The life span of an automobile is a short one. Most vehicles have little more than a four or five year run before they are replaced by a completely new model, leaving no traces of their predecessor. There are those few rare exceptions that seem to live forever; the original Mini Cooper was such a vehicle, as was the VW Beetle. Somewhere in between the famous and the forgotten are those vehicles that continue to survive year after year, edging ever closer to "classic" status. Included in this handful of vehicles from the end of the 20th century is Nissan's Pathfinder. Though it has received numerous facelifts and interior upgrades—not to mention spawning a luxurious off-shoot known as the Infiniti QX4—today's Pathfinder shares much of the same architecture as that of the 1996 model, yet continues to hold its own against an onslaught of younger, more modern designs.
At the heart of every good SUV is a power plant worth its weight in gold and the Nissan 3.5-liter V6 is pure 24 karat; its presence under the Pathfinder's hood is one of the constants that lure buyers back to the Pathfinder year after year. Producing 250 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque, the Pathfinder's engine pulls strongly off the line and continues to accelerate with a smooth linearity made visible by the uninterrupted sweep of the speedometer needle. For even more kick, you can bypass the automatic and shift gears for yourself because the Pathfinder is one of the few upscale SUVs that offer the option of a 5-speed manual transmission (SE 4x4 models only).
There are two trim levels, the SE and LE, and both are available in either 2- or 4-wheel drive. SE models cater to the original intent of the SUV: off road ability and rugged construction. To this end, the SE's 4-wheel-drive system consists of the conventional, shift-on-the-fly transfer case with a high and low range. LE models are geared more towards the luxury side of the SUV spectrum and employ a more sophisticated, permanently-engaged all-wheel drive system that sends power to which ever wheels need it most. Both SE and LE are capable off-road vehicles, but where the SE will probably spend its weekends climbing over rocks and forging streams, the LE is more likely to see duty carving a path through snow-covered streets and ski-lodge driveways. The Pathfinder's independent front suspension does a fine job of delivering a smooth ride on paved surfaces, but has its work cut out for it once you leave the pavement.
If there is one shortcoming to the Pathfinder's age, it can be found in its interior dimensions. Rear-seat legroom is only marginal as is headroom both front and rear. Drivers over six feet tall will find their heads perilously close to the roof, a situation made worse when the optional sunroof is in place. There is no third row seat option and the large center B-pillar rests beside the driver's head creating an enormous blind spot when looking over one's shoulder.
Both models are well equipped. The standard equipment list for the SE includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, automatic headlights, power windows, power door locks, heated outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an AM/FM cassette with CD and six speakers. Even the little touches like backlit power window switches are standard. The LE adds to this list with 17-inch alloy wheels, one-touch power sunroof, a Bose audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic temperature control, outside temperature gauge and a digital compass. If you still are not satisfied with the content level of your Pathfinder, you can add leather seats, an onboard navigation system, a limited-slip rear differential and a video or DVD based entertainment system for rear passengers.
