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Used 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
372 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pathfinder Pride

ncraskal, 07/28/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought this SUV after exhaustive reviews of Pilot, MDX, 4Runner, Tahoe. Narrowed down to 4Runner and Pathfinder - the Nissan won-out with rear air, styling and performance on/off road.This is my 2nd Pathfinder - had a 96 SE that I loved. The 05 goes back to the truck platform but the independent suspension improves rideability. Fuel consumption - I am averaging 18.6 per my SUV's computer, and about 19.3 per my calculations. Getting ready for vacation trip to OBX in fall, so will see what loaded vehicle gets for highway mileage. Runs best on hi-test, but it's the price I pay for performance.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Pathfinder!

Sal, 08/25/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Pathfinder after renting one on an eight hour trip to Florida. The look, ride and comfort was amazing. I loved it so much, I had to buy one. I am able to get 22 mpg on the highway and continue to get 17 mpg in the city. The seats are comfortable for me as well as my passengers. I get compliments all the time and am proud to be an owner my Pathfinder. I have not had any problems thus far and I have owned this vehicle for one year.

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4 out of 5 stars

Nissan Pathfinder

James, 08/29/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a really nice vehicle. Style, gas milage, inside room. Too bad its directional stability (wandering) affects the driving of rhe vehicle. Violent shaking when hitting bumps and the rear suspension bottoms out. I've had the rear leaf springs replaced by Nissan, but it did not improve the suspension. Nissan NA and their "lead" mechanics acknowledge that the wandering and shaking happen, but they say that is the characteristic of the vehicle. It is a safety concern that they are not addressing. Fix the steering and suspension and this is a delight vehicle to own.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best all-around Mid-Size SUV

Ron Brewer, 09/02/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best driver leg room of SUVs test driven. It has no rattles. Rear storage area adjustable and adequate. Not one problem in almost 30,000 miles. I enjoy town and highway performance and handling. Four wheel drive and braking system excellent.Of more than 30 vehicles owned since 1954 this one is the best!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

OK Experience

Bob, 10/27/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in a Maxima for a Pathfinder a couple of years ago. Mixed reaction. Loved the roominess of the cabin, as I'm quite tall. Good layout, legroom. Mixed feelings about the build quality. Several noises coming from the dash, seat belts don't retract. Not up to prior Nissan experience. Realized I wasn't an SUV person... not enough fun. Just went back to a new '07 Max. Cool!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great truck!

tony, 10/28/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

after a lot of research and test drives i went with an 05 pathfinder. after 1 yr and 12k miles i know i made the right choice!! I've had NO problems at all!! Plenty of power, great in the snow, nice stereo(get the Bose!!) fun to drive, overall a great truck!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great mid-size SUV

Gil, 11/05/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a great midsize SUV. I also researched and compared the Chevy Trailblazer, Toyota 4runner, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Outback. I chose the Pathfinder because of its reliability and price paid with options selected. I went with the fully loaded SE model and am very happy with my choice. Another reason for selecting the Pathfinder was that my prior vehicle was a 91 Nissan Maxima that I put on 180,000 miles and never had a major problem. I believe the best quality manufacturers are Toyota, Honda, and Nissan and you couldn't go wrong with any of them. However, Nissan offers the best price of the three, with similar options selected.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

"thoughtful" sums it up

Travis, 12/07/2006
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i virtually live out of my Pathfinder. it's interior is highly functional and the exterior design is meaty and great. the designers really did their work from the extra cup holders and cell phone slots to the grab handles on the luggage rack to the placing of the hooks for the grab net in the cargo area. i used to drive a ford explorer but i find the pathfinder to be an much better suv overall. i also tow a boat pushing the limits of it's towing capacity. NO PROBLEMS!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Long Term Review

Mike, 01/20/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

As with most first generation models there are a few bugs that had to be ironed out. First were brakes. 3 sets inside 2 years with the last set finally doing the trick. Issue 2 was the serpentine belt/tensioner resulting in a squealing sound every 6 months. Was told Nissan changed belt supplier initially and then went back to their orig. supplier as this appears to of solved the problem. My 1990 version could go 400 hwy miles before topping off again, this one should of been given a larger tank capacity. Lastly, I have a squeak/rattle behind my sunroof. To be addressed when I get some free time. Power seats should have a lock to prevent accidental changes when entering/exiting truck.

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4 out of 5 stars

Ok Pathfinder

demuslee, 01/26/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder XE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had my pathfinder for 18 months now and have found the engine to be noisier than my dad's Kia Sorento. There are a lot more rattles and squeaks coming from all over which is strange considering it doesn't go off road. Towing is good for my 17 ft boat and it is a fairly comfortable ride except for the noisy engine, rattles and squeaks. 3rd row seating is also hard to access. I've been to 2 dealerships in Miami looking for good service, but haven't found any yet - extremely disorganized and low service emphasis. The labor and oil changes are also expensive at $40 for an oil change. My wife's Toyota gets better service from Toyota dealership. Would buy a Toyota just because of the service.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

will never buy another nissan!

dustman98, 09/10/2011
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought my '05 pathfinder used in 2010 with 75K miles thinking I was getting a great used vehicle with excellent reliability. What ensued was a series of headaches that prompted me to trade it (at a loss) only 1.5 years later. I replaced the radiator only 8 months into ownership because it was leaking to prevent transmission problem that seemed prevalent among owners. Within 6 months, I noticed transmission making funny shifts and acting awkward. At the same time, CV joint deterioriated on front driveshaft (another common complaint) resulting in terrible roaring noise during high speed travel. Replaced both for $1300. Traded today to avoid problem..Get rid of as soon as possible!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2005 Nissan Pathfinder a Gem

Jude, 09/29/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After owning strictly American cars, Jaguars, Mercedes and Audis, this is the best value and quality I have ever had. Best priced, best value retention with absolutely no defects or mechanical problems in 2 years.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Forgot To Build In Quality

Ken, 07/10/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was under the impression that Japanese cars were all well made, until owning this vehicle. We have made trip after trip after trip to the dealer getting things fixed. No fewer than 14 different things had broken in the first two years -- all of which were fixed by the dealer, because all were due to poor design and/or manufacturing. Beyond bad quality, my biggest issue is the front seats. They literally cause pain if you have to sit on them for more than a half hour. Compared to all the vehicles I have owned, these are by far the most uncomfortable seats.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

My Second Pathfinder

Mike, 07/30/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had a 1997 Pathfinder and bought another in 2005. The redesign was a hit and I went for every option except the navigation and DVD for which I had no use. The Bose system is, hands-down, the best system I have ever had in a car (and that includes a $1,000 aftermarket system I had in 1970s Mustang). No problems at all and I'm past 65K miles on this. Still on the first set of tires which have been very reliable. I will replace before next winter (and I only rotated them twice so far.) Getting 18 mpg and I drive it hard - but no off-roading. The rear hatch rust around the license plate is a REAL problem. Nissan conveniently "lost" my first claim at 50K mi and will be resubmitting it!

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5 out of 5 stars

My Pathfinder :D

AlexParamount, 09/05/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I inherited this 2005 pathfinder from my brother, so I've driven it before. I used to borrow it all the time for roadtrips with my buddies because I've always owned a smaller car - now it's mine! Gas mileage is actually pretty good - equal to my old 1989 240sx. I've achieved as high as 28 mpg on the freeway at 70 mph. City driving is about 15 mpg - so it averages out to about 20 mpg with my mix of hwy/city driving. This is a fast car. I do 0-60 in about 7 seconds. I'm 6'1 and 240 lbs and my truck fits me great. On a roadtrip to Palm Springs my three my-sized buddies fit in the back with their cargo and we got about 23 mpg with AC on full blast. GREAT truck with excellent cargo space.

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4 out of 5 stars

Multiple Electronic Issues

freegg, 09/11/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This vehicle looks nice but we've had constant electrical issues since it's purchase. Both side view power mirrors went out. The rear passenger power window went out. The oil pressure sensor quit. I've already replaced the battery once after only two years. The overcharging alternator burned out the positive battery cable. Now the fuel gauge has stopped working. I can't remember how many times the service engine light has come on. I was a believer in Nissan products until we purchased this vehicle. I will not buy another Nissan product.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome vehicle!

Bill, 10/24/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We have had this vehicle for almost three years. It has run like a champ since day one. It is roomy, luxurious and highly functional. Do not use third row seat often but it's very handy when you want it, and truly folds flat. Some complain about roominess of third row and it is only good for kids. Well it has four more inches of leg room than the 4Runner and who do you think rides back there anyway? You can take the grandparents and not have to take two cars.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Excellent SUV

jds, 04/04/2008
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have really enjoyed this vehicle. There were a few minor adjustments that needed to be made to the vehicle (squeaky stereo compartment) which the dealer fixed. Otherwise, the power is excellent and for a SUV, it rides pretty well.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Don't Get a Nissan

Chyna, 12/12/2007
2005 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I would not recommend anyone to buy a Nissan vehicle this is including the pathfinder that I have purchased. The brakes make squealing noise, the vehicle make rattling noise, the back row is so uncomfortable and the worst problem is the air conditioner. I have taken this vehicle on many road trips and has to stop every 2 to 3 hours because the air conditioner would blow out hot air. I took it to the dealer and they told me that they can't fix it. I have two young kids and each time this happened, I would have to stop on the side of the road and let it rest for an 1 or 2 before we can drive it again. This is not safe at all. I will fight with their headquarter to get this fixed!

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4 out of 5 stars

Nice Exterior/Poor Quality

Jason, 04/26/2008
2005 Nissan Pathfinder XE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned four Nissans in the last five years including a 99.5 Pathfinder SE 4WD, and went out immediately and bought the 2005 new body style when it came out. This SUV has a rugged, great looking exterior. However, the vehicle is plagued with quality issues. The fuel gauge is not working (bad fuel level sending unit). The CD player is not working. The rear driver passenger window is not working. Also, there are gaps in the upholstery where seems are not sewn together properly and foam is pushing through. All of these malfunctions hit right after the 36,000 warranty expired (if you get one, get the extended warranty). Also, don't expect any assistance from Nissan

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5 out of 5 stars

2005 pathfinder

Tammy, 11/05/2023
2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Pathfinder’s it tows my little trailer with no problem nothing major has broke on my car just normal wear after all these years it’s still going strong

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

new age family truckster

big rebel, 01/12/2005
2005 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

sad to say, converted Jeep owner. the Germans have taken over at Chrysler! We needed a real 4x4 which could handle growing family and many roadtrips to our VT vacation home. We looked at everything in the segment (pilot, highlander, jeeps, fords, GMCs etc). The Pathfinder is excellent: spacious, yet quite stable on the highway; Great handling in the snow and VT mud (jeep like characteristics, which impressed us all); and just well thought out inside - quite practicle. One can actually use the third row! One can actually use the fold down passenger seat as a changing table! And it can still get out of its own way on the highway at 80mph

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