Used 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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RECALL NEEDED
So 2 months ago vehicle started slamming into 1st gear than Im driving home and it starts having trouble switching gears. I go home start researching transmission 05 nissan. I come across this website hear all about the radiator fluid leaking into the transmission. its gets towed to aamco and sure enough transmission is rusted out due to radiator leaking into transmission!!!!!!!! WTF recall this now I have to pay $370 a month for my payments plus $5300 to fix this problem!!! Now im driving my husbands beater to get around and we cant go anywhere as a family because our family vehicle is in the shop!
Excellent for Families
This SUV is really a godsend, I updated my 1999.5 Pathfinder to the 2005 and I have never been happier. The third row seat is excellent for carrying more passagers, and the design of the SUV allows for maximum comfort on long drives. The DVD player is awesome, mostly because I have gotten my readio back. The handling is great. The ride is quiet and it drives well. The engine is amazing. I really like that this vehicle is not a gas guzzler like my brothers Ford Expedition.
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,500188 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,990191 mi away
- SE Off Road 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,588197 mi away
If you THINK you want it - get it!
Wife's lovin it. First-time Nissan owner - but Pathfinder's great history. Strong resale, LOTS of power, great ride/handling, smooth/quiet. Have an 18ft I/O boat, so needed a family vehicle to tow WITH EASE while not being cumbersome hard-to-park the rest of year and contrary to others I think the mileage is just fine for this type vehicle (ave. 20 mpg on last hiway trip - my best hiway Dodge Club Ram ave.15) You do NOT "require" premium gas - perfect on 87 octane. Much roomier than the Pilot. Use the internet to purchase - fight for invoice pricing!!!
Don't buy if you like problems
We bought this car used with 118,000 miles on it a week after purchase the transmission went out a week or so after that the fuel injectors went out. Then a month after purchase the fuel pump went out. We are now around 145,000 miles and thank god have been issue free for a year. Due to the previous issues we are scared to take anywhere longer than 4 hours away. If you live in a snowy state and have the 4x2 RWD then prepare for the worst winter of your life. You will slide if there's a little bit of slush or ice, if your down hill and stopped then make sure you have plenty of car length in front of you, because your car will slide at a complete stop. Not to mention braking on a little bit of snow or slush will cause you to slide as well. If you have two kids in car seats you can forget about getting anyone in the third row. Plus one adult is lucky to get to the third row and if you can it's not comfortable. She is a nice car on the outside but design and reliability gives this SUV 2 stars
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
worst bumpers ever
Cheap plastic inside and outside - everything inside breaks - plastic covers on the side of the seat broke, central storage bin in between passenger seat and drivers seat also broke. But the worst things is the bumpers - for a car of this class - a big suv, these bumpers are very flimsy.. Minor things will cause them to break, crack, tea and lose paint. Horrible. Cd player broke - cd's get stuck. Also the whole car makes noises - squeaking and rattling everywhere. Dealer said it's normal and couldnt fix it. Horrible gas mileage 12 mpg city / 16 highway, made no difference if putting super, premium or regular gas.
bad car! bad car!
This car is RIDICULOUS!!! I bought this car used with only 36,000 miles, if that. This car has broken down soooo many times that I am both surprised and disappointed that the government has not stepped in and reprimanded Nissan. Other than normal maintenance, I have spent greater than $3000 in major repairs. I am soo over this car and will be trading it as soon as possible.
Best Bang for the Buck
Purchased our 05 Pathfinder in July 2005. $26,000 out the door. A lot of truck for the money. The 4.0 V6 delivers plenty of power. So smooth, you cant even feel the tranny shift. As far as comfort, no complaints here. I had one problem in four years. The belt tentioner had to be replaced. I love the looks and secure ride of this vehicle. I will most likely buy another one. Also looking at the Suzuki Equator (Pick-up). This vehicle is a twin to the Nissan Frontier. Suzuki give the better warranty.
Nissan Finally Transmission/Radiator Issue!!
To all those who have had the infamous transmission/radiator issues, I just received a letter in the mail from Nissan saying that while they are not creating a reacall for it, they are extending the warranty on the vehicle to cover this issue. They are extending the warranty to 96 months or 80K miles. While this is not the perfect solution, it should help a large number of owners. To those who already had to pay for a repair for this, it sounds like you will be able to get reimbursed for it. Hopefully you all will be receiving your letters shortly. While my 2005 Pathfinder has not yet had this issue, I just wanted to pass on the somewhat good news.
Pathfinder 05
Great engine and good on highway
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good Vehicle
Bought in 06 used with 20k. Did have a sending unit problem causing engine light to come on at 50k. Bought one online for $80 and spent 2 hours by myself swapping it out. Not to hard to do. And also was not painted very well in the gap between the front pillars and fenders. Found that out at high press car wash, used touch up and can't tell anymore. Other than those two problems I am pleased with her, lots of power, not bad in the dirt or mud and I don't baby it. Rides good on highway and handles a trailer well. Was looking at Trailblazer's but Pathys have better reliability and much better crash ratings. Important to me when it's the wife's car and she's always hauling my 2 girls.
Getting Noisy
The truck is great I agree about the rusty trim, Radio is great, seats are stiff, but arm rests are worn out internally. Have heater/AC issues not warranted but easily fixed. Now transmission is really noisy at low speeds til about 3-4th gear shift. Last thing the painted trim panels by nav, radio, shifter, a/c controls are too easily scratched (fingernails?).
Nice SUV
Lease return bought from a friend at buy out for 17730 what a great deal. 88000 km. extended warranty to 120000 km and 2 more years. Fuel sending unit screwed, replaced for free under extended warranty. Great service so far from Nissan. Super fun drive, way nicer than my 2007 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon. Poor MPG a little better than the jeep. Way more power than the jeep but jeep better off road. No trani problems but will keep a eye on it with their still being extended warranty.
Transmission problems
What a huge disappointment! I fell in love with my brand new pathfinder on the lot. As soon as I got it I had to put it in for service because the cloth was coming off of the drivers seat after about the 4th try I stopped taking it needless to say they never fixed it right transmission started messing after 1 year I did not know the noise I was hearing was not normal now 2 years later it is completely broke and costs 6800 to fix initially I took it in for a diagnostic test because I had no heat it was blowing cold air, they told me that the fluids from the radiator leaked into the transmission and made it go bad and they are not responsible for fixing Not worth money you have to put into it
Purchased NEW-Delivers Good NEWS
When we moved to Texas, we purchased Ms.Path (05 Nissan Pathfinder) because of six adjustable vents for cold air/heater (2 each rows & 2nd/3rd row is attached on top). We've checked most SUV and Ms.Path has the only vent system ever built. We've been to family road trips coast to coast at least once a year: some were non-stop to Northern CA, FL. and Midwest that Ms.Path gave us comfort, safety and stress-free trips. At this time, Ms.Path haven't had any minor/or major repairs. She was just following the preventive maintenance such as dealers oil/filter change, fluid change and proper tire inflations/rotations. Ms.Path has power to accelerate, powerful enough if needs for speed.
2005 Pathfinder SE - Multiple Issues
Bought it in 2008 with 32K on it, now have 89K and have been a member of every recall Nissan has issued and then some. First was the A/C console had to be replaced; fuel sending unit failed at 70K, ECM was replaced under recall at 85K. Now with 89K, the oil sending unit has failed and the torque converter inside the transmission is shot. It's at Nissan getting a BRAND NEW TRANNY from Japan at the toon of $4300 and low and behold, that brand new transmission is defective as well. Leaking fluid. Its Brand NEW and still has issues. 4-6 weeks before I get a replacement. Nothing but problems. Don't ever buy one of these vehicles. Selling it next year. Would rather walk instead LOL
2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Vehicle has plenty of power and is fun off-road and in the snow. Downsides are the door handles on rear doors are mounted to high for kids to use - plan on opening doors for them until they are about 7yrs old. 3rd row seating is ok for kids and adults the size of kids. Fuel sensor and window switches fail ealry-on. On many pathfinders the radiators are defective and leak coolant into the tranmission. Plan an extra $6500 for trany/radiator replacement. Get ext warranty and sell vehicle as soon as warranty runs out.
?
I have a 2005 pathfinder and everything squeaks no major motor problems at 60 k I have 24 inch rims and tires on back rear out of line will eat up tires and the truck makes a million noises and eats gas but very reliable....
No quality in catalytic converters
Heat shields rattle. Brakes squeak until replaced w/better brake system. 3rd catalytic converter failure w/in 40k. We have maintained the car faithfully since new (synth oil, rotate & bal tire, good fuel, cleaned fuel injectors, flushed radiator regularly). Love the car other than the continuing problems with catalytic converters. We have had 5 Nissans and have been loyal Nissan customers for 15 years. Dealership told us contact Nissan Corporate Customer Service because of several complaints w/ catalytic converters. Nissan Customer Service said too bad too sad...said "we don't qualify for help" implied we don't spend enough at Nissan. Don't worry Nissan. We won't spend anymore! Buy American!
Omg, how did this happen?
I bought this really good Nissan Pathfinder SE, but 5 years later I regreted it. Just when I was done financing this car and when the warranty was done, the car broke down and I had to bring the car to a friend who inspects and fixes cars. He inspected it and said the "water boxe's" water went into the transmissioner and they had to fix it and they gave me a crappy 2002 Honda Accord. After 2 weeks, I got my car back. (Yesterday) And I paid him $4700 dollars and I drove her home. But at 4:00, I went to wash the car and clean the engine but when I saw the transmissioner and the water box, I saw that nothing was replaced or anything. It was all the same. So I just wasted $4700 for nothing.
transmission problems
I bought my Pathfinder new in 2005. Around 2008 started hearing this noise that was like a vibration. Kind of like when you are sitting at a stoplight and someone's stereo is very loud. Then, it had trouble shifting while driving. Would take a while to down shift, or shift up to a higher gear. Last summer our transmission went out $5900. Now, it is doing it again! I bought a nissan to avoid problems. I have had squeaky belts, and brakes, and numerous other smaller things fixed.
Great Mid-Sized SUV
The new 2005 Storm Grey SE, 4X4 Pathfinder impresses me with something new every time I drive it. The smooth and powerful drivetrain, quiet ride, well-thought out interior features make for a quality SUV with "lots of bang for the buck!" The fit and finish is top notch and I predict this vehicle will be a big hit. People need to look at this ride before buying a new mid- sized SUV before they make a mistake and buy the wrong vehicle and pay too much.
Loudest SUV of the bunch
Liked the styling and price. Owned a 2001 Pathfinder drove 67K trouble free, quiet and solid miles. Sorry I traded it in. I've had the new Pathfinder 1 day and it is the loudest car we've owned in decades. Engine and road noise are annoying. The car needs more insulation. Sounds like a 4-wheel pick-up. Nissan better hope no one asks our opinion of the new car.
Not for 3+ kids
When my husband and I first bought this we only had 2 kids, then came #3. First of all, I cannot fit all 3 of their carseats in the middle seat, I have to put my oldest in the back seat which means she has to step on the middle seat to get in the back because that's the only access because the other 2 car seats are in the middle, also the seats are extremely uncomfortable, after I've been driving for about 40 minutes I notice just how uncomfortable
Reliable transportation.
I bought this truck in 2008 with 47.000 mile on the clock. Aside from normal preventative maintenance, I have replaced both camshaft position sensors and the crankshaft position sensors. That is all. I monitor all fluids closely and now with 132.000 on the clock it still performs as new. The only other glitch is the CD player failed.
dollar-ed out
I do love this truck but would love it more if I hadn't had so many issues...At 26,000 miles we had to fix the tension belt and just again at 59,000 miles! The fuel sensor failed and had to be replaced at 50,000. My tire pressure light will not go off even though it has been to the dealer no 4 times and now my air bag light is flashing and they said my extended warranty will not cover anything on it if they find something wrong with the airbag!? which I don't understand and is ridiculous to me. My husband informed me he will sell it if it continues to have issues! I always thought Nissan's were well made vehicles guess I was wrong?
A Class Act of a Car!
The new Nissan Pathfinder 2005 is a wonderful vehicle. I just purchased one before just before the new year and I can't drive it enough. The ride is so comfortable and the style is so classy! It really has a good take off and the brakes work like a charm. I especially like the hill descent control (HDC) feature on the Pathfinder. The new Pathfinder is completely different than the older models. I traded in my old 1997 Nissan Pathfinder which lasted a long time so I know this one will as well. I highly recommend the purchase of this vehicle. It is such a beauty and runs extremely well. Everyone looks at it!!
Driver
This Truck drives great. Acceleration is amazing. Soft ride with independent suspension for each weel make ride like a small suv. Interior is very roomy. Three rows of seats are very cofortable. The back two rows are folded flat make a lot of cargo space.
Best SUV out!
We test drove EVERYTHING! This newly designed Pathfinder blew everything(4- runner, Envoy, Durango, Cherokee, Pilot) and none of them gave us the standard options that came with the Pathfinder for the price. It drives like a car and just had a higher quality feel to it than anything else we drove. I'm 6'3, 230 pounds and this is the most confortable car we've owned.
Add these things to the transmission
Heater blows cold air anytime you let off the gas petal. The back hatch doesn't stay up. Add to this the new transmission (July of 08) is going out. Suppose to be a year warranty...hmm we'll see what happens
1st Timer Loves The New Pathfinder!
I love the new 2005 Pathfinder. I considered getting a 2004, but was sure of the 2005 once I drove it. Not that the 2004 is bad, but the 2005 just has more room. I got the LE 4x4 and am amazed every day how great it is. The gas mileage is 17 in town so far, which is not great, but what do you expect when you buy a rugged mid- sized SUV? Maybe automakers will improve the gas mileage some day. Until then, this is decent. Lots of room. Nice leather interior. Excellent safety features, as the LE has the front, side and roof airbags standard. Lots of cargo room in the back. I wanted a SUV that didn't guzzle lots of gas and didn't drive "big". This one fits great.
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Rocks!
EDGY looks, FUN to drive, POWERFUL V6. Love the looks and 17 inch wheels. The ride is very comfortable. The LE has most of the bells and whistles I wanted for a competitive price. Didn't need the 4X4 cuz I stay on paved roads and don't like to waste $ on gas. I do appreciate the option of using unleaded 87 octane. The only complaints I have are: No cargo cover, no power side view mirrors (the Maxima has power mirrors...what gives?), and no indicator on your instrument panel when your headlights are on. Outside of these small issues this SUV gives you the most bang for the buck! I could easily have bought the RX330 or MDX, but know I made the right choice with the 2005 Pathfinder.
Buyers Beware
I have read several comments from people who own a Pathfinder about the problems with the radiator leaking into the transmission. Well, now I am personally having this problem as well. The fluid has leaked into my transmission which now has to be completely overhauled and its only 3 years old and of course out of warranty. So buyers beware. We called Nissan but were basically told too bad. Until now the vehicle ran great so if you do purchase a Pathfinder then make sure you buy the extended warranty!!
What a nightmare! Nissan Reliability? No
By reviews,either your Nissan has been perfect or a nightmare- like mine. I am a bit confused as mine reads like the story of all the others with the same repairs. So far-Evap canister rusted out.Fuel Sending unit failed Someone on here replaced FOUR of them and Nissan will not acknowledge it as a problem(check out NHSTA on this one though how this is not a huge safety issue is beyond me)Two U-joints replaced to no aval to cure vibration that happens when I decelerate at high speeds. Dealer can not figure it out. Coming home today after the ABS unit failed.Brakes have squeaked at different times since day one. Dealer said..."dusty" or "just Nissan" Nissan Corporate does not act/return calls
Great SUV
Love this new SUV. The fold down rear seat is great. DVD/Audio system is wonderful, lots of bass with the built in sub and you can play dvds through the headphones or car speakers easily.
It stole a Toyota buyer!!!
I really love this SUV. We researched them all and this was the best "value". The ride is extremely comfortable. I took it to work in the snow on our third day with it and was completely impressed. The VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) was tested out extensively and I was amazed at how well it performed. I couldn't make it go into an uncontrolled slide. You'll feel comfortable with your family riding in it. I compared the SE to the Off road and the off-road had a little bit stiffer feel but not in a bad way. I think the regular SE might have been a little soft to take on the dirt.
Transmission Warranty
I was looking at this site and seen there are alot of the same problems out there that I have seen in my 5 years of ownership. Just last year I had a new transmission put into my 58,000 mile Pathfinder and it was covered under the 5/60,000 warranty which should be a coverage that every dealer should be able to act on. Alot of these transmission problems are a result of the Radiator cooling lines are collapsing not allowing the tranny to be cooled therefore this is a manufacture issue and should be corrected especially if the vehicle is within the warranty period.
Best SUV
I am very happy with my new Pathfinder. I too came off of a very BAD experinece with my Honda Odyssey tranny problem and numerous problems. So far I love the truck and the room is great. Have had several problems in the first 500 miles. Had a bad O2 sensor that was not clear the first time. My gas mileage is real low, 13 mpg. Towing is great and so is off road. Not the normal roll that you get in other SUV's. Overall would go down and get 10 more if I could.
2005 Pathfinder LE "Awesome SUV"
Have the 2001 pathfinder LE 4x4,love it and still have it. I have the 2005 pathfinder LE since dec. 15, 2004 and it is awesome driving it. Powerful top 10 rated 270hp VQ engine is very smooth and a lot of power to give when passing. The growling engine sound make me even enjoy driving this suv. Leather seats are very much will designed and comfortable. Lot of cargo room when third row seats were fold flat into the floor. Third row seats is good enough for average size people for a short haul. Storage is more, specially for cd and dvd. Console and instrument panel layout was given very much attention in detail to my opinon. Sound system is superior with 9 speakers. Overall it is awesome.
Build Quality Good but Not Great
Bought SUV late 2005; excellent, powerful albeit thirsty engine (average 19.8 mpg hwy; 15.9 city); reliable interiors, some spotty irritants - weatherproofing on front driver door detaches from B pillar often; air pressure light turns on when temperature changes; tested off-road in Sedona backroads including 30 degree incline rocky hill - addressed hill spectacularly;
Happy with my Pathfinder
LE 4wd bought new in '05. Good power from V-6, short turning circle. Handles well in snow and sand, never gets stuck. Bose stereo is killer, holds lots of people & stuff. Fold flat 3rd row a nice option. Runs fine on regular gas, mileage stinks around town, 12-13 mpg but will get 20-21 mpg on the highway at 70 mph loaded up with stuff and people. Original equipment tires were junk after 20K miles. Replaced with Continental Cross Tracs - very happy. One little annoying squeak in dash on bumpy roads
Can't wait to trade this in!!
I've had alot of problems with this SUV from the beginning! Now the transmission needs replaced at 56,000 miles and though it is covered under warranty, Nissan refuses to help with any of the cost! If you do not have one yet, do not buy one! They are unreliable and Nissan does not honor their warranty!
Go Get One!
The best thing about this web site is the consumer reviews, so thank you to all who shared their experiences before me (it helped). The new Pathfinder is Awesome! Knew it was for me when I got in for the test drive. Paid invoice price. Have had it for a few days now and even got to play in the snow. 4x4 is great. I checked out Explorer, Durango, Trail Blazer, Hilander, Pilot but you really get more for your money with the most powerful V6 in the mid sized class. The base model has plenty of everything I wanted in an SUV. Very roomy up front. All the features I wanted came standard. I feel very comforable and safe. Go Get one!
Redesign sold me
I previously leased a 02 SE PF. Both my husband and I couldn't stand it! We thought it seemed like a light SUV that was very wobbly and no real design appeal. I swore I would never go back into a PF-until I test drove the 2005! We upgraded to the LE which made a world of difference. I am absolutely in love with this truck now. I actually prefer driving it over my husband's Lexus. The power is awesome and I like that it's bigger than the old PF but not as big as the Armada. This truck seems very heavy & steady when driving. And the auto/4WD is great in snow, sleet & ice. I used to think the Jeep GC had the best 4WD but I've now changed my mind. Definitely worth turning in my lease early.
Excellent Luxery 4x4
We bought our 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 new, with exactly every option we wanted, no more no less. There was one recall (for Pathfinders being driven in regions with snow) for the air bag sensor, which was replace at no charge, of course. A piece of the roof rack came loose in a car wash, and was replace by dealer under warranty, no charge. The vehicle has had no problems or issues (other than mentioned above). It has averaged 17 mpg, overall. I usually get about 18, while my wife gets abotu 16 (I'm a putster, she's a sporty driver), except during winter, inclement weather when mileage drops about 2mpg (that's when it's in all- wheel or 4x4 a lot). It's a keeper!
bullet proof tank
our 2005 Nissan pathfinder off road is so tough yet stylish i can pack the whole fam around in style
Nice SUV, but watch out for BIG problems
Bought new, have 67K miles now. No probs til now: the oft-mentioned radiator/transmission issue. $6K to fix. I want to sell the car, but wife effing-ADORES it (I do too, actually ... really nice vehicle ... accelerates like a banshee) so we'll probably get it fixed if we can't find anything she likes better. Worried about the oft-mentioned tensioner and fuel-sending unit problems since we haven't had those yet. This is a really fun SUV to drive, it's very comfortable, gets lousy gas mileage in the city (we've gotten 21 on the hwy before, though), but a 5-yr-old car shouldn't be having a $6,000 problem. If it has another, out it goes and I'll never buy another Nissan.
Excellent SUV
Very enjoyable to drive with plenty of power. Engine and transmission very smooth. If you are used to an 8 cylinder you will notice higher RPM engine noise with the V6 engine during takeoff. Second row seating could use some extra leg room. Overall it is a well built SUV with plenty of room for a midsize.
Great Midsize SUV
I traded in my 2004 Nissan Armada for the Pathfinder and I have had no regrets. The quality is outstanding on the Pathfinder (much better than the Armada) and the Pathfinder is just about perfect for us. The ride is quiet and smooth. I feel the interior had a sporty look as well.
More Trani Problems
Pathfinder was my first new car! Loved it, until the problems started. First the fuel sending unit sensor went, but was under warranty, so it was fixed (2006). In 2009, with 75,000 miles on it, the transmission went. Same prob I'm reading about here - radiator leaked into transmission and ruined it. Had it fixed, but have since had problems with a solenoid and have had to have it towed two more times. And just when I thought I had had enough, the fuel sensor has gone again! Is there any recourse out there for us? This is our family car. Our 1992 Honda Accord is great, but it's had it's hey day - not really comfortable putting the three kids in it to travel anywhere far.
Kids love it, so of course parents do
Had for 6 weeks now and have over 2400 miles. Live in Canada and is great for winters. Kids love it as we got the top of the line with DVD player and they love to watch movies. Keeps them quiet on long trips. We love the Navigation system as it helps us from having to use a map and it tells you exactly where to go and how to get there. Used it several times already and it is dead-on. Just be careful, little towns or out of the way places do not have the streets listed, only main throughfares. As well, newer streets and points of interest are not included until upgrade.