2002 Nissan Pathfinder

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$26,649

starting MSRP

2002 Nissan Pathfinder

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

5

Seating capacity

182.7” x 70.9”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • SE

    $26,649

  • LE

    $28,999

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2002 Nissan Pathfinder trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2023

2002 Nissan Pathfinder review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Nissan’s midsize sport utility vehicle received a new, substantially more powerful 240-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine for introduction as an early 2001 model. A fresh grille with a larger, restyled Nissan badge goes on 2002 models, which come with new 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels. The SE edition features new titanium-accented step rails, a roof rack with an integrated air dam, new body-colored bumpers and fender flares, and a redesigned cloth interior. The steering wheel has been restyled, and the six-disc CD changer is said to function more rapidly.

Built from the same design as the Infiniti QX4, the Pathfinder has fewer amenities and an appreciably lower sticker price. Nissan also sells the Xterra, which is based on the Frontier pickup and priced below the Pathfinder.

Exterior
Though it displays a typical SUV appearance overall, the Pathfinder has a neatly tapered rear end. It has a 106.3-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 182.7 inches — 5 inches longer than the Xterra. Standing about 68 inches tall, the Pathfinder measures close to 70 inches wide and has four side doors. The rear liftgate has a window that flips up.

Interior
All Pathfinders seat five, though foot room for backseat occupants might be tight beneath the front seats. Instrument clusters in the XE and LE models have black markings on a white background, in contrast to the SE’s gauges, which have a titanium background and colors that reverse at night. Large, convenient controls operate the climate and audio systems. Optional duplicate audio controls on the steering wheel include an on-off switch. A 60/40-split rear seat folds to create 85 cubic feet of cargo space.

Under the Hood
One engine, two transmissions and two drive systems are available for the Pathfinder. The 3.5-liter V-6 engine develops 240 hp in the automatic and an additional 10 hp with a manual shift. The Pathfinder SE has a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission; XE and LE models come only with the automatic gearbox.

The Pathfinder can have rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which is intended for use on slippery surfaces. The 4WD system can be engaged or disengaged at up to 50 mph by using a floor-mounted transfer-case lever. The Pathfinder LE 4×4 has a push-button All-Mode 4WD system that permits up to 50 percent of available torque to reach the front wheels when needed.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact airbags are part of an optional leather package for the LE and SE models.

Driving Impressions
The Pathfinder is a mighty smooth operator — a true pleasure to drive and ride in, delivering plenty of performance to boot. Ride quality reaches close to gentle, and it gets choppy only on washboard surfaces. Despite the soft ride, handling ranks above average as the Pathfinder maneuvers easily and adeptly, staying relatively flat in curves and corners. Little or no correction is needed on straightaways. An easy-acting automatic transmission delivers prompt gear changes.

Seats are comfortable and supportive. The backseat is as inviting as the front seat, with fine legroom, if not quite as much headroom. In short, the Pathfinder is very carlike, in the best sense of the word, and actually smoother-riding than the related Infiniti QX4.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.8

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

Great off-road buggy

I got mine for free with 200k on it and it has nothing wrong with it but body rust around the fenders that is about it runs like a top

4.0

This is one of if not the greatest SUV ever sold.

I’ve owned a couple of these model pathfinders an 01 and an 02. Both are over 300,000 miles. The 01 finally lost the transmission at 320,000+ and it isn’t totally dead it just isn’t road worthy due to no reverse and what seems to be 2nd and 4th forward gears. It starts and drives and is being used as a ranch truck. My 2002 is just a tick over 300,000 and it has been a great vehicle too. Paid $900 for it a year ago and have put 45,000 miles on it since. I’ve only had to replace a coil pack and brakes.

5.0

Bulletproof!!!

I paid $3150 for this car over 7 years ago. 315,000 miles and still running strong. Engine and transmission are smooth and everything still works. This is the most reliable car I’ve ever owned I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for good reliable transportation on a budget. Best $3150 ever spent

See all 37 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Nissan Certified Select
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Powertrain
6 months/6,000 miles from date of sale
Dealer certification required
84-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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