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2004
Nissan Pathfinder

Starts at:
$27,000
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New 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • SE 2WD
    Starts at
    $27,000
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • SE 4WD
    Starts at
    $29,000
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE Platinum 2WD
    Starts at
    $31,450
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • LE Platinum 4WD
    Starts at
    $34,150
    15 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder 2004 Nissan Pathfinder

Notable features

240-hp V-6
Two 4WD systems
Low-range 4WD gearing
Side-impact airbags

The good & the bad

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

Expert 2004 Nissan Pathfinder review

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

Armada’s brute power blows competition away

Toyota Motor Co.p. was the first Japanese brand to challenge Detroit in the full-size sport-ute arena. Now, two years after the arrival of Toyota’s Sequoia, a second Japanese contender, the Pathfinder Armada, has been launched by Nissan Motor Co., and it finally seems like the Japanese mean business.

The 2004 Pathfinder Armada, much like its sister vehicle, the 2004 Titan pickup, is the first serious attempt to crack Detroit’s stranglehold in the full-size truck market.

The Sequoia, as good as it is, always seemed like a middle linebacker on a diet, somewhat underequipped to be playing with the pros. Not so the Pathfinder Armada, which is the second vehicle to roll out of Nissan’s new $1.4-billion plant in Canton, Miss.

The Armada — even its name sounds formidable — looks and acts the role of spoiler. It shares the Titan’s aggressive front-end styling and a tough-guy attitude that carries through the muscular side profile all the way to the bold rear-end graphic.

Nissan backs that up with a sturdy ladder-type frame that supports a fully independent suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs at all four corners. The result is a solid truck-like ride that absorbs man-size potholes on the freeways of Detroit while still providing reasonably good ride comfort, and brisk, controlled handling in most situations. Helping with the compliant ride are a generous 123.2-inch wheelbase — the longest in the segment — and standard 18-inch wheels and tires.

I didn't get a chance to take the Armada off the highway, but then most SUV buyers rarely do either. 

But it’s good to know the big Nissan SUV has a towing capacity of more than 9,000 pounds, which makes it fully-competitive with popular Detroit iron in this class, including the Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe.

In fact, the Armada handily outguns its domestic rivals in the power department.

The base Expedition ($32,885 including destination) is fitted with a single-overhead-cam 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 232 horsepower and 291 pounds-feet of torque. An SOHC 5.4-liter V-8 is an extra-cost option. The base Tahoe ($34,955) comes with an overhead-valve 4.8-liter V-8 that produces 275 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet. An OHV 5.3-liter V-8 is available for an additional charge.

The Armada blows both away. The only available engine in model year 2004 is a double-overhead-cam 5.6-liter V-8, a monster block that is borrowed from the Titan and in this particular application churns out 305 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Despite Armada’s two-and-a-half-ton mass, the big V-8 is more than up to the task. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine responds willingly to the slightest throttle provocation.

All is not roses, however. The two-wheel-drive edition of the Armada is rated by the EPA at a middling 13 miles per gallon in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway; the 4×4 model surrenders one mpg in highway driving. Even with the standard 28-gallon fuel tank, you’re likely to find yourself filling up frequently on long trips — an undesireable trait that Armada shares with its equally thirsty Detroit rivals.

We can forgive the mediocre fuel economy in part because Nissan has lavished so much attention on turning the Armada’s cabin into a safe and inviting environment for family and friends.

The vehicle can seat up to eight. Both the second- and third-row benches fold flat for more cargo space.

Outside of a massive plasticky center stack that houses the audio and climate controls and screams Japanese kitsch, the Armada is pretty tastefully outfitted.

The base SE series comes with cloth seats; leather is standard on the LE and optional on the SE.

Other options include a satellite na igation system on LE models; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with a single overhead display and two sets of wireless headphones; and a premium Bose audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, 10 speakers and redundant steering-wheel controls.

The Armada has been thoughtfully equipped with ample safety features. Among the standard items are four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability and traction control; side air curtains for all three rows, and a tire-pressure monitor. Seat-mounted side air bags for front occupants are standard on LE and optional on SE.

Among the competition, the Expedition was heavily revised a year ago, while Tahoe and Sequoia won’t be overhauled for at least two to three more years. Armada then is not only the newest and freshest kid on the block, it’s also — for the moment anyway — the spunkiest.

2004 Nissan Pathfinder review: Our expert's take
By

Armada’s brute power blows competition away

Toyota Motor Co.p. was the first Japanese brand to challenge Detroit in the full-size sport-ute arena. Now, two years after the arrival of Toyota’s Sequoia, a second Japanese contender, the Pathfinder Armada, has been launched by Nissan Motor Co., and it finally seems like the Japanese mean business.

The 2004 Pathfinder Armada, much like its sister vehicle, the 2004 Titan pickup, is the first serious attempt to crack Detroit’s stranglehold in the full-size truck market.

The Sequoia, as good as it is, always seemed like a middle linebacker on a diet, somewhat underequipped to be playing with the pros. Not so the Pathfinder Armada, which is the second vehicle to roll out of Nissan’s new $1.4-billion plant in Canton, Miss.

The Armada — even its name sounds formidable — looks and acts the role of spoiler. It shares the Titan’s aggressive front-end styling and a tough-guy attitude that carries through the muscular side profile all the way to the bold rear-end graphic.

Nissan backs that up with a sturdy ladder-type frame that supports a fully independent suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs at all four corners. The result is a solid truck-like ride that absorbs man-size potholes on the freeways of Detroit while still providing reasonably good ride comfort, and brisk, controlled handling in most situations. Helping with the compliant ride are a generous 123.2-inch wheelbase — the longest in the segment — and standard 18-inch wheels and tires.

I didn't get a chance to take the Armada off the highway, but then most SUV buyers rarely do either. 

But it’s good to know the big Nissan SUV has a towing capacity of more than 9,000 pounds, which makes it fully-competitive with popular Detroit iron in this class, including the Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe.

In fact, the Armada handily outguns its domestic rivals in the power department.

The base Expedition ($32,885 including destination) is fitted with a single-overhead-cam 4.6-liter V-8 that makes 232 horsepower and 291 pounds-feet of torque. An SOHC 5.4-liter V-8 is an extra-cost option. The base Tahoe ($34,955) comes with an overhead-valve 4.8-liter V-8 that produces 275 horsepower and 290 pounds-feet. An OHV 5.3-liter V-8 is available for an additional charge.

The Armada blows both away. The only available engine in model year 2004 is a double-overhead-cam 5.6-liter V-8, a monster block that is borrowed from the Titan and in this particular application churns out 305 horsepower and 385 pounds-feet of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

Despite Armada’s two-and-a-half-ton mass, the big V-8 is more than up to the task. Acceleration is brisk, and the engine responds willingly to the slightest throttle provocation.

All is not roses, however. The two-wheel-drive edition of the Armada is rated by the EPA at a middling 13 miles per gallon in city driving and 19 mpg on the highway; the 4×4 model surrenders one mpg in highway driving. Even with the standard 28-gallon fuel tank, you’re likely to find yourself filling up frequently on long trips — an undesireable trait that Armada shares with its equally thirsty Detroit rivals.

We can forgive the mediocre fuel economy in part because Nissan has lavished so much attention on turning the Armada’s cabin into a safe and inviting environment for family and friends.

The vehicle can seat up to eight. Both the second- and third-row benches fold flat for more cargo space.

Outside of a massive plasticky center stack that houses the audio and climate controls and screams Japanese kitsch, the Armada is pretty tastefully outfitted.

The base SE series comes with cloth seats; leather is standard on the LE and optional on the SE.

Other options include a satellite na igation system on LE models; a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with a single overhead display and two sets of wireless headphones; and a premium Bose audio system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, 10 speakers and redundant steering-wheel controls.

The Armada has been thoughtfully equipped with ample safety features. Among the standard items are four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability and traction control; side air curtains for all three rows, and a tire-pressure monitor. Seat-mounted side air bags for front occupants are standard on LE and optional on SE.

Among the competition, the Expedition was heavily revised a year ago, while Tahoe and Sequoia won’t be overhauled for at least two to three more years. Armada then is not only the newest and freshest kid on the block, it’s also — for the moment anyway — the spunkiest.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

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

4.7 / 5
Based on 25 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.6
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • This car has been my family's work horse for years!

    This car has been my family's work horse for years! It has 202,000 miles and isn't showing significant signs of stopping anytime soon. I love the heated seats! Trunk space is super nice as well.
    • 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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  • Amazing car overall

    This car might be a thirsty one but it's xxxx worth the fuel it drinks It never failed me, even for a cross country trip
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The car meet all my expectatives

    Excellent performance on road and town. Great construction and also secure to carry family. Recommend it to all to need a vehicle to transport children and animals
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • 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 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great vehicle! Very happy with it!

    Great value for money. Very well maintained. Good experience dealing with owner. This vehicle will fit my needs for a long time. Would use cars.com again.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • This Shirley is the most reliable vehicle

    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 weather. With good snow tires there is zero problems in the winter even a n I have to say this is one of the best vehicles 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 weather. With good snow tires there is zero problems in the winter even on ice ! Very comfortable easy to get in and out of and very simple to drive. If you’re looking for a good reliable vehicle this comfortable I would suggest this one
    • 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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  • Our third one, great car, dependable and durable

    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 style but time change.
    • 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 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Lo mejor en su clase

    Está camioneta es suave para cualquier camino. su motor es fuerte y vale destacar la relación consumo de combustible / comodidad / fuerza. En resumidas cuentas vale la pena y la recomiendo sobre todo la que tiene el motor vq35 que es más económico que el vg33. Su apariencia es imponente y su comodidad de 6 a 8.
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable, handles well in snow

    I owned this car for 10 years and appreciated that it needed very little maintenance, always ran well and consistently, and had plenty of space for gear. It had plenty of clearance for dirt roads and deep snow.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    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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  • 2 Models, Both Excellent

    I test drove this and a 2001 model, and I love them both. The interior is comfortable and no none sense. the leather seats are adequate for a man of my stature ( 6'4") and I don't feel cramped like I would in a similar sized SUV. The V6 is top notch, with great performance and good gas mileage for a high revving engine. Both this and the 2001 model that I test drove performed without a hiccup, with both having 200,000 miles or more on the odometers. I recommend this vehicle for anyone that wants a comfortable, low maintenance, well performing used SUV. I am sure it could outrun many smaller sedans on the road and also out pack a lot of mid-sized SUV's with its interior space.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable, smooth ride for a smaller SUV

    Great for pulling, strong engine, comfortable interior. Lots of options, Great winter vehicle. Great for pulling, strong engine, comfortable interior. Lots of options, Great winter vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Towing
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • Best Car Nissian ever built!!!

    This car is so adorable reliable and comfortable. Great for big items purchase and Hauling things. Put it in 4-wheel drive and it is excellent in the snow!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I nearly drove it 190,000 mile

    Excellent vehicle I'm using it since 2004 but my engine at 182,000 mile had oil problems and some sounds I changed the engine and have done full service and it's like new at 2018
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder is available in 2 trim levels:

  • LE Platinum (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 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 2004 Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Nissan Pathfinder owners.

Is the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Nissan Pathfinder. 96.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 25 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7

Nissan Pathfinder history

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