[Thai]

All-new 2005 Pathfinder is bigger, roomier
Detroit, Michigan - Everything's changed but the name on the new 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Now with a new body-on-frame chassis derived from the full-size Pathfinder Armada chassis, the bigger, roomier 2005 Pathfinder features a new 250 horsepower 4.0 litre V6 engine (derived from the VQ 3.5 litre V6), standard 5-speed automatic transmission, three rows of seats, and an independent front and rear suspension. The Pathfinder is available as a 4x2, or 4x4 with an off-road traction system.

Though the 2005 Pathfinder is bigger than the 2004 model, it's not anywhere as big as the full-size Pathfinder Armada which is 20 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the 2005 Pathfinder.

"The 2005 Pathfinder, with its body-on-frame construction and enhanced utility and performance, is designed to offer a higher level of an authentic, rugged off-road performance than the typical SUVs in its class," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.

Utilizing the Pathfinder Armada's new "F-Alpha" platform as a basis, the Pathfinder features a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and adds an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and independent rear double-wishbone suspension with stabilizer bar. Performance shocks are also available with the Pathfinder Off-Road model.

Like other engines in the VQ series, the new 4.0-liter version includes Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs.

The Pathfinder's advanced All-Mode four-wheel drive system includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is also available, along with an advanced off-road traction system.

The addition of a standard 3rd row seat gives the new Pathfinder 7-passenger seating, along with increased passenger/cargo flexibility. The split fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded down individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide 64 different seating/cargo configurations.

Safety features include stronger body construction, Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), and optional roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection to outboard passengers in all three rows.

Assembly of the new Pathfinder will be moved from Japan to Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. The 2005 Pathfinder is scheduled to go on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in Fall, 2004.

[Thai]

[Thai]

[Thai]

All-New 2005 Nissan Pathfinder Features Three-Row Seating, Powerful 4.0-liter V6 and New Rugged Platform

When it was first introduced in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle (SUV) stood as an innovator in class

[Thai]

Here are the specs:

http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/200...er/specs.shtml

Not too shabby.

[peter78]

I find it interesting that the Pathfinder has a 4.0 V6 and a full frame design. The exterior has a lot of Nissan styling cues, but it looks like the design is copying the 4Runner. Also, it is built in the U.S. which should make it a bit cheaper to produce. I would say this is going to be 4Runner's biggest competitor.

That being said, it looks a little like a ugly box, I guess the look has to grow on me.

[Bluto]

"Assembly of the new Pathfinder will be moved from Japan to Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. "

Nissan has not achieved the domestic build quality that Toyota has.
You can go to any Nissan dealer, sit in the vehicles, and tell which vehicles were made in Japan or if they were made elsewhere.

Looks like a Durango?
Exterior:






Interior:

[prlundberg]

Yeah, my first thought was Durango too.

I like how they say it will be best in class off-road but has IFS all-around. Those marketing guys have a good sense of humor. 's like the Explorer comercial when they say "it's ability will amaze you, on-road and off" then they show it on a gravel road.

It's nice they use a body-on-frame design, but with IFS, what's the point?

Oh yeah. 99% of them will never go off road.

[Ianbiz3]

not bad, what is the price tag?? how does it compar to the 4runner?

[Ianbiz3]

Originally posted by FirstToyz
IRS- not a real suv anymore. It looks like the import version of the Ford Explorer.

import is ALWAYS better than domestic

[EdDucks916]

I had a 95 Pathfinder (first generation) that ran very well despite its pathetically slow engine. I considered going Pathfinder again before settling on the 4Runner because at the time, I needed a vehicle and Nissan was slow to update their Pathfinder.

One thing I really would love for Toyota to copy from this Pathfinder is the full set of gauges. Look closely at the instrument cluster and you'll see an oil pressure gauge and a voltmeter.

No one knows yet how it drives or how much it will cost, and no one has been given a chance to look at the interior. Also, the Pathfinder won't have a V-8 option, or an electric rear window. Time will tell to see how it will measure to the 4Runner. If Nissan is successful in later model years to stick the 5.6L V-8 into the Pathfinder, watch out.

I just test drove a Titan (it has that V-8 standard), and the exhaust note sounds like the V-8 from a Mustang...lots of power, too! While the interior is kind of cheap, bet on Nissan improving it in later model years.

[TOYZSport]

I've had a Nissan HardBody 1991 and it was a nice King Cab, anyhow. We considered purchasing a Nissan PathFinder, but unfortunately, like typical Nissan built vehicles; it just feels like its built elsewhere other than Japan.

[Thai]

Originally posted by EdDucks916
I just test drove a Titan (it has that V-8 standard), and the exhaust note sounds like the V-8 from a Mustang...lots of power, too! While the interior is kind of cheap, bet on Nissan improving it in later model years.

From what i hear, the new Titan is having unexpectedly slow sale figures! This is most surprising to Nissan (and me). I doubt that the Infiniti QX56 is selling well either. Nissan is doing well with their cars, but their SUV/truck lines are suffering a bit.

[Thai]

Link:

Edmunds First Drive of '05 Pathfinder

First Drive: 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
Right Back Where It Started
By Ed Hellwig
Date Posted 09-03-2004

It's not often that a company comes full circle with the design of one of its most successful models, but Nissan has done just that with the midsize Pathfinder. When it was first introduced way back in 1986, the Pathfinder rode on Nissan's small truck chassis giving it the kind of bulletproof hardware and rugged image that consumers craved in an SUV. That configuration, and a distinctive two-door design, made it a hit and put the Pathfinder squarely on the SUV map.

But as tastes changed so did the Pathfinder. Nissan eventually added two more doors and moved to a more road-friendly unibody design to help the Pathfinder appeal to a wider range of drivers. Its popularity continued, but for those who liked the original Pathfinder precisely because of its go-anywhere, do-anything capability, the image was somewhat tarnished.

For 2005, the Pathfinder has returned to its roots and once again rides on a body-on-frame truck chassis. This time around Nissan used a modified version of the F-Alpha platform that underpins the full-size Titan. With its fully boxed frame rails and all-steel, dual-wishbone design, it's a setup that has all the toughness you could ever want or need in an SUV. Along with this robustness, however, there are also fully independent front and rear suspensions designed to deliver a smooth ride and enough additional interior room to add a third-row seat. Nissan may have returned the Pathfinder to its roots but it didn't forget to include the kind of modern features that today's SUVs need to succeed. After two days behind the wheel we found its combination of off-road durability and on-road refinement a curious combination that should satisfy both the fans of the original and those who never wanted to see the last Pathfinder go.

Like most redesigned vehicles these days, the '05 Pathfinder is bigger than its predecessor in most dimensions. Although it's longer, taller and wider, Nissan's engineers did manage to keep the overall length down compared to competitors like the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Explorer. The shorter length keeps its size manageable while a longer wheelbase assures that it has the kind of space inside that today's SUV buyers expect. A third-row seat is now standard equipment, putting the Pathfinder in the same league as most of the competitors in the category.

The larger size and switch to body-on-frame construction brought with it a sizable increase in weight, but the extra heft is compensated by the Pathfinder's marked increase in engine power. The standard V6 was bumped from 3.5 to 4.0 liters, resulting in some pretty impressive numbers. With 270 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, the Pathfinder now boasts the most powerful V6 in its class. Advanced features like variable valve timing, all-aluminum construction and electronic throttle control assure that it retains a refined feel despite the fact that it's been tuned to provide the kind of low-end torque that an SUV of its size needs. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission available but there isn't much need for an alternative.

While plunking around tight city streets, we weren't blown away by the push of the big V6 but there was never any lack of on-demand power either. Between the sharp shifts of the automatic transmission and the quick throttle response, the Pathfinder always feels ready to move out in a hurry. Getting a feel for all the power of its 270 horses requires a jaunt on a wide-open freeway. It was in such conditions that we found the Pathfinder's new engine to be particularly impressive as it was able to build speed like a vehicle half its size. Higher-speed passing is a no-brainer and even when it's winding out to redline the engine never loses its refined nature. We did notice a slightly raucous engine note during our test-drive, but Nissan's engineers assured us that a different muffler would be used on production models — we hope it's enough to quiet things down a little.

Discerning the changes in the Pathfinder's ride quality proved to be more difficult than noticing the easily perceptible increase in power. While some might consider the move to body-on-frame construction a step backward, the Pathfinder combines that move with a switch to a fully independent suspension — a notably more modern setup. This mix of old and new gives the Pathfinder a desirable mix of toughness and tunability, but it delivers varying results.

The previous Pathfinder was often lauded for its comfortable around-town demeanor and the new model isn't much different. Body motions are well controlled, the steering is nicely weighted and road irregularities are soaked up with little cabin intrusion. Interior noise levels are low, too, with minimal howl from even the optional off-road tires.

[Thai]

As refined as it remains, the '05 model isn't quite as in touch with the road as its predecessor. There's some flabbiness to it that reminded us of the Xterra, Nissan's smaller SUV that has been a truck-based vehicle from Day One. It fumbles a bit over bumps and responds to inputs at a slightly slower pace than before, but only those who are intimately familiar with the previous Pathfinder are apt to notice the difference. Compared to other vehicles in the class, it's a commendable setup that few will find fault with.

As much as the Pathfinder's on-road characteristics reminded us of the limitations of body-on-frame design, its off-road prowess highlighted the advantages of the truck-derived hardware. Although the previous model was a capable performer in the rough stuff, it was never a first choice of hard-core off-roaders. The '05 version is a true backcountry machine that's as capable as any midsize SUV when it comes to tackling adventures far from the beaten path.

Nissan set about fortifying the Pathfinder's off-road ability from two angles. From a fundamental perspective it has a maximum ground clearance of as much as 9.1 inches on 4WD off-road models, steep approach and departure angles and an underbody design that tucks everything underneath up above the frame rails. From a technological standpoint, Nissan introduced several new electronic systems that give the Pathfinder significant help when it comes to tackling tough terrain. A new Hill Descent Control (HDC) system maintains a low speed (roughly 3.5 mph) on steep descents while a Hill Start Assist (HSA) system eliminates the need for fancy footwork on steep climbs by holding the vehicle in place as you go from the brake to the throttle. It also offers four-wheel electronic limited-slip control that moderates the power to all four wheels individually for maximum traction and a low-speed throttle map that offers more precise control while creeping over boulders.

It's a lot of acronyms to keep track of, but after threading the Pathfinder through a tight forest trail we have no doubt that it has what it takes to get you just about anywhere. Regardless of what you know about how all the new gadgetry works, when it comes down to picking your way over logs and through streams all you have to do is keep your foot in it and it just keeps on going. Since most of the systems derive their control through the selected application of the brakes, there's plenty of associated noise from the constant clamping of brake calipers, but once you get used to the racket it becomes an acceptable part of the off-road experience.

As capable as the Pathfinder is in the dirt, buyers who are considering it for nothing more than a family vehicle won't be disappointed either. Along with the sophisticated traction control systems, Nissan also saw to it that the Pathfinder would be just as well equipped to tackle carpool duty. The addition of a third-row seat is the most notable upgrade over the previous generation, one that was made possible by the new independent suspension as it frees up floor space in the rear of the cabin. The larger overall size also allows for more passenger room in the first and second rows while fold-flat seats give it a maximum cargo capacity of 79.2 cubic feet — slightly more than the 4Runner but a little bit less than an Explorer.

The Pathfinder has never been the biggest player in the segment when it comes to passenger room and although the '05 is bigger than any previous model its accommodations are still a little tight. There's plenty of space up front for the driver and front passenger, but the second-row seats are snug when it comes to toe and shoulder room. Like most midsize SUVs, the Pathfinder's third-row seat isn't adult-friendly. Kids will fit fine, however, and it does fold flat into the floor when it's not needed for additional storage space.

Nissan paid close attention to the utility factor of the Pathfinder as evidenced by the unique design of the cargo area. A segment exclusive "easy clean" surface makes it suitable for wet or muddy items as it can be hosed out for quick cleaning. Multiple cargo hooks are available to secure loose items and the overall shape of the space is flat on all sides to make the most out of the area available. Additional storage space is available in side compartments as well as underseat storage boxes below the second row.

Safety wasn't overlooked either as the Pathfinder now incorporates ABS, a tire-pressure monitoring system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and an electronic stability control system as standard equipment. Optional safety items include side seat airbags and side curtain airbags that protect passengers in all three rows.

The Pathfinder offers four levels of trim to suit varying desires for simplicity or luxury. The base XE puts together the usual list of expected amenities like power accessories, remote keyless entry, a CD stereo and cloth seating while the SE adds slightly larger tires, foglights and a power-adjustable driver seat in addition to a longer options list. A new SE Off-Road trim comes standard with heavy-duty Rancho shocks, underbody skid plates and even larger tires than the standard SE. The top-of-the-line LE is upgraded with upscale amenities like 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated leather seating, a Bose audio system and both side seat and side curtain airbags. Optional items include a DVD-based navigation system and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Needless to say, there's not much missing from the Pathfinder's equipment list. It has just about every feature you could want in a midsize SUV — a powerful drivetrain, a manageable size, serious off-road hardware and enough comfort and feature content to keep the family happy. The fact that it has a slightly choppier ride than the previous version is hardly grounds for dismissal, especially when you consider its ability to tackle just about any terrain you can throw at it.

Given the number of strong competitors in the segment that offer similar combinations of versatility, the success or failure of the all-new Pathfinder could very well rest on the acceptance of its distinctive new look. Nissan proved with the original Pathfinder that the right image is a strong sales tool that can't be overlooked and the new version has enough original lines to get it noticed in a sea of like-sized competitors. You might say that the Pathfinder has returned to its roots in more ways than one, but learned enough new tricks along the way to make it a formidable competitor in the cutthroat world of midsize SUVs.