Driving Impressions

Total absence of wind or engine noise at moderate speeds, firm communication with the road and a truly gratifying off-road junket highlighted our test drive of the Pathfinder. The standard 3.0-liter V6 delivered more than adequate highway passing performance, going from 50 to 70 mph in 10 seconds when we left the transmission in fourth gear. This performance is, in part, attributable to the Pathfinder's trim dimensions and resultant lower curb weight. The five-speed manual transmission was smooth and quick through the gates. The 4WD system features both high and low modes and engaged quickly and smoothly with only a modest increase in engine noise; the 4WD instrument panel light alerted us to the switch. The power front disc and the rear anti-lock braking system rear drum brakes delivered sure, straight stops with far less pedal reaction than some other vehicles so equipped. And guess what? Our Nissan Pathfinder also featured a Sport/Comfort suspension that really worked, transmitting every bump to our test driver in the stiff Sport mode but virtually eliminating them in the softer Comfort mode. Our off-road experience warrants a paragraph of praise by itself. We selected the Sport suspension mode, shifted to low 4WD and took on a series of truly formidable washboard road conditions-deep ruts, water-filled depressions and giant mudholes. The Pathfinder blew through them all with nary a bone-jarring jolt or the slightest loss of control in accelerating, braking or maneuvering. It's a powerful, agile, immensely capable off-road adventurer.

Final Word

Like the idea of a sport utility vehicle that backs its no-nonsense styling with impressive performances on- and off-road? Willing to overlook a lack of legroom and cargo capacity? Then the Nissan Pathfinder XE 4x4 should be at or near the top of your shopping list. No, you won't be able to squeeze more than four adults inside comfortably or haul a ton of sports gear or luggage. But Nissan has packed this sportster with a power train and underpinnings that backroad or deep woods enthusiasts will find difficult to match.