Used 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
fantastic, but no workhorse!
It is my wife's car, and our all- purpose 4wd go anywhere-do anything vehicle. We love it for family use, and will go skiing in it soon. However, don't expect to pull a trailer effectively. It will, but a 6x12 U-Haul cut the gas mileage clean in half, and it struggled the whole time. I should have checked the torque numbers more before I traded in a 99 Yukon for it. Other than that, the problems/specifics I've noted are: rattling inner dvd panel(fixed by me), moaning brakes(at 6900 miles) gas mileage is more like 15-16/19-20, must set the 2nd seats up from recline to fold 3rd seats down, and need more of an arm rest on the driver's door. minor issues, though, for an otherwise great vehicle.
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!!
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,900348 mi away
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,998370 mi away
- LE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,700465 mi away
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
Best for $$ by far...
We bought a "stripped" 4wd SE and feel you can't get more SUV for the money. We just returned from a ski trip to VT and this thing provided a perfect balance between handling, power, and 4WD ability all for $26k out the door. The 4Runner is about $3500 more similarly optioned, and even then it lacks what you get in the Pathfinder. Build quality on ours is excellent, no rattles etc.. It is clearly not a car based SUV, but rides as good as a real chassis based SUV possibly can. Buy a Murano if you want a car...if you want something that can tow, go off-road et al then buy this.
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.
just a bigger Xterra
SO what. It has a third row seat and uses a little more fuel.. same off- road capability, more room and not much more price... the outside difference doesn't appear to be much but the inside room is very obvious
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
Rating
Not impressed with the Rust that appeared on rear lift gate oh it was fixed under warranty but guess what yep you got it it stared to Rust again we have it booked for jan 17 th to go to the body shop' i wrote to Nissan and called but no one responded. i traded an Acura MDX which didn't rust BUT had tranny replaced after countless visits to dealer GOING back to North American vehicles
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.
A Real SUV w/Looks Too!
A true SUV. Looks good too! Ride is fine, the handling is amazing. Took 1 road trip to discover that this is an excellent handling vehicle. Ammenities are nice, but I do have my issues with it ... none serious, mostly my preferences. Let me back track, a lot of people's preferences I assume. Recommended for its quality, styling and very powerful engine. Never ceases to amaze me how smaller vehicles believe they can "blow by" this iteration of the PathFinder. This thing came quite literally move you quickly and under control. To conclude on this point, if you don't want to be passed by the majority of vehicles you will not be OR at the very least you can keep up!
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!!
love it
We love it,and my moms gonna buy one. MPG in city is 16, Hwy is 19 average at quick speed, gets better at slower speeds,but why go slower? Very quite and smooth at 80+ MPH. Interior is great with more than enough toys to play with. Air vents in the rear are great and many. 3rd row seat is good for smaller people, but works for the occassional adult. Seats are all very comfortable and heated seats are great. Dual heat control is also nice but we're currently having trouble with the heat, there is no difference in temp. between 80 and 65. This will be fixed today. Adjustable peddles are great, I'm 6'2 and have plenty of room. Very nice for the money.
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.
And i almost bought a chevy tahoe
this is my first ever suv and wow!! what a truck. This suv is such a pleasure to drive for long hauls or even just setting in downtown chicago's traffic. the great take aways frome this suv is outstanding comfort for the drive. I'm 6'2" and i can set comfortably in the back seat with out adjusting the front seat. And man does this monster move, i was blown away that its only a 6 clinder. i can honestly say the second and third row seats are extremely easy to move and figure out how to use. well i love my truck and nissan has a new fan!!! oh and by the way this truck has a great center of gravity, you wont feel any weird rolling motions from making turns.
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.
Just a perfect vehicle...
I have had my 2005 Pathfinder for exactly 1 year next week and it still feels like I bought it yesterday! I love it. Very comfortable (drove it from south Florida to Maryland and back in 4 days), very sporty (hauls my kayaks and dirtbikes around like it's nothing), pulls a 5000 lb boat very well (not underpowered or feeling like the boat is pulling me), the sound system is amazing, and I have not had 1 problem with it yet! They really are fun to drive in-town, on the beach, on the highway(lots of get up and go when you need it) and they are really great looking. They also have all the creature comforts you could ask for including 3rd row seating and a first-aid kit included! Get one!
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.
05 SE Off-Road 4x4
Price per pound this vehicle is hard to beat if your a growing family or just need a bigger vehicle. The new 4.0L V-6 feels more like a V-8 than a V-6, yet is lite on fuel. The MPG est. posted by Nissan seem to be modest @ 22/25, mine has 500miles on it < still tight/unseated> and already showing 23.4 city MPG in constant stop and go.
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;
What a vehicle!!!
WOW!! We bought this for my wife to drive and this is our first SUV. She had a Bonneville with 225,000 miles on it so this was a change. We test drove everything and I mean EVERYTHING but decided on the Pathfinder. It was used but only had 2000 miles on it and we love it. Recently took it to Colorado for a ski trip and I was amazed at the power going up the mountains and we were loaded down with gear. It looks awesome and its a blast to drive. I might even get one for myself. One thing I absolutely DO NOT LIKE is the back cargo space. It's supposed to be "cleanable" but anything you put back there slides around. I have already had some things break cause they were sliding around.
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.
The best vehicle I've ever owned
The title describes it. This vehicle is very powerful, great mileage (we average 20-23 hwy, 16 combo city/hwy), roomy, awesome brawny looks, firm but comfortable ride, quiet at highway speeds even with the agressive BFG tires and amazing off highway capability. While driving to a winter resort a few months back we survived the worst white-out conditions we had ever experienced in the Oregon Cascades. Our Pathfinder could not be slowed by very deep snow or ice. We struck a surprise berm of snow left by a snowplow that had we been in lesser vehicles would have surely put us in the fifteen foot high banks. I can't say enough about the Pathfinder. If you are thinking about a purchase... do it!
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!
My Pathy
The best truck I have ever owned! It's 1.5 years old and I have not even had the need to take it into the dealer for any of the typical "punch list" items you find on new cars/trucks.
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.
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.
excellent
i love driving this vehicle, it has great steering, great room, and great look, when you drive it, ts as if, youre floating on a cloud.
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.
another new nissan that fits the bill
pretty fast for suv too early to tell u quality but if like past should be great
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.
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.
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.
Great SUV
So far I have only had it for 3 days now. I went out of town on business with it and it was an excellent ride. The leather quality is great and it looks very luxurious on the inside especially with the wood trim. I bought the LE, which is the loaded version minus DVD and nav. This SUV rides as smooth as a car. Very spacious and fun to drive. I bought this car over the 05 Toyota 4 runner. It was more stable and bigger than the toyota. Test drive the pathfinder before you consider anything else, you get a lot of features and styling for the money.
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
AWESOME SUV!
I bought this SUV on 7 Nov and fell in love with it! My wife and myself looked at many other SUV's and found this one to be the best overall...You cant beat the price for what you get. We compared the Honda Pilot, Saturn Vue, and the Toyota 4Runner. The Pathfinder was better than all of them!!! We bought the Pathfinder SE with everything but the DVD and paid $27,700 +tax&lic. We love our Pathfinder and hope to keep it 10+ years!!!!
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!
NEw Pathfinder
I just purchased a new 05 SE. It rides better than my 01 se that I traded. I got the Comfort & Premium packages. It is much better than my 01.
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.
Love it !
This SUV feels VERY tight and smooth while driving,city or highway.That tells me that it was made with quality in mind.Looking around it,inside and out, you really see how well made it is.
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
Love It So Far
I have only had this vehicle for a week, but thus far I am quite pleased. I had driven 3 different vans over the last 10 years and was quite nervous about transferring to a smaller vehicle, but so far so good. I enjoy the get up and go this vehicle has. I know that if I need to get out of the way of something, I have the power to do so. I have always enjoyed driving pickup trucks and the Pathfinder has the same sort of feel. I live in a small community and there are not many Pathfinders around, but the response it has gotten regarding its look has been astounding. My previous vehicles have all been white and my Pathfinder is Storm Gray, which has proven to be a refreshing change.
Nice SUV
This performs more like a 350z than an SUV. The engine is VERY powerful, almost too fast for an SUV. The gas mileage is HORRIBLE, however. I've averaged 13 MPG since I've had it. Maybe b/c I drive too fast, but either way, it's bad. Interior is great, no problems at all.
Styling, & performance to match
Considered buying Explorer & Grand Cherokee. Pathfinder wins hands down in terms of value for your your money. Best compromise of engine power and gas mileage (for an SUV). Love the unique styling, which hints at the power under the hood. Have 3,700 miles on the truck, no issues so far (except for an exterior molding piece falling off roof rack). Solid construction, excellent power & handling, great suspension feel. I couldn't be happier with the truck. I'm tempted to keep the secret to myself, but if you're considering a mid-size SUV, this is a great truck.
Excellent Value & Quality
This truck is awesome. I love it, great value and quality is excellent. The ride is very soild, great room on the interior, and the Bose radio is best in class.