Nissan Pathfinder

8189 messages,  Last post on Nov 27, 2012 at 10:22 AM

You are in the Nissan Pathfinder Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Pathfinder, SUV

#3341 of 8189 PF vs Runner by filod

Jul 20, 2001 (9:50 am)

Preuning
I have always been a proud owner of Toyotas (Previa, Corolla, Pickup and Corona), Hondas (always have an Accord) and Nissans (Altima, Quest)
 
Now 2001 PF LE and biggest consideration was the power (plus the wife likes the design and she had to pick the color too the beige but I personally like the bronze gray)
 
HP PF 240 6,000 (Runner 183 4,800)
Torque PF 265 3,200 (Runner 217 3,600)
 
Quality personally I do not see any quality problems on the Nissans as opposed to the general impression that the Hondas and Toyotas are better in quality
  Towing based on the HP I will give the edge to the PF right now
(I would like to think that the Runner is now due for an upgrade in engine considering that the cheaper Highlander has a higher horsepower)
  Design model is a personal decision. I like both but my feeling is that both the Runner and the PF will have a big change for the year 2003 that may come out middle or fall of 2002
  Roll over (check nhtsa web site. It is your choice to believe these tests or not)
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Pathfinder 4 x 4 and Lexus RX300
Front driver 4 stars Front passenger 5 stars
Side driver 5 stars Side passenger 5 stars
Rollover resistance 3 stars
 
Runner 4x4
Front driver 4 stars Front passenger 4 stars
Side driver 5 stars Side passenger 5 stars
Roll over resistance 3 stars
 
Strange but the PF 4X2 was given only 2 stars for rollover resistance. The highest rating that I saw for all the SUVs tested was a 3 star maybe because their height compared to cars that some are given 5 stars. Whatever you will decide enjoy!

#3342 of 8189 bra by filod

Jul 20, 2001 (10:22 am)

Les
I purchased the mask for my 01 PF LE from our local dealer here in the bay area
 
You need a little stretching the first time you install, but the Nissan brand has a perfect fit on the vehicle
 
It can be little pricey over other places, but since I won a $50 accessory certificate when I attended the service orientation, I ended up paying cheap for the bra. I just use it though for long trips and not let it stay for a long period of time as it may leave marks

#3343 of 8189 runner my mistake by filod

Jul 20, 2001 (10:45 am)

preuning
typo but the runner is showing only 2 stars for the rollover resistance. I will suggest that you visit the website to check. sorry for the mistake

#3344 of 8189 PF vs 4Runner by loboy

Jul 20, 2001 (4:08 pm)

Preuning,
I think both are fine vehicles. As for quality, they are equal, IMHO. Didn't the PF won JD Powers' Initial Quality Award? I decided on the PF for the value. Also, I find the ride on the PF to be more accomodating. If you do more traveling than off-roading, than a PF would be better suited.
 
When I first started looking for a SUV in 99, I had settled on a 4Runner myself and almost bought one in 2000, until the 2001 PF came out in April. I really liked the new larger engine. The 4Runner is due for a change soon, maybe next year and a larger engine? Who knows, that may level the playing field. Of course, the responses you get depends on which forum you are asking the question. Good luck.

#3345 of 8189 preuning (PF vs 4Runner) by xplorx4

Jul 21, 2001 (12:13 am)

I think your criteria are too general. Nearly all mid-size and larger SUVs meet your major requirements. You might need to be more specific in your comparisons. But here are some of my comments about the Pathfinder (I don't have that much first-hand experience with the 4Runner)
 
1) Carrying capacity for family trips
Probably the same for both vehicles: 5 occupants. The Pathfinder will comfortably fit
2 adults, 2 medium-sized kids, baby seat, or 2 adults, and 2 teenagers. Squeezing 3 persons the size of an average teenager into the rear seat will make some butts fall asleep.
 
2) Ease of maintenance and economy
This depends on how close you live to a Toyota or Nissan dealership. It's no more difficult to drive a Pathfinder to the dealer than a 4Runner. If you intend to do your own oil changes, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, etc then I believe they are similar.
 
Fuel economy is comparable between the two.
 
3) Future ability to tow small runabout - 19 foot or smaller
 
Pathfinder has a larger (240hp) motor. This is a distinct advantage.
 
You should narrow your criteria more; make the choice depending on a wider variety of factors, like how does it drive, how does it feel (interior fit and finish), how do you like the interior layout and features (cupholders, controls, storage, etc.)

#3346 of 8189 2002 pathfinder by tonveranga

Jul 21, 2001 (8:23 am)

considering trading my 01 LE for a 02 with a Navigation. Does anybody know of any sites that has a picture of the 02 model? how much is the price difference?

#3347 of 8189 Pathfinder and premium fuel... by preuning

Jul 21, 2001 (5:18 pm)

Looking like we will go with the Pathfinder over 4-runner (2WD SE with auto and sunroof).
 
One question: Does the PF really need premium? I run midgrade in my '98 I30 with no problems and I think the PF has a similar engine, just 3.5L vs. 3.0L for the I30.

#3348 of 8189 Pathy and Premium fuel by pogito

Jul 22, 2001 (8:44 am)

In response to Preuning:
We recently had our one week summer vacation to Hamilton, Ohio in our '01 SE Pathy. (we are from Fairfax, VA). Filled my tank with Texaco Premium unleaded, we decided to go through I 68 which is up and down mountainous route and set the cruise control at 73 mph, no problem. Then half way into I 68 in W Virginia, we stopped by to eat lunch, the tank displayed a little more than half full. I decided to fill it again this time with Citgo Power Plus unleaded. I assumed this will not hurt because more than half full 93 octane + 8 gallons of power plus 89 should maintain 91 octane which the owner manual says is recommended to the Pathy. On the I 68 again still up and down, the Pathy began to display hesitation, surging at times on cruise control at about 70 mph.
My wife and I thought it is the poor quality of gas from Citgo.
I suggest for optimum performance, stick with premium and named brand gasoline.

#3349 of 8189 Owners manual on the PF reads...premium fuel recommended! by bimmer4me

Jul 22, 2001 (2:21 pm)

When the manufacturer recommends or suggests whats best for your vehicle, I say go with what's recommended. If your attempt is to save some pennies, buy a CRV or RAV4. The PF and all true SUV's with a 6 or an 8 cyl engine... drink fuel like a thirsty camel. These are not Eco Vehicles. Nissan is not purposely trying to make you pay more at the pump...they are suggesting your vehicle runs best with premium fuel. Now if you choose to operate your PF on regular, I'm certain your truck will run fine. But your gas milage will suffer even more, running it on a lower octane...so go figure!

#3350 of 8189 Pathfinder wins out over 4-Runner... by preuning

Jul 22, 2001 (3:03 pm)

Passenger room and seating comfort for wife and two kids wins out over fun truck for Dad.
 
We went with an SE 2WD silver with gray cloth interior - liked cloth in SE much more than cloth in LE.
 
Wife is happily loading up CDs in the changer and playing with sunroof - both were missing in her minivan.
 
As to the deal - You always feel like you've left money on the table. Bottom line - go for the best price possible then ask for the 0.9% financing.
 
On the fuel issue - salesman said you can run midgrade in the PF but you won't get all 240 horses - whatever that means. Since the Costco near us sells 93-octane premium for the same price at 89-midgrade, the PF should dine in style...and often
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