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2004 Nissan Pathfinder

2004 Nissan Pathfinder

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$1,744 — $7,848 USED
6
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Sport Utility
5 Seats
17-18 MPG
(Combined)
 Key specs of the base trim
 — 
Compare 2 trims

Overview

Is this the car for you?
 (4.7) 21 reviews

The Good

  • Traditional design
  • Performance
  • Ride comfort
  • Carlike experience
  • Maneuverability

The Bad

  • Soft ride won't suit everyone
  • Fuel economy
  • Difficult rear-seat entry and exit

What to Know

about the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 240-hp V-6
  • Two 4WD systems
  • Low-range 4WD gearing
  • Side-impact airbags

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2004 Nissan Pathfinder Review

from the Cars.com expert editorial team

Vehicle Overview
The introduction of the new Pathfinder Armada full-size sport utility vehicle for 2004 doesn’t mean Nissan’s midsize Pathfinder will disappear. Both will be part of Nissan’s lineup.

Nissan also sells the youth-oriented Xterra, which is based on the Frontier pickup truck and priced below the Pathfinder.

Previous Pathfinders have been offered in SE and upscale LE forms. For 2004, the LE becomes the Platinum edition and features electroluminescent gauges, aluminum kick plates and special dark wood trim.

All versions are ready for the installation of either a Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. Side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are standard in the Platinum. A Vehicle Dynamic Control Package offers an electronic stability system, traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. The Pathfinder competes against such SUVs as the Acura MDX, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

Exterior
The four-door Pathfinder displays a typical SUV appearance overall, but it has a neatly tapered rear end. Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, it has an overall length of 182.7 inches — that’s nearly 5 inches longer than the Xterra. The Pathfinder’s rear liftgate window flips up.

Interior
All Pathfinder models seat five people, but foot room for backseat occupants might be tight beneath the front seats. 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 t...

Vehicle Overview
The introduction of the new Pathfinder Armada full-size sport utility vehicle for 2004 doesn’t mean Nissan’s midsize Pathfinder will disappear. Both will be part of Nissan’s lineup.

Nissan also sells the youth-oriented Xterra, which is based on the Frontier pickup truck and priced below the Pathfinder.

Previous Pathfinders have been offered in SE and upscale LE forms. For 2004, the LE becomes the Platinum edition and features electroluminescent gauges, aluminum kick plates and special dark wood trim.

All versions are ready for the installation of either a Sirius or XM Satellite Radio. Side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are standard in the Platinum. A Vehicle Dynamic Control Package offers an electronic stability system, traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. The Pathfinder competes against such SUVs as the Acura MDX, Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

Exterior
The four-door Pathfinder displays a typical SUV appearance overall, but it has a neatly tapered rear end. Built on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, it has an overall length of 182.7 inches — that’s nearly 5 inches longer than the Xterra. The Pathfinder’s rear liftgate window flips up.

Interior
All Pathfinder models seat five people, but foot room for backseat occupants might be tight beneath the front seats. 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
A 3.5-liter V-6 engine that develops 240 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of torque is the lone power plant. It drives a four-speed-automatic transmission; a manual gearbox is not offered.

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

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard. Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are standard in the upscale LE edition. LATCH child-safety seat anchors and tethers are installed.

Driving Impressions
The Pathfinder is a mighty smooth operator. Not only is Nissan’s SUV a true pleasure to drive and ride in, but it also delivers plenty of performance. The ride quality reaches close to gentle, and it gets choppy only on washboard-type road surfaces. Despite the soft ride, the Pathfinder’s handling ranks above average as it maneuvers easily and adeptly. It stays relatively flat in curves and corners, and little correction is needed on straightaways. An easy-acting automatic transmission delivers prompt gear changes.

The seats are comfortable and supportive. The backseat is as inviting as the front seat, and it offers fine legroom but not quite as much headroom. The Pathfinder is very carlike, in the best sense of the word.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com;
Posted on 8/27/03

More Reviews from Our Experts

The Detroit News's view

Consumer Reviews

What drivers are saying

4.7
21 reviews — Read All reviews
Exterior Styling
(4.6)
Performance
(4.6)
Interior Design
(4.2)
Comfort
(4.3)
Reliability
(4.7)
Value For The Money
(4.6)

Read reviews that mention:

(5.0)

This Shirley is the most reliable vehicle

by Pathfinder fun from canada on December 3, 2019

I have to say this is one of the best people I’ve ever driven. Other than my 1980s diesel Mercedes. Which is also extremely reliable. They simply don’t break down. Handles extremely well in all ... Read full review

(5.0)

Our third one, great car, dependable and durable

by Mmljgblue5 from Hull, ma on February 25, 2019

We are pretty active, piled our surf boards , skis on the roof rack many times and never worried about getting stuck in the snow or sand. Great car, I like the older body style over the neeer boxy ... Read full review

Safety

Recalls and crash tests

Recalls

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder currently has 7 recalls

Crash and Rollover Test Ratings

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder has not been tested.

Latest 2004 Pathfinder Stories

See all 2004 Nissan Pathfinder articles

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Cars.com Car Seat Check

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The Pathfinder received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*
* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.

See also the latest CPO incentives by automaker

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