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1999
Nissan Pathfinder

Starts at:
$24,149
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New 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr XE 2WD Manual
    Starts at
    $24,149
    17 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr XE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $25,149
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr XE 4WD Manual
    Starts at
    $26,149
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr XE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $26,299
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr XE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $27,149
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr SE 2WD Manual
    Starts at
    $27,249
    17 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr SE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $28,249
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr XE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $28,299
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr LE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $29,199
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr SE 4WD Manual
    Starts at
    $29,249
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr SE 4WD Manual
    Starts at
    $29,249
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr SE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $30,249
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr SE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $30,249
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $30,549
    16 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 99.5 4dr LE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $31,199
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr LE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $32,949
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

The good & the bad

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Expert 1999 Nissan Pathfinder review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

My brother worked in the newsroom of a television station for a while. His advice to me was simple. “Never ride with a photographer,” he said. “They’re always looking for the next picture, rather than down the road.”

Certainly my boss can vouch for that. He spent three terror-filled hours in the backseat of a Pathfinder driven by a photographer going at least 70 mph over glare ice a couple winters back. To say that the interior of the truck was resculpted with fingernail indentations wouldn’t be too far off the mark. That my boss is still alive rather than road-kill on I-95 also speaks volumes about why so many people are stepping up to the all-weather capabilities of SUVs. And make no mistake, they ARE stepping up.

The Pathfinder has found its way into many garages for a myriad of reasons.

Like all SUVs, it’s rugged looking. It looks like it will go anywhere, even over your neighhbor’s freshly watered lawn.

It’ll get you to work despite the foot of snow that’s falling. (Although WHY you would want to reach work when a foot of snow is falling is beyond me).

It’ll haul all the stuff that families tend to accumulate over time and it looks a whole lot cooler than a minivan, even if, for all intent and purposes, it’s just a hiked up, four-wheel-drive minivan. (if you really want cool, try a sports car).

The Pathfinder returns for ’99 with the typical alphabet soup array of trim choices — XE, SE and LE in 4×2 or 4×4. Minor trim shuffling is the only news here as the truck continues with the same basic look it acquired in its 1996 redesign.

Like too many recent Nissan’s, this one has a very conservative look and it takes few chances stylistically. This is just fine with the perfect-lawn suburban set where me-too-ism runs rampant. But really, a little more brashness in this puppy wouldn’t hurt. But that could be said for most Nissans.

If you want that distinct look, go for the LE; it has tubular step rails. Wheee.

The interior is quite functional with a user-friendly instrument panel that is awash in test-tube wood trim. It’s easy to use and figure out.

At the base of the dash is the lever that activates the four-wheel drive system. The Pathfinder uses a part-time system so that you can get to the office and then return home when you find that you’re the only one stupid enough to make it in.

The door panel was exactly the same one used in the Frontier pick-up, although this one looks as though Nissan actually spent some money on it.

The seating position was identical to that of the Frontier. The Frontier was very uncomfortable with its flat hard seat. This flat hard seat had a cushion that adjusted for rake and also benefited from a luxuriously softer feel (thanks to the leather seat surfaces), but seat travel was no better. Back seat space is adequate and there’s plenty of space for terrified passengers to leave fingernail indentations.

Of course, driving over glare ice requires shift-on-the- fly four-wheel-drive and front disc/rear drum anti-lock brakes. This puppy has ’em both, along with dual air-bags for when all else fails.

Motivating all this is a 3.3-liter single-overhead-cam 12-valve V6 engine that churns out 168 horsepower and 196 foot-pounds of torque. Considering the SE test-model’s 4,065 pound curb weight, this translates into an adequate power plant that could really use a bit more firepower to match its comptition.

Similarly, the ride is a nice combination of truck-like firmness and car-like civility. However, it is slowly being eclipsed by its competitors, although the Pathfinder is still a good ride.

The “Sahara Beige`’ test vehicle exhibited some body lean, but still felt sharp enough to give the driver some fun, despite being in a minivan, er, truck.

I still like this Pathfinder better than most SUVs, despite its conservative demeanor and average power plant. Sure it could use a bit more brashness to match its sharp handlin g, but that migh toffend ex-soccer moms.

Or photographers in a hurry.

1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE V6 4×4

Engine: 3.3-liter SOHC V6 Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic Tires: P235/70R15 or P265/70R15 mud and snow rated radial tires Standard: Power anti-lock brakes, Power rack and pinion steering, four-wheel-drive, dual air-bags automatic climate control, power outlets, cruise control, power windows and locks, rear wiper/washer, cargo net, 160-watt AM/ FM/CD audio system, alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, luggage rack. Options: Bose Audio/Sunroof Package (power tilt/sliding sunroof, Bose AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system, homelink transmitter), SE Off-Road Package (black exterior trim, bumper guards, black grille, limited slip differential) and Leather Package (leather seating surfaces, leather wrapped steering wheel, heated power front seats, diital comass, outside temperature guage). Base price, base model: $24,699 Base price, test model: $30,249 As tested: $33,936 EPA rating: 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway Test mileage: 16 mpg

1999 Nissan Pathfinder review: Our expert's take
By

My brother worked in the newsroom of a television station for a while. His advice to me was simple. “Never ride with a photographer,” he said. “They’re always looking for the next picture, rather than down the road.”

Certainly my boss can vouch for that. He spent three terror-filled hours in the backseat of a Pathfinder driven by a photographer going at least 70 mph over glare ice a couple winters back. To say that the interior of the truck was resculpted with fingernail indentations wouldn’t be too far off the mark. That my boss is still alive rather than road-kill on I-95 also speaks volumes about why so many people are stepping up to the all-weather capabilities of SUVs. And make no mistake, they ARE stepping up.

The Pathfinder has found its way into many garages for a myriad of reasons.

Like all SUVs, it’s rugged looking. It looks like it will go anywhere, even over your neighhbor’s freshly watered lawn.

It’ll get you to work despite the foot of snow that’s falling. (Although WHY you would want to reach work when a foot of snow is falling is beyond me).

It’ll haul all the stuff that families tend to accumulate over time and it looks a whole lot cooler than a minivan, even if, for all intent and purposes, it’s just a hiked up, four-wheel-drive minivan. (if you really want cool, try a sports car).

The Pathfinder returns for ’99 with the typical alphabet soup array of trim choices — XE, SE and LE in 4×2 or 4×4. Minor trim shuffling is the only news here as the truck continues with the same basic look it acquired in its 1996 redesign.

Like too many recent Nissan’s, this one has a very conservative look and it takes few chances stylistically. This is just fine with the perfect-lawn suburban set where me-too-ism runs rampant. But really, a little more brashness in this puppy wouldn’t hurt. But that could be said for most Nissans.

If you want that distinct look, go for the LE; it has tubular step rails. Wheee.

The interior is quite functional with a user-friendly instrument panel that is awash in test-tube wood trim. It’s easy to use and figure out.

At the base of the dash is the lever that activates the four-wheel drive system. The Pathfinder uses a part-time system so that you can get to the office and then return home when you find that you’re the only one stupid enough to make it in.

The door panel was exactly the same one used in the Frontier pick-up, although this one looks as though Nissan actually spent some money on it.

The seating position was identical to that of the Frontier. The Frontier was very uncomfortable with its flat hard seat. This flat hard seat had a cushion that adjusted for rake and also benefited from a luxuriously softer feel (thanks to the leather seat surfaces), but seat travel was no better. Back seat space is adequate and there’s plenty of space for terrified passengers to leave fingernail indentations.

Of course, driving over glare ice requires shift-on-the- fly four-wheel-drive and front disc/rear drum anti-lock brakes. This puppy has ’em both, along with dual air-bags for when all else fails.

Motivating all this is a 3.3-liter single-overhead-cam 12-valve V6 engine that churns out 168 horsepower and 196 foot-pounds of torque. Considering the SE test-model’s 4,065 pound curb weight, this translates into an adequate power plant that could really use a bit more firepower to match its comptition.

Similarly, the ride is a nice combination of truck-like firmness and car-like civility. However, it is slowly being eclipsed by its competitors, although the Pathfinder is still a good ride.

The “Sahara Beige`’ test vehicle exhibited some body lean, but still felt sharp enough to give the driver some fun, despite being in a minivan, er, truck.

I still like this Pathfinder better than most SUVs, despite its conservative demeanor and average power plant. Sure it could use a bit more brashness to match its sharp handlin g, but that migh toffend ex-soccer moms.

Or photographers in a hurry.

1999 Nissan Pathfinder SE V6 4×4

Engine: 3.3-liter SOHC V6 Transmissions: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic Tires: P235/70R15 or P265/70R15 mud and snow rated radial tires Standard: Power anti-lock brakes, Power rack and pinion steering, four-wheel-drive, dual air-bags automatic climate control, power outlets, cruise control, power windows and locks, rear wiper/washer, cargo net, 160-watt AM/ FM/CD audio system, alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, luggage rack. Options: Bose Audio/Sunroof Package (power tilt/sliding sunroof, Bose AM/FM/Cassette/CD audio system, homelink transmitter), SE Off-Road Package (black exterior trim, bumper guards, black grille, limited slip differential) and Leather Package (leather seating surfaces, leather wrapped steering wheel, heated power front seats, diital comass, outside temperature guage). Base price, base model: $24,699 Base price, test model: $30,249 As tested: $33,936 EPA rating: 15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway Test mileage: 16 mpg

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
N / A
Dealer certification
167-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.1
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Death wobble

    I like the car,& the ride my sister bought it new and I bought it from her. The problem is I have had to replace the 8 bushings in rear 3 times. Within 3 years. You can be gong down freeway and all of a sudden it is violently rocking back and forth , it feels as if you are going to roll it. Speed has nothing to do with when it happens. But it is very scarey and Dangerous. Nissan is aware of problem but would not do anything about it. As much as I enjoy the ride I would never buy a Pathfinder again
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Hate to give it up

    I have had a 1999.5 Pathfinder since 2007 with 157k on it. Have had occasional repairs to be expected from an older car. It still drives beautifully but sadly the rust is eating it from underneath. It has been parked winter time n the streets of NYC where the roads are salted.. Recently several brakes in the brake line. Mechanic tells me a possible engine oil leakBrake Rotors replacement, brake master cylinder replacement, probable Axle Shaft Seal Replacement. Also having shaking at higher highway speeds. I know it is time to say goodbye but it has served me well for 15 yrs..now a 20 year old car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car I've owned without a doubt

    This car was just what i needed. Literally the most reliable car you'll ever have and you never have to worry. Powerful, capable, with lots of room. This car helped me move so many times because you can fit so much inside!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The best SUV new purchase I've ever had

    I had very few repair problems with this car over the years. Very good investment. I was the only owner and Nissan ensured that had a really good experience. Maintenance schedule was easy to follow.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It will run forever!

    I am the original purchaser of a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder. I was bought with 3 miles on the odometer. It now has 450,000+ one Owner miles on it. I have gradually replaced parts as needed and have continued to drive my beloved little Nissan as my daily vehicle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Probably my 98chev or my 99 pathfinder

    Goes anywhere I need it to so I only use it in my backtrails...Medium amount of mud.I recommend it to you all for driving it.Its almost like a Jeep cherokee
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Tough, Reliable Car for Adventurers

    Purchased my 1999.5 Pathy new in ?99 in the Northern California valley. This car has taken countless trips up to our family cabin all the way up in the Sierra Nevadas, fully loaded with kids and gear. Driven through rough dirt roads (some were?t even roads at all:) ) in bad conditions. Handled it flawlessly. 4x4 is the only way to go on this truck, trust me. Tows like a champ. Provides a reasonably comfortable ride for all passengers on bad roads. Exterior styling is perfect. Ridgid, but tasteful. Interior is nicely designed, but could incorporate a more space-efficient layout with seats down. Alright. On to reliability. This car is, by far, the most dependable vehicle I?ve ever owned. I?ve had it since it was bought new, and have NEVER had a single engine problem with it. Approaching 300,000 miles, running strong. This car reminds me of the old Toyota LandCruiser ads from the 70s. ?Built Tough To Get You There... ...And Back.? Emphasis on the ?and back?. Seriously, this truck is my buddy. It?s like my friend that goes everywhere with me, because it has the ability to go anywhere. And that?s why I?ll never own another car: because I won?t need to. Ever.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great vehicle

    Its a gas hog but a great vehicle! Katy motor was great! Needs a radio but all and all a great suv and it has a tow package!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • it's a great value for money compared cars i owned

    Great room for front leg space drives so well no engine or gearbox issues it has a smooth drive the handling is so excellent.it also has a good balance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car i've owned.

    Im able to fold the back seats down so it gives lots of space to haul things. We bought the car second hand and put a little work into it and it has proven to be a very dependable car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • You can easily get well over 200k with this car.

    The Nissan Pathfinder is a well made car. It's build is reliable and parts can be found everywhere. There is also a lot of room to modify this car to your liking. I recommend this car to first time buyers and anyone that is looking for a fun car to drive that is durable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The Eternal Nissan

    I bought my Pathfinder used a few years back. I have driven it 100 miles a day to work, up icy and snowy winding roads, and on roads that really aren't roads at all. Right now I am at 413,000 miles - yes, that is real, not a typo - and I have only had to replace a front axel. I love this car, it is the perfect, reliable mountaineer/commuter/road trip/mom-mobile.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 1999 Nissan Pathfinder is available in 3 trim levels:

  • LE (4 styles)
  • SE (6 styles)
  • XE (6 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 1999 Nissan Pathfinder offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 19 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 1999 Nissan Pathfinder compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

The 1999 Nissan Pathfinder has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1999 Nissan Pathfinder owners.

Is the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1999 Nissan Pathfinder. 90.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.5

Nissan Pathfinder history

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