One of our editors recently had a family member ask for advice on a replacement for their aging minivan. Both the husband and wife (with three kids and an equal number of dogs) wanted something that was fun to drive, provided stylish looks, and could carry at least five people in comfort during even the hairiest New England weather. Plus, the husband required that it be something he'd drive…meaning not another minivan. They had whittled their options down to the Ford Freestyle and the Nissan Pathfinder.
Coincidentally, those two vehicles were the only candidates qualified for our Autobytel Editors' Choice award for Best New Midsize SUV*, and of those two, we chose the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder.
Totally redesigned for 2005, it's almost unfair to link the new Pathfinder with the previous generation. Nearly every aspect of the vehicle has been improved, from the 270-horsepower V6 (with 291 lb.-ft. of torque), to its increased seven-passenger seating capacity. In fact, thanks to aggressive new styling, on looks alone the Nissan Pathfinder steals the show when compared to the rather generic Ford Freestyle. However, the true strengths of the Pathfinder are found below the skin.
Among those strengths is a long list of standard features including skid plates; a tow hitch receiver; stability control; a tire pressure monitor; a full-size spare tire; and a handy flip-up liftgate window. Move up to higher-end models and benefit from a standard rear air conditioning unit; adjustable foot pedals; front side-impact and side-curtain airbags; and a power moonroof. This is on top of the Pathfinder's 6,000-lb. towing capacity, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, potent powerplant, and up to nine inches of ground clearance on four-wheel-drive models.
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder makes no excuses about mediocre gas mileage or a truck-like ride. Rather, it excels at doing everything an SUV should do - safely carrying passengers and all of their stuff wherever they want to go.
- Thom Blackett
* Autobytel considers any SUV with between 75 and 95 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume to be a midsize SUV.
