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2002
Nissan Pathfinder

Starts at:
$26,649
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $26,649
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE 4WD Manual
    Starts at
    $27,649
    16 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $28,649
    15 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 2WD Auto
    Starts at
    $28,999
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 2WD Auto Patrol Edition
    Starts at
    $28,999
    16 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 4WD Auto
    Starts at
    $31,499
    15 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE 4WD Auto Patrol Edtion
    Starts at
    $31,499
    15 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 Nissan Pathfinder

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Expert 2002 Nissan Pathfinder review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
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

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

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
2/5

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 37 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.5
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.8

Most recent

  • 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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Saved my skin

    Just flipped my 2008 Pathfinder on a motorway in the snow at 70mph. Turned over twice down an embankment abs walked away because it saved my neck.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best used vehicle I have ever bought

    I'm an auto mechanic I bought a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder SE 3.5 liter I have a hundred and fifty thousand miles on it no complaints
    • 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
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Basically my best friend

    I have owned my Pathfinder for about 6 years and some 90k miles. It has seen me through years of delivering out of it as a postal carrier and starting my family. It has been on more camping and fishing trips than I can imagine. It's been on 1000+ mile road trips. It has just been there for me every time. I have only had to replace an alternator besides my standard maintenance items.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most useful car I ever had.

    Always had enough space for whatever I needed to get done wheather it was traveling, grocery shopping or moving furniture it got the job done.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable, especially on bad roads during the

    This car good for easy movement of a family especially when going with sizeable loads that smaller cars cannot carry. It has enough room for leg movements and other comforts. My challenge is the air flow meter system that functions occasionally. Causes?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I have owned this car since 2001

    I have over 312,000 miles on this reliable pathfinder. We bought it new with 7 miles on it and it had been a blessing. Of course you have to keep it maintained but it is well worth it. I a so happy to still have this car for 17 years.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • Ok car

    This car had a lot of body damage and I don?t want a car to with damage. I?m looking for something different in the near future.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    1 person out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Excellent SUV

    This is an excellent SUV for pretty much anything you're involved with. I've used it to haul my kayak all over Nebraska as well as for my normal commute to work. It's a very reliable vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • Great vehicle to own at the beach!

    This car meets all of my needs, it's 4 wheel drive which is exactly what I need at the beach. It was clean and drove great!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LE (4 styles)
  • SE (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder offers up to 16 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 2002 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Nissan Pathfinder owners.

Is the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. 94.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 37 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.8

Nissan Pathfinder history

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