2008 Nissan Pathfinder User Reviews

Pros

Nice power, great in snow

Purchased As New

I bought the 2008 S 4x4 and I think its a great SUV. The MPG actually isn't too bad considering the horsepower - I routinely average 18/19 MPG. There isn't a lot of options on this model but nonetheless, a good SUV for under $30k.

Pros

Good looking SUV. Nice Ride height. Feels more like truck than car.

Cons

Idles high vibrates the entire vehicle. Needs more refinement.

Love the right height. Love the power, it can really pick up and go. Hate the loudness. I don't know if I got a bad one or not, but mine shakes with vibration in idle. I took it to the dealership and they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It really feels like a lose motor mount. Dealing with Nissan dealership has been very unsatisfactory. I rarely get my car fixed right and usually have to make second or third follow up visits. I got mine at CarMax in Maryland and it was not a good experience. I felt I got ripped off. They do the bait and switch on the car and the financing.

Far as the truck goes, I'm not too happy with it. Like I said it has vibration issues and i get a headache driving it. The heating and AC controls are horrible. It takes ever to adjust the levels. The back seat is for people with short legs because the seats are not very long. Also the 3rd row seats are very cramped, even for some kids. I am thinking of trading this one in for a Honda Pilot or a Toyota 4Runner.

I am really disappointed with Nissan dealerships and the its product. I've bought Nissan Quest, Maxima, Sentra, and this Pathfinder. And its gonna take some heavy change of mind before I ever buy a Nissan again....read morehide

Pros

Excellent V6 power, transmission, great Bose system, nice rugged appearance.

Cons

Stiff ride (over bumps only), fuel economy.

I traded in my '07 Altima 3.5 SE for the '08 Pathfinder SE 4x4. I did this mainly for two reasons: I was sick and tired of using premium fuel and I wanted a truck that would be more practical for everyday use. The appearance of the Pathfinder is very rugged and the interior is high quality, with microfiber cloth seats and nicely appointed controls. The Bose stereo system is outstanding; I'm very particular with how I like my stereo systems and the system in this truck puts out an extremely rich sound, especially with 10 speakers, including 2 subwoofers. The V6 engine is very powerful, even outpowering some V8's in its class. The transmission is very smooth (haven't noticed any transmission problems that others have written about). The ride is smooth on normal conditions but can get a bit stiff over bumps and potholes. The traction with 2WD engaged is solid, but can get a little slippery in the rain (RWD), however, any traction problems can be solved by engaging the Selectable 4WD system (both Hi and Lo). Fuel economy isn't great, however, but this is to be expected with full-size SUV's. Expect around 16-17 MPG overall. Overall, I am very pleased with this vehicle and would buy it again....read morehide

Pros

17.1 in the city (Not bad) 22 on the Hwy, ok... Love all the bells and Whistles

Cons

Sometimes rides more like a truck, Gear Shifting sometimes rough (thus 4 star in performance rating)

This is the 3rd Pathfinder I have had. I got one of the first 2005 LE 4x4 in late 2004 and loved it! My wife was sideswipped while she was 6 months pregnant and forced into oncoming traffic. She was able to correct and jump back over the median without any injury to herself or our child. Impressive! We liked that it was so capable so much that at the end of the lease we returned it and picked up the 2008 LE 4x2 (didn't need a 4x4 in sub-urban Atl).

Well, 3 weeks after I picked up the 2008, I was hit head on by a drunk driver! The pathfinder flipped and rolled (Total Loss, still had dealer tags!) Thankfully, I was not with my family but with two friends. We all had our seatbelts on and the air curtains all went off... All three of us walked away from the wreck!! The Pathfinder's safety features worked flawlessly and saved my life in particular (Driver Seat took the brunt of the damage) Aside from injuries sustained from being tossed around... unfortunately requiring surgery, I truly believe I would have been killed in this accident had it not been for the safety features of the LE. So, I replaced it with another one just like the first... Black 2008 4x2 LE with the Rusett interior, Nav and DVD... Very Sharp, completely happy with this vehicle....read morehide

Pros

Power a-plenty, built tough, stocky apearance, great in snow

Cons

Could use more creature comforts, but S is basic model with lots of bells and whistles for the price

Fuel economy in this, as well as all SUV's, needs to change drasticaly. a V-6 SUV should be able to accomplish 20+ MPG city, and well above that highway. GM has the step-down engine that only uses 4 or 67 cylinders when needed. Nissan, Toyota and the others need to step it up too. But overall, an awesome SUV for the money, head and shoulders over the Explorer, Durango and Trailblazer....read morehide

Pros

18mpg is good for the city

Cons

too many knobs

I owned the first Pathfinder in 87' and have own or driven everything that is four wheel drive. This SUV ranks the best for what I use it for; towing a 5500 lbs boat, a camper and 4 wheeling in the ADK's. If you don't take advantage of this SUV's capabilities then drive a sedan.

Pros

Power, Storage, Handsfree, 4x4, heated steering

Cons

fuel economy, 3rd row

Pro's:
I love this truck. Bought it brand new and can't get enough of it. I personally think the truck looks sharp and handles well. Good pickup and growl under the hood. However, I don't notice much road noise, and the ride is pretty smooth IMO. Having all the seat fold flat is a huge benefit for hauling stuff. If that isn't enough you always have the roof rack. The Handsfree Bluetooth & heated steering are a little booshy (spelling?) but very nice to have. I use the heated steering ALL winter long. I also like to Aux port to plug in the old IPOD.

Con's:
I wish you could get the Handsfree w/o the Musicbox & nav. I live in Plymouth, MN and average 15.7 MPG between Hwy & City. The 3rd row is a joke, luckily I didn't purchase the Pathy for that reason. You MIGHT be able to squeeze one full size adult in that 3rd row. Probably could be best used for kids. If you are transporting a lot of adults don't plan on filling that third row....read morehide

Pros

Bad fuel economy

Cons

Rough ride, sways at speds over 65

Not too happy with SUV. Car looks nice but the ride and gas guzzling not very good

Pros

Exterior Style, Comfortable front seats, a lot of storage

Cons

Rough ride, minimal features, vibration above 60 mph, loud

If it wasn't for the Nissan Sales Event (I got $10,500 off the sticker) I would have never bought this vehicle.

Rough ride, noisy cabin, cheaply appointed, no side curtain airbags as standard equipment, vibration above 60 mph, sways above 60mph.

I also have a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. I am no spokesman for Hyundai, but the Santa Fe is the absolute best SUV for the value. It rides like a lexus at half the price, plus the warranty is great....read morehide

Pros

looks, traffic on nav, easy key

Cons

rough ride, no room in back seats, steering wheel

Just purchased an 08 LE V6 4x4. Had a 4runner previously. Shouldve stayed with the 4runner. Pathfinders ride is rougher, more room in 4runner. I hate the steering wheel configuration. Very stiff turning at low speeds too.