Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
Though the Nissan Pathfinder appears to be on the small side of the midsize-SUV continuum, it actually is capable of carting 85 cubic feet of detritus. Our main complaints about the Pathfinder revolve around the weak 3.3-liter V6 engine and the tight entry and exit afforded by small rear doors. Last year, Nissan slightly boosted power output to 170 horsepower and 200 ft-lbs. of torque, but the truck still feels winded as the revs climb. Look for a big power boost in the middle of the 2000 model year. Other changes last year included revised styling that gives the Nissan Pathfinder a more rugged and substantial appearance, new colors, improved NVH performance, revised suspension tuning for better on-road ride and handling, bigger tires and a wider track. Interiors got a makeover with new fabrics, white or titanium gauge clusters, standard CD sound system with cassette player and six speakers, optional side airbags and an ignition immobilizer.
Three trim levels are available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. Basic XE models come decently equipped with ABS, automatic transmission, air conditioning, alloy wheels, privacy glass and an anti-theft system. Step up to the SE and enjoy the option of shifting gears manually, tubular step rails, leather-wrapped steering wheel, titanium gauges, suede-look cloth trim, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, driver's seat height adjustment and lumbar control, and remote keyless entry. Top-of-the-line LE models are loaded with running boards, fog lights, chrome exterior accents, automatic climate control, Bose audio, exterior temperature readout, integrated compass, and fake wood interior accents.
Adding to this consumer-friendly market climate is the incredible popularity of the smaller Xterra, which is cannibalizing Pathfinder intenders with its more hip, youthful image and cheaper price tag. Three trim levels are available with either rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive.
Nissan designed the Nissan Pathfinder to look like an SUV, not a truck or high-riding station wagon. Rounded corners and attractive proportions between body and greenhouse serve the Pathfinder well, as do curved roof pillars. Three trim levels comprise the Pathfinder lineup: XE, SE and LE. Up-level versions ride on alloy wheels, while the XE's uses chrome-plated steel rims.
Nissan Pathfinder XE and LE trim levels are offered as rear- or four-wheel-drive models. The SE comes standard with four-wheel drive. Nissan's four-wheel-drive system is a part-time unit -- the driver shifts between two- and four-wheel drive. Nissan Pathfinders run the gamut from basic to fully loaded. The loaded LE comes with power windows/mirrors/door locks, leather seats and other convenience features. A Convenience Package brings the XE within shouting distance of the LE, a Sport Package adds trim--and a limited-slip rear differential for 4x4 models. The LE offers an optional package that includes a sunroof and power front seats.
A quiet, comfortable environment is one of the Pathfinder's greatest assets. Plush pile carpeting is underfoot; SE and LE trim levels offer higher quality carpeting than the XE. An excellent heating/ventilation/air conditioning system keeps interior temperatures at the desired level. All Nissan Pathfinders come well equipped; especially SE and LE trim levels. Seat heaters warm the seats quickly on the LE, which comes standard with heated leather seats -- an option on SE 4x4 models. Another nice option is the power glass sunroof/Bose audio package on SE and LE.
If Nissan owners conform to the general SUV-buyer profile, most Nissan Pathfinders will spend the bulk of their lives on the highway. The Pathfinder is a competent performer, especially in the highway cruise mode. In hard cornering, the body leans a fair amount, but the Pathfinder handles well. The Pathfinder performs well even when packed with a full load of passengers and cargo. The base 5-speed manual transmission shifts well. The automatic matches the Nissan Pathfinders character well up shifting and downshifting responsively for efficient, pleasant city driving. The Pathfinder copes well with sand, mud and snow. One feature the Pathfinder lacks is push-button or rotary-switch activation of four-wheel drive.