2002 Nissan Pathfinder Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by rchamberlain

Powertrain performance

The powertrain in this vehicle has been excellent during the 10 years that I have owned it (bought new). The 4 speed auto is outdated but still performs very well. I feed it only regular grade fuel unless towing or loaded very heavily.

Exterior styling

Mainly like the great visibility in all directions. Also like the slightly wide based stance of the vehicle

Ride smoothness

Excellent ride for full 4 wheel drive vehicle with low range.

Interior styling

I like the simple but elegant dash and gages

Brand reputation & image

This car was engineered and assemble in Japan and it makes a difference. The post 1995 Pathfinders were built in the US and their reliability has been significantly worse. I would not buy a US built Pathfinder.

Handling

Recently at about 95,000 Km the car developed the dreaded Pathfinder death wobble whereby the rear trailing arm bushings softened prematurely allowing the solid axel to move fore and aft side to side on deeply rutted freeways. Bushings replaced

Fuel economy

What can you say--it's powerful, heavy and not very efficient by todays standards. Still given my current millage of 10,000 Km/year, it's not a good enough reason to trade the vehicle.

Safety & braking

Rear drums are mixed bag--very long lasting and not susceptible to road salt and rust. But with just drums on the back, the front rotors need to be larger or of better quality because they seem very prone to warping. Replaced at only 85,000 Km

Front seat support & comfort

My last rant is the front seats--which are leather but very uncomfortable after an hour or two. Oddly I have a friend with the identical vehicle in a different interior colour and no complaints about the front seats whatsoever. ?!?