2012 Nissan Pathfinder User Reviews

Pros

seats, overall utility

Cons

sucks gas, but expected that

Purchased As New

I've been very impressed so far, although I've only had it a week so can't really comment on reliability yet. I chose this vehicle for several reasons but mostly the combination of third row seats and good ground clearance. I also looked hard at the Mazda CX-9, but personally I find the Pathfinder more comfortable. The driver's seat is superb. Did 250 miles the day I bought it with no discomfort at all. Engaged the 4wd for the first time this weekend and that was all flawless too, cruised right through the sandy arroyos out here in the desert.

What you get with a PF is a somewhat dated design where the exterior still looks good (at least, I think so) but the interior is behind swankier rivals. The dash plastics are not as good as some, for sure, and the restrictions of the body-on-frame construction mean that it is not quite as roomy as some either. Legroom in the back being an issue for some reviewers, and its probably not as good as the CX-9. It is about 10 inches shorter though, and also not as wide, which is a bonus in parking lots. The CX-9 is a beast although it does drive smaller than it is.

But, with a PF what you do get is an exceptionally functional vehicle IF you actually do the things it was designed for. Buy a car-based crossover if you never go off road and you'll be happier. But, if you get out and about, tow stuff occasionally, carry dogs, kids on camping trips, occasionally need the third row when the in-laws come to town, then the PF is great.

Power is awesome, the ride for such a big high vehicle with off-road type suspension is very good. Does it handle like a car? Well, no. It isn't one. It's a truck and what it lacks in squidgy dashboard materials it more than makes up for in capability and utility. Depends what you want a vehicle for, but this one works for me.

The 2013 model will change to a more efficient design that will probably use less gas, have a squashy dashboard and handle more like a car, but it will be lower to the ground and less capable off road. In other words, pretty much like everything else out there, which is too bad. I like it just the way it is.