Used 2002 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

Bulletproof!!!

I recently purchased this vehicle with 220k miles and was skeptical because of the mileage. However, this skepticism was short lived. This truck is solid! There are no fluid leaks, seeping gaskets, or strange noises. It doesn't smoke, knock, or tick. I am amazed at how well it runs with such high mileage. EVERYTHING works as it should. I have had to make a few minor repairs that are common with high mileage vehicles. I recommend this model year vehicle to anyone looking for reliable transportation. My only complaint is the fuel economy. I have to say it gets terrible gas mileage. Expect about 13 city and no more than 20 on the highway. UPDATE: 332,000 miles later still runs strong. Best car I’ve ever owned. Has never left me stranded

Bought new and 165k miles of trouble free driving

I bought this new in 2002. Besides basic maintenance (oil, filters, etc), I only changed the plugs and brakes...once. 165k miles of trouble free driving. Good in winter snow (4x4) and some offroad but still really comfortable on the highway too. MPG is not great but that's because its V6 rocks and has good power. (17-19 MPG...once got 22 on a long hwy drive.)The original CD changer sucks but still sort of works. This 2002 Pathfinder is the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. It drives almost like new. June 2017: Still running perfectly with 177K miles. Only oil and gas. Edmunds asked me to update this so there you go.

Love my Pathfinder

I inherited my car from my sister in 2003 and it has been the best vehicle I have ever had. It has 150000 miles now and you can't even tell. We handle typhoon like rains here in Northern CA. I've driven it through the snow without hesitation. This car is so reliable. My mechanic and a couple guys at the oil change shop have said they'll buy it anytime I'm ready to sell. The only major problem I've had is the bushing pin went out right when I took over from my sister - I figured it was because she didn't know how to drive a manual transmission. No problems ever since. If they sold this model again I would buy it. When this one dies I'm buying the latest version of a Pathfinder.

great 2nd car..Love it!

I bought my 2002 Pathfinder on a whim 2 years ago when I had my Mercedes in for service. Other than the questionable gas mileage, the car is perfect. Very reliable, comfortable and plenty of power for my needs. I loved the way it looked and the amenities are awesome for car of its age. I only paid $9k for it with 72k miles and it was and is in excellent condition. Although we will keep primary cars which get better mileage, I plan to keep the Pathfinder in my fleet for as long as it will have me. So far, so good.

Quality, Dependability & Great Used Car

I purchased my Pathfinder LE in July of 2007. There were quite a few other vehicles being considered at the time of purchase but I opted for the refinement, body style and luxurious appointments of the Pathfinder LE. To this day the only issue has been the intermittent check engine light that comes on. I believe it is the o2 sensor which will be checked out next week. I have hauled everything in my vehicle, even 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. Try doing that in some other suvs... My overall satisfaction is extremely high. A highly recommended vehicle for anyone who appreciates quality, comfort and reliability!

the pathfinder

I've had my pathfinder for about a month now and i love it. The only downside that i can think of would be the gas mileage. Other than that my frieds love it since i put the DVD entertainment system in it. I have had no problems with my pathfinder so far and i hope it will continue to be that way. So to whoever is looking for a awsome midsize SUV this should definitely be on your list

After 100K start looking for something else

Things that go wrong on this vehicle are commonly found: Rear bushings cause vehicle to sway at 55 mph -- very unsafe! Rear hatch and side doors stop opening -- this is not a cheap repair and is a safety hazard if you have people/children in the 2nd row of seats. It has leaked oil since 100K and the MAF sensor has gone out twice. I have had numerous repairs to address both, but the problems come back. The "check engine light" says it is a MAF issue, but even after repair, still stays on. I loved this vehicle for years!! I would have gladly purchased another Nissan, but with the repairs listed above (some of them safety-related) and Nissan not taking any responsibility, I am no longer interested in dealing with them.

Awesome ride!

The gas mileage isn't the greatest, other than that if you find one for sale you better snag it or I will!! :)

Last year for 5 speed stick shift 4x4 Pathfinder

3-6-17 Update Disappointing Rod bearing failure causing Rod Knock. I may now have to Junk, Part out or sell at a big loss. This should Never happen on the 3.5 Ltr. engine of a Nissan. And looking on what it would take to simply drop the Oil pan to fix, constutes 4 pages of text in the Factory Repair manual. Dealer would mostlikelu charge over $3,000 for the job to replace the $10.00 part. Seems Nissan and Toyota have lost their A+ reliability and quality that they use to have. I have owned 9 other Nissan's from the 1980's 300zx's, 280zx's and 1 200sx which I had put millions of miles on with ZERO major engine problems. But I guess like George Harrison said/sang "All good things must pass" also happened to Nissan and Toyota's 4 Cyls all seizing. I just saw a 1986 300zx for sale with 345,000 miles on it. Nissan designers Wake up. Original review; Purchased with 165k miles. Added tow hitch. An outstanding truck with 2 minor exceptions; engine check light comes on. and CD broken. The engine light on from non tight fuel cap code Sensor not working properly? My son had an accident with it (fell asleep @ wheel & hit a poll at about 60MPH) head on, dented front frame about 6 inches in. spun around and crashed another poll crushing passenger doors & front passenger fender BUT, airbag didn't go off? However he did not have a scratch, truck continued to run fine only non- body damage was power steering line. No collision insurance. So Son bought all parts from Junkyard. Hood, 2 doors, front bumper, grill, 2 headlights, 2 fog lights, radiator, 1 fender, 1 electric mirror, and 1 running board. I say a VERY Safe truck. Body shop cost to fix & repaint hood, doors, grill, bumper interior door jams and underside of hood $2,500. Cost if fixed by Dealer $9,000. One issue to date (which I fixed) was, passenger automatic down power window. It would drop down 3 inches after closing. This has been a Bug with Nissan & Infinity cars (all models) since the late 1990's and still exists through 2015 models. There is a Reset button inside the door panel that fixes this. The Dealers will not tell you. They only say they can replace the motor for $500. I have emailed photos and instructions on how to fix this to hundreds of Nissan/Infinity users who had the same problem . I mentioned the fix on a Nissan Blog/forum site. One other common bug is engine check light comes on. The code says fuel cap seal leak. But no mater how many times you change the (expensive ) Nissan cap, the light eventually comes back on. I disconnected the Bulb for engine check light. It is an idiot light anyway.

Still going

I inherited this car from my parents. My dad used to drive for a living and I received it with over 200K miles. I just hit 303K and still going strong. I love this car and the only problem I'm having is finding something equivalent to upgrade it. The newer pathfinders are completely redesigned with a third row seat that I am not thrilled about. I love my cargo space and moving 4-5 time in college, I could fold down my seats and fit just about anything including large furniture. Of course I didn't maintain my car as properly as I should have being a young adult but my check engine light stays on.

Great SUV

I have taken this car to sand/dirt roads were there was many pot holes, ruts, and 1-2 ft tall long bumps and it handles very well when rallying! In the rain it handles great with good tires. Handles well at 108 mph. I strongly recommend this SUV. Now for gas mileage I get about 16-18 mpg. Fun car to drive especially on long drives. If you by this car don't be afraid to give it gas!!!

2002 LE

I have the super black with charcoal interior. It handles great in adverse weather conditions. The All Mode 4 wheel drive works great. The ride is very smooth with a great feel of the road. The engine is very responsive.

Best value in an SUV

this superior handling suv outperforms any in it's class. and for the price!!, it's unbeatable, you can't go wrong!! Andrew

Luxury, Style, and Reliability

This is the second Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD and it is every bit as reliable as my previous model (99 LE 4WD) but with more power. The Pathfinder has all of the luxury items of many other expensive SUV's at a much better price tag. We have not had any malfunctions with the vehicle and the only maintenance that we have had is scheduled. This is identical to our last Pathfinder. If you want an SUV that looks like an SUV (not like many of these new ones that look like mini- vans) but also rides like a car, the Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent choice.

BEST CHOICE!

WE BOUGHT OUR PF USED AFTER COMPARING TO HONDA, INFINITY, & TOYOTA. RIDE BETTER IN NISSAN. COULDN'T JUSTIFY PAYING CLOSE TO 30K FOR A USED VEHICLE. TRIED TO BUY GM BUT COULDN'T COMPARE AND WE KNEW SOMEONE WHO HAD TWO PATHFINDERS IN THE PAST WITHOUT ONE TRIP FOR A REPAIR. THE RIDE IS NICE AND COMFORTABLE (WE ARE ALL UNDER 5'9"). LOVED OPTIONS ON THE LE. PUT TOGETHER BETTER THAN GM - WE HAVE OWNED SEVERAL WITH LOTS OF REPAIRS AND SMALL THINGS GOING WRONG WITH AFTER 2 TO 3 YEARS. THIS VEHICLE IS SO SOLID! SEARCHED HARD TO FIND A USED LE - MUST SAY SOMETHING!

No path to the Pathfinder.

Like most older vehicles, unless maintenance is followed constantly, your going to put some money into the vehicle. Parts ware out just over time and use, gaskets and seals all have a shelf life. Good and bad driven short distances car can look pristine in & out with low gentle mileage but gaskets hoses and seals over time break down. So age does matter, cars are literally built to be driven, if a car sits for long period of time, fluids such as oil, transmission, pwr seeing fluids, gasoline and coolant don't do well from sitting. Sometimes it causes more issues from driving after sitting compared to a very high mileage vehicle that was maintained and driven properly. All parts ware out from use and some not all understand preventative maintenance. So you must do your homework on that specific vehicle and learn its weak points, all vehicles are different. The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder was a very well built purposed off road (4×4 and 2wd) vehicle. That being said the design for that year had high labor cost for basic maintenance compared to its competitors. Simple front bearings, breaks and rotors could cost thousands rather then hundreds just in labor. The vehicle is in my opinion worth the extra effort, but only for that time period, with so many other years, makes and models. It only makes sense to find a better more cost efficient vehicle rather then the Nissan Pathfinder of 2002. I had a choice and chose a 2010 Acura MDX.

Rugged Sport SUV

Owned Pathfinder for 1.5 years. Been 100% reliable, just regular maintenance. Gas mileage kinda stinks but you know before you purchase. Engine has loads of speed and torque. Truck has 58k on an 02 model, hopefully last and last... would recommend to a friend , in fact i have he bought a 2008 black se beautiful upgrades!!

Not what I expected...

Horrendous gas mileage, window leaks, exhaust rusted out after 20 months, lots of noises coming from rear end, CD player does not like the cold weather, steering wheel is falling apart. Original tires lasted 20k miles. Will not purchase a Nissan product ever again.

2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE

Purchased in 2005 with 30K mileage. 110K miles currently. Complaints - Dreadful fuel economy and requires premium. Defective exhaust manifold . Hairline cracks create increasingly noisy engine and allow exhaust fumes to leak into interior. Replacement manifold plus installation is almost $4K. Manufacturer claims this not a defect but is just normal wear and tear. Front end vibration when brakes are applied. Defective 6 disc cd changer quit functioning with 6 discs inside. Estimates for repair $3-400. Interior - Very comfortable with nice assortment of features. Would not purchase another Nissan product.

Absolutely the best vehicle ever!

I bought this Pathy in Oct. of 05, mainly to use as a tow vehicle for my trailer. Was not looking for 4wd, but it was an awesome deal. Quickly learned why it is so popular off road, and on road. It handles like a dream in both enviroments; will corner with the best on the street, and will climb a tree in 4wd low. It is only an occasional use vehicle (only 7k miles in the 2.5 years I have owned it), but have had 0 problems. I have taken this truck into places I wouldn't take a mule, tore off the stock plastic skidplate and scarred both side steps severely (earning a loud groan from the ATV riders following me). It is an absolute beast, and looks fantastic to boot!

7 years and still going

Bought new in 02. Have had to put very little money in it even with 125000+ miles. Drove it like I stole it in NC Beaches, Western MD Snow, and torrential downpouring T storms. This thing can handle the abuse. Well worth the money and can't see trading it in anytime soon. CD Changer is temperamental, has some CDs hostage now, but overall I can't complain.

wow

fully loaded no complaints

Great all around daily driver

Pros: VQ35 smoothness, power, durability and reliability. Fun & capable off road, fairly easy to maintain Cons: Premium Fuel recommended, small fuel tank Perfect daily driver for me. All weather capabilities, hauls my bike, goes off roading easily. I love this rig

Nice SUV!!

Fun to drive. It has a solid feel, quick acceleration, comfortable interior (especially for me being 6'1"), and plenty of creature comforts.

Dang good SUV

It's good and reliable

GREAT Fun

It has a great solid feel, lots of fun on the road, lots of power, quiet, just love it.

2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4x4 Auto

Excellent all-around performer with a very potent engine. First-class reliability. It could use improvement in fuel efficiency.

GREAT SUV

Love the Pathfinder! Has all the bells and whistles you could want. Great power, good towing capacity. Super comfortable. Love the Nissan quality after suffering through 6 miserable years with a Chevy Blazer that had nothing but problems.

Solid Truck for the Money

Purchased in 6/04 with 20K for half of original sticker. Fully loaded with every option besides navigation. Have been pleased with the overall performance, very reliable. Gas mileage is terrible like most SUVs. Styling is great, fit and finish has held up nicely. Back seat is not the best for entry or overall room. Some scratches on fender flares from automatic car wash. Only issues: drivers power seat broke around 40K, they wanted $600 for repair. 2 oxygen sensors replaced and tailpipe joint cracked. Had sleeved at meineke for $25. Original bridgestones wear quickly, replaced with Pirelli scorpions.

Beat a path to this LE!

Excellent vehicle. Only have 1,000 miles on it, but the build quality, ride, and handling are just great. Got it for $500 below invoice and 4.2% lease interest rate for 39 months. We're coming from 9 years of Grand Cherokee V8's, so I have to admit that I miss the power a bit, but it's all right. I recommend premium gas for more punch and better mileage, but it runs fine on regular. If you've owned Nissans (this is our 4th, plus many test drives), you know they have a certain feel or personality that is not as plain vanilla as Toyota and Honda. This is true of the Pathfinder LE too. Fine vehicle.

BAD CAR!!!!

I DONT CARE WHAT EVRYONE ELSE SAYS!! THIS CAR SUCKS!!!!!!!!! I've already taken the pile of glue in 15 times in the past 3 months. The transmissions suck. And they're the best part of the car! I almost threw up the car rocked so much and was amazed at how bad the gas milage was. I Cant belive this thing comes from NISSAN!!

2002 Pathfinder

Overpriced, but good SUV

My friends have a Pathfinder and I still wonder why they paid what they did for it considering the other options out there at the same price at the time. This is a nice SUV, don't get me wrong, but the interior is not spacious, especially the back seat... I sat in a Hyundai Tuscon once and the rear seat was roomier. I know Nissan has since redesigned the Pathfinder, so these issues are probably moot. The engine is powerful and the cabin controls aren't bad. For the price I would have considered a Durango, Pilot, or Explorer though. And now they're even more money!

POS Nissan

Edmunds should be ashamed with their recomendation for this poor excuse of an SUV. Tires on mine went bad causing a loud roaring sound but I think something is wrong with the suspension to cause them to go bad. Service Dept won't help at all. It won't carry much of a load without squatting in the rear ,very bad. Engine noise is terible, sounds like its coming though the firewall. I should have gone with Toyota.

Is an OK SUV, will not buy again.

The SUV looks good on the outside, the inside like it's build cheap. Muffler or resonator needed work after 4 years at a cost of $850, which was ridiculous. Mileage is very lousy at 16 mpg city, 17.5 highway. I will definitely not buy again!

Outdated interior style and door handles

Nissan has the potential to build a quality vehicle with updated styling, but always seems uncreative in doing so. However, Honda has been successful in producing two best in class vehicles, notably the Acura TL and MDX, coming out on top in their category in last year's comparison test, outscoring the BMW 330i sedan and the X5 3.0i SUV respectively.

Great rig

Bought this new and thought it was fine. After 6 years of only doing minimal maintenance, this thing rocks. With limited slip diff and old fashioned 4x4 (which I prefer), this thing can plow thru any snow and even does better than most others trucks/SUVs in icy conditions. Just get some good aggressive tires for offroading or deep snow.

Fun, Fun, Fun!

I have a 2000 LE 4x2 with the old 170- hp geezer. After a string of trouble- free American SUV's decided to go import. This car is so fun to drive because you have an excuse to floor it all the time. I test-drove a 2002 LE and Thank God they put some balls in it! Build quality has been excellent. 34000 and only one glitch: A/C condenser fixed under warranty at 25K mi. will buy another one, still gets looks from adoring women!

First SUV and loving it

I bought a 4x4 2002 Pathfinder LE. This is the first SUV that I have owned. My previous car was a 1992 Lexus GS300, and I don't miss it. While the Pathfinder is certainly not a Lexus the ride is comfortable and the drive is very simular to a car. I have taking the Pathfinder off road once up in Malibu and it was a rush - after I got half way into it I realized I was dinking around with a new car so I slowed it down, but it was fun. The Pathfinder was able to hadle the trails very well. The milage I have gotton around town is about 14MPG and hwy has been about 17MPG. I test drove just about everything else out there and I am very pleased with the decision so far.

Carlike drive/Truck like look

Just recently purchased the vehicle. Compared it against the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander. No comparison in my mind. You get more for your money with the Pathfinder, and especially in the month of April; Nissan is offering 3.9% financing plus $1000 cash back. Best deal I've seen in years. Got both the POP and Sunroof pkgs and when it was all said in done I only paid $250 above invoice. Those two packages in other makes/models would run the price from $2000-$3000 more than a Pathfinder. I love it, you will too.

scratched paint

Picked up my Pathfinder. Took off the wind deflector for the sunroof that can with the vehicle( I don't like them or the look. It was all scratched underneath. A little disappointed at the fools that installed it. They did a good job messing up the Sherwood Green paint, right to the metal(and not just a little). Bringing it back to dealership, after having it 1 day. Other than that. It's no sedan (previouesly owned a 2001 V6 Accord EX), but I knew that before my fiance and I traded our cars in for one automobile.

Good SUV

I bought The Pathfinder because it was praised on here, and I'm glad I did. It drives well, runs quiet, and hasn't given me major problems yet. I bought mine with 134,000 miles on it, but they are mostly highway miles. She gets around 15-16 MPG, but I'm trying to get her to around 20 or so. Probably going to add a K&N cold air intake soon. Changing your own oil can be kinda a drag too, being that the oil filter is underneath the semi-skid plate.

nissan quality

i bought new le in nov. put 1000 miles on, changed oil, hooked up 2500# mcycle trailer and 1000 mi to fla. put 3000 mi on in fla. hooked up trailer and headed home. 4000 mi and not one problem.

Great Car if you are under 6' tall

We haven't quite had it a month yet, but we love it. One thing, well maybe two. I am 6'3" tall and weigh over 250 (Relatively muscular 250) and it is a snug fit. My legs are pretty cramped and there is not a lot of room on the sides. I know it is one of the stronger V6 motors for this size vehicle, but the mileage is pretty week. I have a big V8 Chevy truck and it gets just a few miles less per gallon.

I love IT

I bought my Nissan a few month ago and I would have to say there is nothing about that disappoints me. I live in Great Falls Montana. It has been below zero temperatures. There is not a block heater on my Nissan and yet it has started every time.

Buy this

Happy with everthing, paid only 24800 for a 30300 SUV with rebate, also got the .9% financing for 3 year

A Pathy named Maxi

-Excellent ride and comfort -Lots of power -Rear seats are roomy -Interior and exterior design gets two thumbs up

Almost Perfect

I have owned 4 pathfinders. A 1993,1997,2001, and now a 2002 LE 4WD, purchased in February. The 2002 is by far the best car I have ever owned. It has plenty of HP and speed. The engine is enjoyable after about 5K miles. Why? I don't know. My only complaint is that the rear seats are uncomfortable as is taking things in and out of the rear seating area (car seats).

Great car

Rides great. 240 horsepower really does the job!!! Pay up for the sunroof and leather packages. best misize SUV on the raod...

2002 Pathfinder LE Blows the Others Away

I just picked up my 2002 Pathfinder LE 2WD this weekend and couldn't be more pleased. After driving a 1999 Pathfinder LE for three years, I decided to shop the competition & nothing compared. The Pathfinder is clearly a superior product at a bargain price. The fit, finish, build quality and reliability are second to none. Interior materials and design are first rate. The cabin is comfortable and quiet while the ride quality rivals some sedans. The 240 hp 3.5 liter engine is exceptional and makes driving the SUV a blast. The six disc in dash Bose unit is phenomenal. Nissan has done a great job keeping an aging design fresh while continually improving the product.