2008 Pathfinder 5.6 V8
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http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshows/12428/2008-nissan-pathfinder.html
CarandDriver has a quick article on it...
CarandDriver has a quick article on it...
SportRunner
New member
I wouldn't go so far as saying Nissan sucks I just prefer Toyota. My buddys all have Nissan and they hold up pretty good, but I've always loved my toyotas. And Nissan's Infiniti's are pretty awesome!
Disagree
I have nothing but good things to say about Nissan. I've owned a 1997 Maxima, a 2001 Maxima (wife's car), and a 2005 Infiniti G35 that I recently traded in for my new 4runner because we needed more space (TWINS!). In over 350K miles as an outside medical device salesman, my vehicles were in the shop one time due to a faulty HVAC blower on our 2001 Max after 85K miles. Not one time did my Nissan vehicles ever fail to start.
Nissan's biggest issue (in my opinion) is that their interior materials are several steps down from Toyota and Honda. Other than that, Nissan makes several affordable vehicles with solid engines and great financing rates. The Maxima, Altima, Pathfinder, Xtrerra, and Titan are reliable options for people who can't or don't want to pay for Toyota quality. I'd drive all of those vehicles before I would a Ford, GM, or Hyundai/Kia product.
Northof49 said:
I have nothing but good things to say about Nissan. I've owned a 1997 Maxima, a 2001 Maxima (wife's car), and a 2005 Infiniti G35 that I recently traded in for my new 4runner because we needed more space (TWINS!). In over 350K miles as an outside medical device salesman, my vehicles were in the shop one time due to a faulty HVAC blower on our 2001 Max after 85K miles. Not one time did my Nissan vehicles ever fail to start.
Nissan's biggest issue (in my opinion) is that their interior materials are several steps down from Toyota and Honda. Other than that, Nissan makes several affordable vehicles with solid engines and great financing rates. The Maxima, Altima, Pathfinder, Xtrerra, and Titan are reliable options for people who can't or don't want to pay for Toyota quality. I'd drive all of those vehicles before I would a Ford, GM, or Hyundai/Kia product.
This thread probably needs to be moved, but since we're on the subject of the 2008 Pathfinder, here's a link to more info:
http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/2008vehicles/pathfinder/index.shtml
and photos:
http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2008/pathfinder.shtml
When I bought my '05 4Runner, I considered the then-all-new Pathfinder. However, I did not like the Pathfinder's interior -- even though it was two years newer than the 4Runner's.
The new '08 is much nicer inside, part of Nissan's efforts to improve their reputation for crummy interiors (especially quality of the materials). The write-up implies that the color screen and backup camera is standard on all models except the base S-V6, which would be a good thing for those of us in Hawaii who can't get a Navigation system on the 4Runner.
The Intelligent Key feature is also nice, though it's a twist-start, not a button. It's almost like our 4Runner's self-cranking ignition, except we have to insert our key.
http://www.nissannews.com/nissan/2008vehicles/pathfinder/index.shtml
and photos:
http://www.nissannews.com/multimedia/nissan2008/pathfinder.shtml
When I bought my '05 4Runner, I considered the then-all-new Pathfinder. However, I did not like the Pathfinder's interior -- even though it was two years newer than the 4Runner's.
The new '08 is much nicer inside, part of Nissan's efforts to improve their reputation for crummy interiors (especially quality of the materials). The write-up implies that the color screen and backup camera is standard on all models except the base S-V6, which would be a good thing for those of us in Hawaii who can't get a Navigation system on the 4Runner.
The Intelligent Key feature is also nice, though it's a twist-start, not a button. It's almost like our 4Runner's self-cranking ignition, except we have to insert our key.
TheBlueWave
New member
Re: Disagree
Nissans are reliable vehicles, but consumer reports rated the Titan and Quest as unreliable. What's with the back doors on those Pathfinders? Does the new Pathfinder have those stupid looking handles too?
Bobbyg123 said:
Nissans are reliable vehicles, but consumer reports rated the Titan and Quest as unreliable. What's with the back doors on those Pathfinders? Does the new Pathfinder have those stupid looking handles too?
I personally dont think the Pathfinder is in competition with the 4R anyway. Pathfinder is a mall hopper. I would think its more in comp. with the Xterra.
I saw a new Pathfinder at work , kinda looked more like a Minivan/SUV cross over.
I would still stick with the 4.7L in the 4R , a perfect fit IMO of power and yet getting decent milage for a full time 4x4 V8.
I also do not like hard plastic hollow interiors, dashes , ect... The 4R int. is so much better than my 04 Tahoe Z71 , talk about cheap on a vehicle that stickered for $48k.
I saw a new Pathfinder at work , kinda looked more like a Minivan/SUV cross over.
I would still stick with the 4.7L in the 4R , a perfect fit IMO of power and yet getting decent milage for a full time 4x4 V8.
I also do not like hard plastic hollow interiors, dashes , ect... The 4R int. is so much better than my 04 Tahoe Z71 , talk about cheap on a vehicle that stickered for $48k.
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AJ 4_Runnin'
New member
Uneek
The 4R still looks better.
Nissan probably did that to challenge the Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 6.1 L Hemi and 420 HP...I doubt they were trying to compete with it.
The 4R still looks better.
Nissan probably did that to challenge the Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 6.1 L Hemi and 420 HP...I doubt they were trying to compete with it.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
The Pathfinder is the direct competition with the Runner since they are the same size and most are sold to soccer moms which the Xterra does not and is sold more to younger crowd with adventurous intentions.
The FJ is more competition for the Xterra.
I don't mind Nissan and they aren't crap but Toyota still has the edge in reliability. I don't like how they designed all their frontends on their SUVs to match which I'm so glad Toyota has avoided this with theirs.
The FJ is more competition for the Xterra.
I don't mind Nissan and they aren't crap but Toyota still has the edge in reliability. I don't like how they designed all their frontends on their SUVs to match which I'm so glad Toyota has avoided this with theirs.
dwulffusa
New member
I agree with RonMaiden. Pathfinder is a 4R competitor on size and options, XTerra comes across as youth orientated with more plastic, less carpet inside. I also tested the then new Pathfinder before buying the 4R. I actually liked it better from a drivers point of view, better performance in the V6, smoother transmission, more direct steering, but couldnt get over buying a Nissan. Plain old 'cant go wrong with Toyota' logic. I dont think Nissans are bad, but just not my bag.
Gromulus
New member
Pathfinder Vs. 4Runner
I concur.
Pathfinder is a direct competitor to the 4Runner, although the biggest difference is the Pathfinder's IRS vs. live rear axle in the 4Runner. 4Runner has the edge in appearance (IMO), off-road ability, handling, and towing ability ( V8 Runner).
The Xterra goes up against the FJ Cruiser. I also like the Xterra better than the Parhfinder and would also choose it (Off Road trim) over the FJ Cruiser due it's better on-road handling, real rear doors and back seat comfort, and better visibility.
I have owned several Nissan and Toyota vehicles and (like most ratings) would give the edge in reliability to Toyota. Nissan has cheapened their interiors in all their vehicles but they do tend to be less cost (MSRP) than Toyota counterparts. Nissan's powerplants are also second to none.
dwulffusa said:
I concur.
Pathfinder is a direct competitor to the 4Runner, although the biggest difference is the Pathfinder's IRS vs. live rear axle in the 4Runner. 4Runner has the edge in appearance (IMO), off-road ability, handling, and towing ability ( V8 Runner).
The Xterra goes up against the FJ Cruiser. I also like the Xterra better than the Parhfinder and would also choose it (Off Road trim) over the FJ Cruiser due it's better on-road handling, real rear doors and back seat comfort, and better visibility.
I have owned several Nissan and Toyota vehicles and (like most ratings) would give the edge in reliability to Toyota. Nissan has cheapened their interiors in all their vehicles but they do tend to be less cost (MSRP) than Toyota counterparts. Nissan's powerplants are also second to none.
rook
New member
From the weird sense of humor department (Too many hours listening to Car Talk) Nissan styilng by Bud Tugly.. interiors by Dewey Cheetem and Howe... quality control by Lucinda Boltz...
These trucks feel like tin cans, from the opening and closing of a door to the steering, brakes and controls, they just feel like someone cut corners.
These trucks feel like tin cans, from the opening and closing of a door to the steering, brakes and controls, they just feel like someone cut corners.
TeryT
New member
I just have to say that my old 1988 Pathfinder was the most reliable vehicle I've owned. I got it with 70k & sold it 2 years ago with over 220k miles, and with nothing major ever going wrong. (The biggest thing was the starter that gave out at 180k.) It didn't burn any oil, and the A/C still worked great (a major item for Phoenix). But this was the 1st gen Pathfinder, not the wussied version developed after 1991.
Contrast that with my 2003 4Runner which has had 3 electronic & electromechanical things go out prior to 65k miles - at a warranty cost of over $5,000!
Now these are two different vehicles, to be sure, in that the 4Runner is far more sophisticated - but herein lies the problem: so many computers & electronics. Before I bought the 100k Toyota Platinum warranty (for $700 from a T4R forum member), different Toyota people told me the electronics were the weak spot - and I think perhaps especially so in the smoldering Phoenix climate.
Would I trade my 4Runner? No way! Much more fun, capable & comfortable to drive. Plus I hope all the "bugs" will have been resolved by the time the 100k warranty runs out.
Nissan's ratings have gone south in the last few years. My wife's 1999 Altima with 105k has never had anything more than maintenance done on it, and is rated as a desirable used car by Consumer Reports. But it doesn't seem like many of the newer Nissan models have fared as well.
Contrast that with my 2003 4Runner which has had 3 electronic & electromechanical things go out prior to 65k miles - at a warranty cost of over $5,000!
Now these are two different vehicles, to be sure, in that the 4Runner is far more sophisticated - but herein lies the problem: so many computers & electronics. Before I bought the 100k Toyota Platinum warranty (for $700 from a T4R forum member), different Toyota people told me the electronics were the weak spot - and I think perhaps especially so in the smoldering Phoenix climate.
Would I trade my 4Runner? No way! Much more fun, capable & comfortable to drive. Plus I hope all the "bugs" will have been resolved by the time the 100k warranty runs out.
Nissan's ratings have gone south in the last few years. My wife's 1999 Altima with 105k has never had anything more than maintenance done on it, and is rated as a desirable used car by Consumer Reports. But it doesn't seem like many of the newer Nissan models have fared as well.
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I still have to disagree.....
Pathfinder reminds me of a minivan !!! Good god , IRS , ect... You guys were like its a direct comparison except for this , that and the other thing , towing , irs , looks ect.... not much of a competition IMO.
I can see the Xterra / FJ thing though.
Pathfinder reminds me of a minivan !!! Good god , IRS , ect... You guys were like its a direct comparison except for this , that and the other thing , towing , irs , looks ect.... not much of a competition IMO.
I can see the Xterra / FJ thing though.
mercury3545
New member
I have owned 3 Nissan vehicles, a 2003 Xterra, a 2004 350z, and a 2006 Infiniti G35. I never had any problems with any of them. Nissans are great cars. This is my first Toyota and I have only had it for 2 weeks and already a dash light was out, the rear windshield wiper didnt work and there is a annoying squeak that no one can figure out where its coming from. Other than that I love my new 4runner. I love the power of the V8, and the ride is awsome.
I hate to say it, but had THAT Pathfinder been available (with that 5.6L V8) when I was looking to buy the 4Runner back in '05, I probably would have been all over it. The interior of that new one is a HUGE step up from the horrendously cheap looking plastic interior that was on the '05s at the time I was looking.
I wouldn't really question the mechanical reliability of the Nissans, it was just the interior and other fit and finish issues I had with it. For that price tag and that kind of power, that's quite a good deal.
The 4Runner no longer has the edge on towing ability with that thing putting out nearly 400ft/lbs of torque.
Ricky
I wouldn't really question the mechanical reliability of the Nissans, it was just the interior and other fit and finish issues I had with it. For that price tag and that kind of power, that's quite a good deal.
The 4Runner no longer has the edge on towing ability with that thing putting out nearly 400ft/lbs of torque.
Ricky
