder lasts.

Another Winner

I'm a dedicated Maxima driver but with kids now, our last purchase required more room. I've had our Pathfinder for over a year now. I'm very impressed with the performance. It negotiates the snowiest hills of NH and the deepest sands of the beach without effort. Yes, it chows a lot more gas than I'd like, but so do all the vehicles in this class... hopefully a gas/electric hybrid SUV is in Nissan's future. Ford is about to release the first SUV hybrid as an Escape model. Speaking of Ford, I must comment on Angr1's review and choice to trade his Pathfinder for an Explorer!? Before I drove Maximas, I drove T-Birds. Good luck with your F.O.R.D (fix or repair daily)!

Dealer decline to honor warranty

The car showed a paint imperfection like small craters all around the body. I took the car to the dealer to get the dealer paint the car. However it declined to do. The fact is that the car is parked under the roof/garage all the time. The dealer alleged it was caused by environment. The dealer is Motorambar, San Juan Puerto Rico.

So far - so good.

I bought a used 2001 Pathfinder SE 4WD 2 months ago with about 38,000 miles already on it. And I have to say that it's been a pleasant experience so far over about 2,000 miles. No major problems or issues came up - although I have 2 minor worries that I will have looked at during next service. The sunroof shade rattles a bit when open, and the rear hatch lifting rods just started to skweak while opening or closing. Other than that I am happy with it and looking forward to doing some Colorado camping and towing a ski boat in the summer.

Reliable SUV

I've had my 'Pathy' for about three years now. So far I haven't had any major problems. It still rides better then most cars. The gearbox moans when I put it in reverse sometimes. The Bose (Clarion actually) CD changer stopped working. It's a known problem that Nissan won't fix. I sent mine to Clairon for repair. The paint has held up well. I wish the springs were a little stiffer as they compress too easily and can bottom out when hauling adults and cargo. I put Yoko tires on and it eliminated some of the body roll, better ride too. I'd still recommend the 2001 although I like the styling on the 2004 and newer better. Hopefully the gas mileage is improved.

Downsized

I bought my Pathfinder used with 46000 miles on it to replace a 3/4 ton Suburban. Now have 87000 and am very happy. The only non routine repair has been replacing one oxygen sensor. Mine is a 5 speed, and I consistently get 19 mpg city and over 21 highway. Far better than my 454 Suburban! By the way, the headrests fit nicely in the floor under the folded bottom cushion.

'01 SE

great ownership experience highly recommend, the 3.5 V6 is incredible for reliability and power.

Pathfinder

This is my second Pathfinder. It has a wonderful drive, holds my family and large dogs. We go everywhere. It is even towed behind our motorhome! It has been a great vehicle.

Rust Bucket Drives Well Leaks Oil

The 2001 Nissan Pathfinder drove well, lots of space for it's class and excellent Off Road. Twenty four years later major "put your hand through rust" on all front and back wheel wells and running Boards. Engine leaking main seal and power steering. Looks like a rust Bucket and leaks oil but still good Engine and excellent off road even in deep snow and icy semi frozen mud. Cause likely road salt and a uni-body design that allowed salt/rust water to accumulate, freeze and thaw but nearly impossible to clean out. Body not worth fixing and leaking Engine means the end of this car likely this year 2024/25.

Too many issues

I've liked driving this vehicle for the past 5 years, but the issues I've had with it are enough that I wouldn't buy another. I had to replace all six ignition coils. When the first 1 went, I took it to a dealer who wanted a lot of money to replace all 6 - when only 1 was faulty. I took it to an independent repair facility, and got another year out of the vehicle before a 2nd coil needed replacement. Slightly less than a year after that and a 3rd went, at which point I replaced the remainder. Top that off with the failure of the CD player at about 60k & finding that was a "known issue". Next time around I'll be going Honda or Toyota - and that will be soon.

Its been great

Have had this pathfinder for over a year now and it has been great. Has been extremely reliable, not a single problem. Performance from 3.5 is great, gas mileage hasnt been that bad about 17-18 mpg mixed driving around town, of course im not a lead foot. Its an SUV afterall. Paint has held up well, still looks like it is new. Overall the seat fabrics, materials and fit and finish are well above average when compared to others. AC is great, especially with hot Vegas summers. Handles like a car not like a truck. Does quite well on semi nasty offroad trails. Is very comfortable on long highway trips.

Mine has been great

I've been all over the eastern half of the USA in my Pathfinder and it's been great. I didn't get any check engine lights until 150,000 miles. I'm fixing the problem and keeping the truck until at least 200k. My Pathfinder is 7 years old and has no rattles and the suspension is still feels like a new car. My next car will be a Pathfinder.

Why havent you bought it yet ?

Well i just traded in my 1993 Maxima and my 1998 altima for the 2001 pathfinder. I absolutly love the truck. The 4 wheel drive is excellent, the VQ35DE engine delivers the power i was looking for, and the auto tranny is smooth as glass. i had 255 tires on mine when i got it so i was pleased. The ride is supportive and the interior is roomy. Ergonomics is nice and interior parts are not cheap feeling.

Female Perspective:Rides like a truck...

only worse. Didn't know it's a truck chasis-wish I'd paid closer attn @dealership. Feels like spine compresses when u go over the tiniest bump. Nowhere to put purse. Purse/any cargo-no matter where in car-rolls around, contents spill out. I put crates in back to contain groceries etc & they slide around too. Net is useless. Back hatch extremely heavy & takes all my strength to close. Passngr seat has a 1" gap between the seat & seatback. Whatever is put on seat ends up in back floor. Cupholders are too close together. Cell charger in the way when in park. CD player ate a CD while under warranty so dealer had to replace. Hi-test gas. Bad blind spots on both sides. Limited passngr legroom.

Good until now

This is my 2nd Pathfinder. The 1st, a 1998, was great. The only problems until now was excessive rattles. Same with 1st one. However, I just got a "sevice engine soon" light so I got it checked. The dealer says my catalytic converters are shot and new ones will cost almost 2000.00! It seems to me 4.5 year old and 70k miles with all scheduled service and no unusual driving the car should not have this problem.

2001 Pathfinder LE 3.5L

Reliable SUV, but boring after a while.

Impressive

I drive this vehicle hard. I have 95k mi, and NO notable problems. I consistently get about 18 mpg (L.A.traffic). The only thing that has failed is the face light for the Bose (too expensive to pull out and send out for repair). I absolutely love the engine (powerful and good torque). Good ride quality. Good looks. Very reliable! I have been struggling with whether or not to replace this vehicle (since I'm nearing the 100,000 mi mark). Struggling, because I really have no other reason to trade this vehicle in- it's still running strong and looks good. And yes, my purse falls on the floor, too- and I hate it!...but it has in all my other vehicles.

BEST SUV EVER

I always owned Nissans. But this is my favorite ever. It looks awesome from the outside, and interior is cozy. Well, it is a little thirsty, but you gotta expect that when you buy an SUV. It is very powerful, handles like a car. I would recommend it to anyone.

My Nissan Pathfinder

For the first 75,000 miles and when the gas prices were reasonable "my nissan" was great. Long distance, over three hundred miles at a time, the leather seats were a bit unconfortable. After 100000 miles, little things began to happen.........check engine light comes on, clock goes dim than out for good, hesitation on acceleration and the transmission is starting to act up. I think it's time to trade the old guy in.

Great SUV - not for tall people

Overall I love the look and performance of my Pathfinder. It ran great in the sand of the outer banks and in the snow of Michigan. My only problem is the cramped interior. I am 6'2" and my head touches the ceiling with the seat all the way down. The back seat...forget about it.

Best Car I Ever Owned

I have driven this car across the continent U.S., no problems through rain, snow, Ice or dust. Have had zero problems since owning it. I hope to own this car forever, perhaps an unrealistic goal, but that is my view.

No more Nissans

WOW! I thought I was buying a great vehicle from what all the reviews said in 2001. I can't believe Nissan hasn't been required to do a recall on this machine. Chronic Mass Airflow Sensor problems, and O2 sensors that crack!?! I had to go back to the mechanic 3 days in a row with different problems each time to pass DEQ tests. If I would have know it would have been so unreliable I would have bought that '84 Ferrari 308 instead. Then I would have expected the problems and had more fun driving it.

2001 Pathfinder

best of the pack

The 3.5 L engine is the reason to buy this suv. My came with the 5 speed and it performs ok. The automatic is a better choice. Plenty of room for 4, tight squeeze for 5.

Great and fun to drive

I really love this SUV, it is great in the snow and looks stylish as well. I have never had one problem since I bought it, the only thing we had to do was replace the tires and get the usual maintenance.

I like it but...

I love my Pathfinder. It handles well, great acceleration and handling. Many comments about the oxygen sensors and it's true, however my cost to fix was almost $4,000 which included many parts along the way to the O2 sensors. Granted it was the Nissan dealer, however, beware. I have the navigation system and its great but the CD version stinks because you have to buy each area at $120 each. Fun chunky ride.

Excellent SUV

High quality feel . . . Good power and excellent 4WD system. Ours has all the options and we enjoy them!

Would never buy another SUV

Can't describe how happy i am with this vehicle. Going on my third year of ownership, this is quite simply the best car i have ever owned. It is powerful, reliable, and has wonderful off-road capabilities. This truck has gotten me through 2 rocky mountain winters, and gets me to all my favorite skiing and fishing places that I otherwise wouldn't reach.

Nissan Pathfinder

Great all-around vehicle! Love to drive it!

Just keeps getting better

Very happy thus far.

primus

excellent vehicle with great handling and love that four by four when needed.