2009 Nissan Pathfinder

Review

A good-sized SUV, the Nissan Pathfinder provides seating for up to seven. Thanks to its truck rather than car frame, the 2009 Pathfinder also provides ample towing capacity, storage room and the ability to tame the off-road wilderness.

Specifications

The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder comes with the following general specs:

• Pricing: $25,499 to $37,238 invoice price for the Pathfinder and an MSRP of $27,201 to $40,201. These numbers reflect the price of a new car in 2009 and should likely be significantly less today.
• Engine: Two engine options on the Pathfinder this year: a 4.0-liter V6 which generates 266 horsepower and a 5.6-liter V8 which gets 310 horsepower.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy for the V6 is at 15/22 miles per gallon city/highway and the V8 gets 13/18 miles per gallon city/highway.
• Acceleration: Impressively, the pathfinder can go from zero to sixty in just 7.0 seconds, with its larger V8 engine, and the smaller engine is just .4 seconds slower.
• Transmission:A five-speed automatic transmission is standard for the Pathfinder.
• Car Safety Features: stability control, antilock disc brakes, and side curtain as well as front-side airbags are standard. The only government crash tests results are for frontal collision where the 2009 Pathfinder scored four out of four stars. This perfect score allows for more affordable auto insurance rates.
• Warranty: Nissan offers its standard 3-year/36,000 mile warranty for the 2009 Pathfinder.

Exterior Features

The 2009 Pathfinder is built on a truck frame rather than the frame of a car (such as the Altma) as many car buyers are turning to for their SUVs. The end result is a a vehicle with a long wheelbase and the impressive power that it affords. 16” to 18” alloy wheels are available as are running boards and forglights. Different tire options allow for customization for the off-road, rather than urban-jungle experience such as Blistein shocks, skid plates, trail tires, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

Interior Features

The interior of the Pathfinder can feel small and cramped for adults. The second row should be restricted to teens and below, while the third row seating is suitable for small children only. Cargo space is ample for this class at 79 cubic feet and those up front will find a nicely appointed cabin that is well designed and almost luxurious in its aspect. Optional features like Bluetooth and the music server only enhance this perception of the 2009 Pathfinder.

Performance

The 2009 Pathfinder does well in performing, giving great responsive steering and the best ride of all when it is off the beaten path. Body roll is a little heavy, but not dangerously so. On the highways and in the daily commute, however, the suspension of the Pathfinder and its truck frame combine to make for something of an uncomfortable ride.

Upgrade Options

The Pathfinder comes available with plenty of options for 2009 including a six-CD/MP3 changer, rear air conditioning, a hard-drive based navigation system, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, leather upholstery heated/power front seats and keyless ignition and upholstery.

Competition for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder

The list of competitors for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder includes:

• Dodge Durango
• Hyundai Veracruz
• Toyota 4Runner
• Chevrolet Traverse
• Mazda CX-9

If you are looking for a comfortable ride to commute or carpool in to work, or even to tame the urban jungle getting the kids to soccer practice and back, you will probably want to consider one of the competitors for a more comfortable ride. If you plan on heading for the hills often for a camping romp off the beaten trail, then the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder may be just the ticket for you with few equals.