Used 2004 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum - Awesome
I bought my Pathfinder as a used vehicle in 2008 with approx. 70,000 miles and now as a 13 year old vehicle, I wouldn't trade it in for anything out there today. I make sure to adhere to the maintenance schedule which is always a good idea. The only non-maintenance issues I ever had was a problem with the BOSE system cassette player, and replacement of the front window washer motor ...... that's it after all these years. Just for fun, I shopped around to see what's out there in today's market when I realized how great this SUV is and decided to keep it until the car or I dies, which ever comes first :-)
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My first SUV and I STILL love it!!!!
Initially, I wanted a Tahoe or Yukon - was looking on a car lot, the Yukon they had wasn't 'up to snuff', so I was ready to walk away. My husband spotted this olive green Pathfinder that I hated from the start!! But I had been looking for months, I was tired of looking for something and it had less than 91,500 miles on it. A year and a month later....I FREAKING LOVE IT!!! I actually started loving it about 3 days after purchasing it. Very roomy, love the sunroof, auto adjustable driver's seat, leather interior. We have driven it to Kansas (within the first month of getting it!), once to middle TN and twice to Arkansas (near the MO state line). I try to keep up with the oil changes (I average every 4000 miles) and it's about time for a tune-up (more out of routine and it hasn't had one in the year+ I've had it). So glad hubby talked me into this one - stuck on Nissan for life!! Might get an Armada next time... ;-) Three years and three months later...yes, I still love my Pathfinder!! I took it to be completely serviced for the first time (other than an oil change). Tune up, oil change, air and fuel filters, both belts, brakes - everything was $700. But considering I had been driving it for 3 years, I was fine with it. My mechanic was surprised it was running, the air filter was so dirty. No major issues, I don't see myself trading it out or getting anything else any time soon, although I did go sit in an Armada and like it as well, but I'll be sticking with my Pathfinder until the wheels fall off!! LOL Update (5 yrs, 8 mos): I’m being swayed by the Murano or an X5, newer models with all the bells and whistles that I want (sleeker design, Apple CarPlay, nav system, wireless phone charging, heated seats/steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, etc), but I can’t see myself without my baby!! Been on road trips numerous times (AR, GA, AL, MS, northern TN) in 2019/2020, and she’s never let me down or disappointed me. As long as I take care of her, she takes care of me! I put a brand new set of tires on her in July 2019 and I keep up with tune ups and oil changes (just had both done early Nov). I read somewhere recently that she’s supposed to have premium gas - I’ve never put anything other than regular in her since the day I got her (April 2015) 🤷🏽♀️😅 6 years, 2 months later: Had my first major issue with her a few months ago - intake manifold gasket and something else that was leaking oil big time. But my baby never stopped running, just had a burning smell if I drove her longer than 30 mins. Thank God I wasn’t making any long trips, just around the city. Cost $940 total to fix and she’s as good as new again! 🤩 8years, 8 months in: alignment, new set of tires, oil change, wiper blades, tune up about 3 months ago… I’m still in love ❤️. Thought of getting an Armada but only because we now have an 8 month old Cane Corso who’s already close to 100 lbs. But he seems fine and happy laying across the backseat so we’ll stick with it 😁👍🏽
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- LE Platinum 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,188203 mi away
- LE Platinum 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,995303 mi away
- LE Platinum 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,499382 mi away
Loved my pathy but engine blew up at 107k
known design flaw Nissan won't cover - Google Nissan power valve screws falling into cylinder - if you have one you should do relatively cheap preventive maint to avoid this issue recall covered some models but not my 3.5 which also had the problem
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My Second Pathfinder
When the El Nino storms washed away the dirt road to our home, we used our first Pathfinder to escape to safety along a steep horse trail -- since then, we've been hooked. Now on our second Pathfinder (we traded in the first one when it was 7 years old so that we could have a shiny new one for our babies), we're still very happy owners. We know that if a mountain trip or weather requires it, our Pathfinder can find a way to get us where we're going. And it drives well in the city as well. The ABS kicks in when needed, the steering handles curvy roads very well, and the seats are comfortable even for long drives. Although mileage could be better, we get a decent 16 city, 20 highway.
Old Dog - New Life
Bought this 2004 Pathy in 2016 as a reliable every day run about that would be capable of hauling almost anything short of large commercial supplies. When purchased, it had only 59k miles on it. It was a bit tired and needed some TLC. Body, paint, and interior in remarkable condition given its age. Replaced the tires, shocks and struts and had a local Nissan dealership give it a good look-over. It is one tough little SUV. The acceleration is quick, rides very comfortably and is small enough to easily park it anywhere. The only downside is the 16 - 21 mpg's. I can live with that. Great vehicle and intend to drive it until it dies, which given its low mileage, will not be any time soon.
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2004 pathfinder
I like my pathfinder other than the gas mileage and the 6 disc radio gives me trouble in cold weather. Its a very comfortable ride with lots of room. Goes excellent in the snow.
Pathfinder
I've only had mine for 6 months, but I've had absolutely no problems. All reviews that I've read online and discussion boards indicate that the Pathfinder is an extremely reliable vehicle. 3.5 V6 also has tons of power making the vehicle really great to drive. Check with the dealer, mine came down thousands off the sticker price. This is a fantastic underrated vehicle.
Very happy with this truck
I bought a used 2004 Pathfinder LE with 74k miles, all the bells and EXCELLENT SHAPE, really like new condition in 2012. So, 21 months later not one issue, very reliable truck and awesome in the Chicago winters after mounting a set of New Firestone Dest LE2 on all four corners. Don't understand fuel capacity?? Says it has a 21 gal tank and its never taken more than 16 at the pump?? The only thing I would change on this truck would be the 4 speed transmission! Really needs a min of a 5 speed which would much improve the fuel economy. I now have 107k miles, truck is still in excellent shape and running as strong as day one. Solid Solid no non-sense truck.
Disappointed
I find it to be very noisy. Wind noise especially from the sunroof is annoying. Rattling from defroster vents on the top of the dashboard is annoying and appears to be a poor design. That's just me being a little picky with engineering problems that shouldn't be that hard to correct. My big disappointment is that with only 28,000 miles on it the evaporator cannister and vent control valve failed and cost me $550.00 to fix at the dealer. I'm out of warranty because it's over 36 months old. I contacted Nissan, but they have offerd me no consideration helping out with the cost of repairs. I wouldn't have expected components to fail at such low mileage.
Awesome SUV!
I've driven and owned a lot of vehicles and the Pathfinder is one of my favorites. It's truck tough yet drives like a comfortable car and has luxury car features. The quality, reliability is among the best in the business. It just feels solid!! It has the VQ35DE engine which has been on Wards 10 best list since 1995. This moves the truck with V8 authority. The All-mode 4x4 works very well. In "Auto" it reacts to changing road conditions quicker than its rivals and in "4Hi" it turns into a snow monster. I would take the Pathfinder over a 4Runner or Pilot any day. The only other SUV that feels tough, drives well and feels safe is the Lexus GX470.
Best Choice I've Made Up to Now ( I'm divorced)
I bought my 2004 Pathfinder SE (4W drive on demand) off a lease in Massachusetts in 2007 with 26,700 miles on it in Hyannis, MA. We survived a marriage, 2 moves, two foot deep snow & ice barriers, towing a loaded 6X10 trailer for 10,000 miles up and down the East Coast and my skipping the left side of the vehicle off of a guardrail at 65 mph on an interstate in Massachusetts. I did, however, follow the maintenance and upkeep needs with diligence and still had to replace the mufflers and rear shocks due to corrosion from the inevitable New England winter salt. Still, at 93,700 miles on the odometer as I write this in 2018, she's still my only 4-wheeled vehicle and a daily performer I rely on. Yes, I'm looking to replace her only for practical reasons but she's been a great ride overall for the money. I'd buy her all over again if someone could arrange to send me back to 2007. Please? On the downside, I found the Bose system in the dash woefully underpowered and replaced it. On the upside, I still love the Burgundy color with the beige interior after all this time.
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Great vehicle, very reliable
Bought new in 2004 and never a problem yet. I maintain normal wear and tear items (Brakes, belts, fluids, battery & oil) and nothing seems to beak. Going to drive this truck to its grave.
Nissan Pathfinder -
This is my second path finder - both have been excellent vehicles... I have owned more than 35 cars through out my life and these two have been among the most reliable and fun to drive.
My new Pathfinder
Though I just recently purchased this car, I have to say it has been the smartest purchase I have ever made. This SUV is smooth, powerful and great looking. No need to talk about the reliability, this is my third Nissan and the oldest has over 175,000 and still going strong.
Ten years old-don't want to give it up!
This vehicle has always been reliable, & shows no rust after ten years in Michigan. Timeless lines, great value!
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The best pathfinder of this class 04
Nissan has prove it again and broken the monotony of 4Runners. Agility and Performance off and on the road is excellent, nobody beats this class.
Awesome SUV!
My 2004 Pathfinder does everything right. The acceleration is exceptional with 240 horses and I would choose it over a Honda Pilot any day. The features are plenty and I love the one touch front windows and moonroof. Everything is there when you need it. Go buy one! It is very reliable! I have had no problems even after 28k miles!!!
Hot rod suv
The V6 powering the newest Pathfinders is awesome to say the least, especially when using mid-grade to premium gasoline. It is comfortable even at the highest speeds and is always under complete control. Only thing I would ask Nissan to adjust would be the drivers seat. It simply will not slide far enough rearward. Oh yes, we Americans have slightly larger feet than the Japanese, and I would like to see a greater distance between the accelerator and the brake pedal. Iv'e come close on numerous occassions to slamming into a car or object in front or the rear of my vehicle, due to my foot hitting the accelerator and brake at the same time
Best SUV
Seriously, I know people buy SUV's for a lot of different reasons, but as far as bang for the buck, I think the Pathfinder is by far the best buy. It's got a pretty powerful v6, great torque. The SE model I have has a nice little roar to the v6. Decent acceleration, great power. The 4x4 has great power. I crossed a snow covered medium going 60 miles/hr on 4x4 high, passing a slow car, like it was nothing, with no loss of control whatsoever. It's great in bad weather. Very reliable car. Maintenance and maintenance costs are minimal. Decent gas mileage for a high performance suv. Fun car. I love the look of it, and am sad about more boxy bulky look on the new models.
Reliable SUV
I bought this SUV new in 2004 and I've never had one problem with it. I've only had to replace the normal things that wear. New belts, brakes, rotors, tires and a transmission fluid flush. Regular oil changes every 3-5k miles and not one problem! Very happy with this vehicle, it was our first Pathfinder and I'd definitely buy another one.
Tough truck
2nd Pathfinder I have owned. Sold the 1st one due to high miles (175+) and body rust in the rear and on the rear floor. This truck is tough, powerful and practical. It does really well off road (I go off road several times a year)
She gets me there and back
Traded in Wrangler for this after addition to family. Bought for reliability in horrible weather, not bells/whistles, so I have minimum basic setup. She's been a tank in bad snow so far as long as you drive smart, esp with good weather tires. Peace of mind when forced traveling bad road conditions. Went in knowing gas mpg suboptimal. Didn't look at crash test ratings, should have! She's been a very reliable rig so far, feel like I'm betraying her for actively searching for safer vehicle. Don't plan on self maintenance, can't access oil filter on my own. Family choice for vacation trips since its small-ish and can sneak into parking spots. Will be sad to trade her in, but gotta protect the family.
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a
Good ride, not so good fuel consumption, not enough leg room for the second row
FUN TO DRIVE
ROOMY POWERFUL FUN TO DRIVE COMFORTABLE SEATING
Love this vehicle!
Just bought this 2004 with 62k miles. It's beautiful inside and out; has black leather interior and I'm digging the Bose system with 6cd changer, cassette player and Sirius radio. Only problem it has is the window washer motor. The 6 cyl.has power to spare so the mileage isn't great. But the overall comfort, style, ride and fun makes up for it.
Seventeen Great Years then Bam!!
Bought it new in CT for towing our 19' boat. It had abundant pulling power and the space and comfort for summer trips to Maine. Great in New Englad snow. Brought it to NC in 2005. Over 17 years it never went back to the dealer for any problems. The only sour notes came from the Bose CD changer. Did all my own routine maintenance. Oil & filters, belts, batteries, lamps, wipers, etc. Used synthetics for the engine, transmission, differentials and transfer case. One dealer trip for front brakes; they turned the front rotors in situ for $175.00 including pads. And a mere one wheel alignment to resolve uneven front tire wear. At 160K miles, the rear drum brakes still had years of life in them. My wife loved this SUV. We figured we'd get at least another 50K happy miles out of it. Then at 168K miles with my wife alone driving, it was t-boned on the right side by a kid running a stop light. Pathfinder with my gal inside went airborne and flipped twice, landed right side up 60 feet off the road. My sweetheart was alive but hurting. But still a miracle thanks to God and this faithful SUV. Totaled. We both were saddened to see it go. Have no idea what's out there that might replace it and be its equal. Thank you, Nissan, for building such a fabulous vehicle.
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Good Car
I have the car for almost 2 years now (IT IS A 2002) and there are only 2 complaints that i have, #1 I have gone through 5 radio's, (under my warranty) the C.D. player does nothing but skip, the C.D. could be brand new and it skips for no reason. #2 the windows occassionally rattle. So I am putting in a new radio ( not a remanufactured one that Nissan gives you ) and I occassionally hear rattle , besides that I Love my Truck!
Paint peeling
Upgraded to Nissan at the encouragement of my husband. Have owned since the end of December 2004. Great acceleration and performance. No longer have to stop several times during trips to stretch as the comfort level is very good. Downside is Contacted Nissan regarding Paint peeling but it is not considered under warranty.
BUY A PATHFINDER: U WILL THANK ME!!!
The Pathfinder is a very well composed SUV. I would choose this over the Honda Pilot. With 240 horses and an optional sunroof, this car is for more than just cruising! And now, they are changing the style but I strictly recommend those 2004 and later. The 2005s and up are not as refined or luxurious despite an additional 2 seats over the 2004
worst car/suv I ever had
A lot of problems, SUV has under 100kmiles, service engine light all the time is there, bad catalitic converters and oxigen sensors, overheats uphill when I pull my boat, bad front suspension, bad brakes, piece of crap.
200k pathy
I got about 230k miles on my 04 4x4. Started giving me headaches around 190k, I should have just got rid if it then. Overall it was a decent rig. But I wouldn't recommend it if you anticipate high miles/use. It definitely doesn't have the same reliability or longevity of a toyota.
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Rider
I tuned mine up I changed the pcv valve, the valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, all the control arms and stabilizers, starter, battery, , changed the oil to full synthetic and put a new set of tires on. I was able to drive from south Texas along the cost all the way up to Washington state in just 2 days no issues no overheating and the gas mileage was good.. I recommend buying one of these for travel.
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Toughest car I've ever owned
12 year owner with 240k miles through all sorts of driving and conditions. Extremely dependable and durable. This was our family car and suffered several wrecks due to operator error. Strong 4WD and decent mpg. Only complaint is a little too much play in the steering wheel, coupled with the boxiness, the top heavy feel deters any sort of adventures driving, if you're in to that. Great vehicle nonetheless.
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Still love this vehicle
This is my 2nd Pathfinder (1st was an '02 model.) Had to trade in due to vehicle having 97,000 miles after 2 years. But, had no problems at all, just traded in due to mileage! I love how open this vehicle is and how easy it is to see around me. It drives like a car, not like a truck as so many SUV's do. My only complaints are the size of the back seat & doors (very difficult to hoist a 30 lb child into his car seat) and head room (my 6'6" & 6'7" brothers do not like to ride in my vehicle.) Otherwise, awesome SUV. There is a reason I got another one!!!
Solid Solid Solid
This is my third Pathfinder and they've all been fantastic. Bought it new, and after 40k miles, not one major problem. Only minor problem was an alignment. That's it. Don't like the climate control much, I prefer three dials, but that's subjective. Plenty of space, not really a luxury SUV, but a solid performer and can handle just about any task... commuting, towing, hauling. Plus it's really a handsome car. Even though the gas mileage is pretty lousy, I plan to keep it anyway because it's just so reliable. Almost a perfect car.
Nissan Pathfinder
I gave up 2000 Durango for my Pathfinder, thinking I was going to get better gas mileage, and to my surprize, the Durango had better gas mileage then the Pathfinder! I am very disapointed in the gas mileage, if I am lucky, I get about 220 miles to a gallon of gas, that is only 11 miles to the gallon. that sucks.
Speedometer NOT work at 55+mph
After one month I bought the car, the speedometer does not work when speed at 55mph and above. The dealer said that the Unified Processor needs to replace. However, the part in back order is still not available since Sept. 20. I called Nissan about this and they said they would do something for me and would call me back, but they never did. Their cars are bad. Their customer services are bad. Another minor problem is that the driver seat makes noise when turning. I will never buy Nissan again! Hope your car is good.
Great SUV
This is the third SUV we've owned. The last one was repurched by GM under the lemon law. Have only owned this one for a short time but love every thing about it so far. Ride is a little stiffer than the last SUV which seamed to roll on corners. Hope we have better luck with this one.
The Most "Car Like" SUV on the Market!!
Handles like a car! Very fast and handles turns with no body roll! Dealer was excellent also, very knowlegable, curtious, and friendly. Visited quite a few and would never buy from any other dealer but Kelly of Lynnfield.
My Pathfinder,a joy to drive
My new Pathfinder is a real joy to drive,It's tight,tough and very responsive. Yet it's smooth,quiet and comfortable. I can sense that this little SUV is very well built. I was looking for a good all around vehicle when I found this little prize and I couldn't be happier!
Great SUV!
This is a great SUV and I am so happy with the Pathfinder. The only detracting feature is the gas mileage. Other than that, I would say that the Pathfinder is top notch! We got a heck of deal on the Pathfinder, considering that it was going for about 27,000 at invoice we paid about 3,000 below that. The ride runs well and sitting up high is really nice as well. If you are in the market for a midsize SUV, then this is the one to get.
Great SUV
This is the best SUV I've driven, won't drive any thing else but a NISSAN they are great vehicles.
I love this car
Great car, fast, sporty. I feel like I am in a luxury automobile with the leather and wood interior.
Almost Overlooked this SUV
This SUV had flown under the radar with me. When my Explorer finally died, I sort of stumbled across the Pathfinder when a friend told me to check out the Xterra (!). I did my research (including Edmunds) and saw that the Pathfinder garnered consistently high ratings from both reviewers and consumers. All it took was one test drive for me to say "this is the one". It handles superbly, has a lot of power, and is very comfortable. It doesn't have the latest body styling, but I actually find it very attractive, especially in the Platinum Edition. This is a smaller midsize (why do they keep getting bigger?) that sure fits the bill
My new ..S.U.V.From Maine:United states.
My new nissan s.U.V. 4X4 does a pretty good job when i'm going in the deep wood's of maine and it can go through some pretty deep puddles of water about 3 feet deep in some area's maybe 3 -4 feet on a few of the puddles i went through!!!!!I was definitely impressed with how the vehicle performed in four wheel drive,i went over some pretty good sized rock's slowly @ first,and of course being gentle because i wouldn't want to damage the truck for it "looks" sharp when it is in good conditon,but it did o.K. For rock's up to about"4- 6""high i hit a couple bigger than that about 12" high and it made the truck bounce a little more then you probably want it to bounce,but it did o.K.
GREAT SUV!!!!
I TRADED MY FORD EXPEDITION IN FOR MY NISSAN. THIS SUV IS A GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE. ITS BETTER ON FUEL,COMFORT, AND OVERALL HANDLING. I HAVE NO BAD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MY PATHFINDER. I ALSO THINK OVERALL YOU GET A GEAT PERFORMANCE SUV FOR A GREAT PRICE.
Great Used SUV
I was a big North American fan on SUVs but I decided to try Japanese. So I did my research and found that the Pathfinder was rated very high, I found one at a small used car lot and the rest is history....what a great SUV. Motor, Tranny, look and feel A1. I can't stop driving it.
Fantastic SUV!
Wow! 'Got the superblack color and it's like a limo! Powerful, quiet, smooth ride and handles great! I recently moved - now have a 45 minute commute but look forward to the drive every morning and and every evening! Best vehicle I've every owned. Highly recommend!
So far, so good!
This is my second Nissan - my last vehicle was an Xterra and we were looking for a bit more room and towing capacity. My husband didn't particularly like the looks of the Pathfinder (though I like it a lot!), but it was a great deal since the new '05 models are arriving and dealers are working to get the 04's off their lots. My Xterra was very reliable and fun to drive, and the Pathfinder is the same, but with more power and comfort features. We tow our motorcycles to local race-tracks and look forward to the added power. If the 4-wheel drive system is as effective as the one on my Xterra, it should be great to drive in the snowy mountains this winter when we go snowboarding.
New Pathfinder Review
Great vehicle! It's powerful, comfortable, and fun to drive. It's excellent in the snow. It's also great looking. This is the third Nissan I have owned in a row. I've never had to do anything but change the oil every 3000 miles.