Used 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
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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
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,995477 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999501 mi away
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995645 mi away
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.
Fun to Drive
I have to say that we looked long and hard at the pathfinder and the 4runner. We liked both, but the 4runner didn't have the features unless you wanted to get the luxury model. It didn't even have power or leather available unless you were willing to spend the money on the luxury model. We have the SE off-road and we love it. It handles very well.
Good vehicle
We've really liked the Pathfinder. We've had a few issues, all which have been cleared up except the fuel sensor/gauge is erratic and inaccurate. There needs to be a recall for this as many people have similar problems with it. The side mirrors electric motors are erratic and the battery has mysteriously gone dead on several occasions (we've stopped using the headlights auto on/delayed off feature for this reason). We used to think the ride was quite harsh until we replaced the original General tires with new Michelins--Wow! What a difference! It was like getting a new car. When I stay off the pedal, the mileage is quite good. I can easily get 20+mpg. With a lead foot I get 15-17 mpg.
Great SUV
Love this SUV! As mentioned in other reviews, 2nd row seating a little tight. Other than that, it handles well and is well designed.
It's an OK suv but a Good Deal
Well, after having went through the process of suv shopping, my wife decided that she liked the Pathfinder the most our. It's an LE with all options except Nav or Sat radio. After owning it for a few days, we have agreed that we should have also included the Nav. We negotiated a great price. Sticker was $37,450, we settled at $33,900, which was about $600 below factory invoice. The interest rate was 4.49%. So, good luck. It's a ok vehicle. The fact that the gas mileage is poor coupled with the fact that premium unleaded is suggested leads me to believe that the posted yearly gas cost is a low figure. The door construction is poor, one can see the, what I believe are brace lines in the panel
Don't buy this year
This is an awesome vehicle BUT there is a major problem with the radiator some torque valve. I had a vibration in my vehicle ~ 40 -50 mph took it to my mechanic. and guess what ~$1700 later, a KNOWN defect with the radiator. Causes antifreeze to enter the transmission fluid and transmission fluid to enter the radiator. I was lucky, it didn't trash my transmission which by the way costs ~$7,000 to fix. As sharp looking as this vehicle is its not worth the chance. Which is to bad, I loved it up to this point had an issue with the gas tank too, but I sucked it up and ate the ~800 to get that fixed. BUYER BEWARE!
A new pathfinder
I gave up my 2002 nissan pathfinder when the lease ran out. I was thinking armada but didn't like the gas guzzler. So i loaded up a 2005 pathfinder identical to my prior 2002 which had run like a charm. To my surprise the 2005 was even better. Larger yet drove like a car, smaller turning radius, slightly better on mileage. Quicker, and the seven passenger capacity, though 3rd row small is a plus. Only dissapointment was brakes. I am still getting adjusted to driving a lager suv that needs more push and time to stop than the lighter 2002. Hands down a winner over acura and infinity dollar for dollar. Get gps, i always do, never buy with out it. A great fun suv to drive. Better than 2002
05 Pathfinder SE 4x4
We sat on the fence for a long time between the 4Runner and Pathfinder and we are very grateful we picked the Pathfinder. We love the exterior look and the drive feel. The extra set of seats will be perfect when family visits. We no longer have to take two vehicle or squeeze into one, we can comfortably ride together. As returning Nissan customers we expect many years of riding enjoyment in our new Pathfinder.
Wish I hadn't and won't again.
It is not a well-built vehicle. Cheap plastic inside breaks, CD player kaput at 40k, washer fluid reservoir cracked and leaks out, fuel-sending unit/gauge out at 45k (Nissan hasn't included 05 in the recall of 06 and 08s -thanks for nothing- even though they know it's a defect), and now a problem with my transmission at 71k. Can't seem to get a specific diagnosis yet but I can guess what it is ---radiator leaking into the trans? Nissan hasn't paid for the fuel s.u. or recalled the defective part(s) leading to the trans failure. This was my 3rd Nissan. Time to trade and never buy Nissan again.
05 Pathfinder SE - So far so good
So far so good, except for the rattling noise underneath vehicle. Will have it checked out this week. Had to replace tires immediately (were horrible in snow/slush) after purchase- went from BF Goodrich Longtrails to Goodyear Fortera's.Manufacturer forgot to put on passenger side molding as well - will get this fixed too. Other than the above, great vehicle!Very smooth,great performance, great stereo. Have the premium and comfort package.Great cargo space when third row folds down. Hope it holds up.Dual- climate control works great.
Pathfinder LE 2005
This SUV is a great combination of larger vehicle with good gas mileage. The interior is well laid out and the engine has plenty of pick up when needed. Nissan makes a very reliable vehicle.
Dream SUV
This new pathfinder is what i was looking for in an suv, power, good handling, and better design, its super! Favorite Features: Its standard third row seat, independent rear suspension for a smoother ride, front dual AC, and rear AC, the navigation system with voice guiadance and its audio system are some of the things i love about this SUV.
2005 Transmission problems
Same problem, radiator leaked into the transmission, fried all electrical components in transmission. Even if the transmission was under warranty the radiator is only good for 3 yrs 36k. void transmission.
No more cars for me...
My partner and I purchased this together, and aside from a few little issues (a rattle under the dash and a disappearing luggage rack end cap)we love our Pathfinder! We compared all the big brands for SUVs, and we have never owned Nissan before, but we fell in love with the styling, the ergonomics, the heated leather, the AMAZING handling in snow and icy conditions (more so AFTER we bought)and the power under the hood! The Inside line review issues with interior and exterior construction seem to have been resolved in production. As we are both husky tall-ish guys, I can tell you, there is plenty of shoulder room up front, and ample leg room in back. Get one, you'll love it!!!
Initial Quality Disappointments
I went from an '02 Pathfinder to a new '05. I love the styling, the interior improvements, the performance and even the gas mileage (15-20mpg). I'm extremely disappointed,however,in initial quality. It first started with a rattle somewhere in the dashboard which I have finally located. Then another spring like rattle under the dash which to date I've been unable to find. About one week after taking delivery, a loud whine from underneath the hood developed. Sounded like a loose belt or even a bad waterpump. I finally called the dealer today to get the car in for all these nagging problems and it will be about 10 days before they can look at it. Hopefully the bugs can be knocked out!
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.
2005 Pathfinder Defect. Read B4 U Buy
A defect was found on the exterior of my 2005 Pathfinder. It has been reported by other owners who bought at my same dealership. It does not affect all, but present on many of the new Pathfinders. Look at the driver's side passenger door at the top left. The shape of the metal body should curve slightly inward to run flush with the driver's door. However, many including mine have more of a BENT shape not FLUSH at all. My dealership says that this has been reported by many and is a MFR defect. Since Nissan has not announced a recall, they will not repair or compensate.
You get what you pay for
Purchased this 2005 LE in December 2004 and got a pretty fair deal as it was Dec 31st. I must say we use this vehicle a lot and it's provided fair value. We still have original brakes and tires. We replaced the battery once and fuel sending unit 4 times. Nissan took care of the first 3 sending unit replacements under warranty and the covered half of the cost of the most recent one. Recently the air bag "dummy" light was flashing but I learned how to reset it on the web. Our Nissan dealer wanted $700 to replace the "airbag computer." The instrument panel of this vehicle is really starting to scare me as I'm not sure what will fail next. Although I love my Infinitis, I won't buy Nissan
Great SUV; bad radiator design
I've loved my PathFinder since I got it. However, I'm very upset that just as my warranty has expired I am discovering the issue of the radiator putting coolant into the transmission. This should be a recall in my opinion. If you own one, take the car to the dealer while its still under warranty and have a transmission flush and check if it needs a new radiator.
Transmission problems
After reading several reviews about this car I am compelled to write my own. My 2005 Pathfinder is my third Nissan. I was going to purchase nothing but Nissan in the future. That has now changed. At about 70K miles the Fuel sensor failed then I stated to have trouble shifting. The coolant and transmission fluids were mixing due to a faulty line. These are major $$ problems. I bought another Nissan because I NEVER had a problem with my other two. I loved this car when I first saw it and I had to have it. When I finally got it I knew it was too good to be true.
O5 Pathfinder LE AWD
I bought my 05 Pathfinder LE AWD 3 weeks ago and so far Im enjoying the ride its quiet on the road and smooth but it roar on first and 2nd gear if you push hard the throttle but quick and fast , I like the comfort in front seat especially driver side And Bose radio With 9 speaker,SSV ann offroad capability and this vehicle is 3 in 1 SUV,Truck,Van
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.
Excellent SUV.
I evaluated all of the midsized SUV's and found that the Pathfinder was the best vehicle for the money. I love the ride, comfort, and feel of the truck. The controls are ergonomically correct for me. The handling is solid, and fit and finish is impeccable. Was treated well by the dealership. The tailorability of the seat and foot controls was one of the most important features of the vehicle for me. This truck is smooth, powerful, and stylish. I would recommend the Pathfinder to anyone.
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
Best non-lux midsize suv
Throttle on the 4.0VQ is very responsive for an SUV. Handling is great for a vehicle this size. Braking is great as the vehicle stops well under control when the brakes are slammed at 40mph. Nissan creates a great blend of on road manners and performance with true off road capability. This Pathfinder defines sport-utility. Only the 4Runner and Grand Cherokee can compete, but the Pathfinder gives you more for less and is standard with third row seats for the growing family. The interior feels Infiniti and the Bose system sounds great. Suspension is much improved, but could be better. 4Runner is softer over bumps. Seats could be softened a little too for improved comfort.
05 SE 4WD
I have owned my pathfinder since March 05. I have been rear ended and had less than 1k in damage. Stood up wonderfully. The poor soul that hit me didn't fare as well in their car. I think this SUV is great, and I get a lot of compliments on it. Looks, ride, size. People are amazed at how inexpensive it is. Most say ot looks more expensive.
Problems with fuel sensor and bearings
I too had a fuel sensor problem. Did not have to replace the entire fuel pump only the sensor. Now it vibrates at high speeds and I am being told it is the bearings. More later.
Very nice SUV
I'm from the bay area, I was ready to buy a Toyota Highlander but thank god I saw this SUV online, I went to test drive it and I liked a lot. Don't get me wrong the highlander is nice but for just a couple of more dollars I got a better SUV overall. You can feel the power on it, just had it for almost a week and I love it.
The best of the Best
This car was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had a chevy before and it fell apart on me and it was a 200 chevy astro conversion and i traded it for the nissan pathfinder. And this tuck has a beautiful ride very powerful good on gas and comfortable to drive with the family or even step on the gas once in a while.
?
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....
pathfinder leads the way
The outside noise stays outside. I can hear my daughter from the third row seat. The power is there when i need it. The horn is not loud enough. I liked the horn on my ford explorer better. Everything else is up to par.
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.
Don't buy!
This car drives well until you start having problems. The build quality on this vehicle and reliability are not good. We have had issues with this car. If you are in the market I would stay away from Nissan.
Strong engine
I like the rugget look of the pathfinder and the performance was better then all the other suv's we tested before deciding to purchase the pathfinder. The ride was a little harsh on bumpy roads. The interior quality could be a little better for a vehicle in the near $30,000 range. The back doors require a hard push to make them shut completely. But this suv can stand up against the other top suv's in its size range and the styling is a eye opener. I have 4 children and this vehicle was able to seat us all comfortly.
Everything you want in an SUV
This is everything you would want to have in an SUV. I went for the fully loaded LE with the DVD entertainment. This vehicle is very quiet and is really fun to drive. I put on the billet grill which makes the front end look awesome. Next the 20" Rims are going to be put on.
So far so good
Initially bought the vehicle because the wife wanted third row seats, and I currently own 2 Nissan trucks, a 1990 4x4 hard-body with 270,000 miles and only replaced the head gasket, and a 2001 s/c frontier 4x4 with 140,000 and have only had to replace the timing chain which is maintenance anyway, so I have been more than pleased with the reliability of Nissan trucks and was very comfortable in the purchase of the pathy, it currently has about 90; 000 mile on it and has run like a top, I have driven it all over the western United States on many occasions and never had a problem. Today the check engine light says that the tps sensor is malfunctioning, researching the web I found about the trans woes
Pathfinder on the Mountain
This car is great! There are very few things I dislike about it. It is not the most economical car to drive up and down a mountain everyday, but it definately has the comfort and style I was looking for and it is extremely spacious... what you get for the price you pay is great! Buy a Pathfinder, you'll enjoy it just as much as I.
Great truck!
After 3 yrs and 40k, no issues or problems. Gas mileage is 15 mpg in winter and 17 mpg in summer. Still runs like a champ, great in bad weather, Nice on long trips. The Bose stereo is one of the best factory units I've had. Overall, a win!
It's my third pathfinder and i love them
We've been a Nissan family since 1993 (that was our first Pathfinder) they are so reliable and fun to drive. We just traded in our 2002 for 2005 (we leased) and I'm loving it just like the last two! It has the third row of seats (which we'll probably never use) and they fold down so flat which is great and has more room then our 2002