Used 2003 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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Great first truck for a new driver
Dave, 02/27/2018
updated 09/04/2019
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
My son's first car (truck). Paid $3500 for this well maintained LE with 4x4 having 119k miles. He wanted a 4 Runner or Cherokee, but they are almost double for a nice one. It performs well: powerful, shifts smooth and is quite comfortable having leather and a sunroof. Now after 1 year and 130k miles it's done well with only about $300 spent to keep in good running condition. This includes replacing the rear suspension for just $140 (Amazon + our labor) and a few dollars for oil, minor parts and a couple of sensors. He lifted it 2 inches along with new AT tires, but this is a separate cost. I like that it has front and side air bags for safety. It does have a minor RMS leak, but so did all five of the others that we looked at. This is almost a given for most vehicles this old. It will cost >$600 to fix, so we are putting it off. MPG is 17, this is ~80% highway, about as advertised and expected. Oh, if you are looking to buy any of this generation (R50) be sure to look for rust in the front wheel wells as this has been a big problem in areas using road salt. If you see any rust, best to pass on it. Update: now at 139k miles. Everything is still good. Spent about $300 more on repairs ($600 total in 20k miles) on a new starter and front axle shafts. The boots on the shafts failed, but this is probably due to the lift. Still has the RMS leak, but we've been catching the drips in a rag that we replace every 2-3 weeks. A great first vehicle for an active kid, except for the poor gas mileage. Update: now at 147k miles. Still runs strong and reliable. Just oil changes and we replaced the front brake pads.
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I love it!
Abby C, 06/17/2008
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my '03 Pathfinder in Aug '05 and ever since it's been wonderful. Yeah, the gas mileage isn't anywhere near a hybrid --but if that's what you're looking for then buy a Civic. But my Pathfinder is great!! I've never had any mechanical problems. The only problem I had was with the heat shields. They became rusted and was removed, but that's what I get for living in Chicago. Let me tell you, I absolutely HATE driving in the snow, but the 4WD helps a lot. I love the bose, heated seats, 6CD changer, programmable driver's seat, & everything else! My boyfriend was mad because I made the decision of buying this car without him, but he (being the car guy he is) even admits it was worth it!!
Nissan usa a-ok
Dog Man, 05/28/2003
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle. Somewhat small, but very reliable
Very good vehicle
davidh11, 01/28/2014
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
I originally had a used 2000 Pathfinder and put over 170K miles on it and never had a problem with it. I traded it in (only because I wanted something newer and sportier) on a 2004 Maxima which turned out to be a piece of crap car! I went back to a Pathfinder this time buying a used 2003 Pathfinder and love it so far. The only real issue so far has been a cosmetic one; I believe the paint quality is poor. Keep in mind it has 130k on it but I've never had a vehicle's paint chip like this one does. Besides that, I have no complaints other than of course the sh-tty gas mileage but fortunately it does not require premium unleaded.
Tough rig
swmiller, 03/25/2010
2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I drive my cars til they die. I'm 50 years old and this is my favorite vehicle. Whether driving around town, going skiing or heading out camping this is the best rig. Of course I wish it got 25 MPG, but I'll settle for 19- 20. Seats are great. Hate the 2006+ models..uncomfortable. Powerful engine. I've had it five years, drive 25k per year and very few issues.
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