1994 NISSAN PATHFINDER Review
Introduction
Nissan's contribution to the sport utility vehicle category looks primed and ready for an off-road excursion. And for once, looks aren't deceiving.
One trip off the beaten path proved to us that Nissan packed superb off-road capabilities, good overall performance, high quality and some thoughtful interior touches into our 1994 Pathfinder XE 4x4 test vehicle (LE pictured). The Pathfinder is Nissan's entry into the highly competitive midsize sport utility segment and has hummed quietly along in sales since it was introduced in 1987.
Then, the Pathfinder gave off-road enthusiasts and a lot of others much to like. it was one of the first imports to bring Japanese quality and V6 power to this segment, and the vehicle competed very favorably with domestics such as the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee. Since the Pathfinder's debut, Ford has upgraded the Explorer greatly and Jeep has introduced the Grand Cherokee. Pathfinder has made some subtle improvements but remains substantially the same as introduced. A price advantage over the competition has largely disappeared as the Japanese yen soared against our dollar. Thus, with an MSRP of $21,099, we find it nearing the top of the class yet not quite on the cutting edge. Its looks are a little plainer than Explorer or Grand Cherokee, and it loses some on power. Still, it packs a lot of value, including amenities such as air conditioning and a premium sound system. And it has that legendary Japanese fit-and-finish, while performing strongly off- and on-road.
Interior
A quartet of gracefully contoured fabric and vinyl front bucket and rear seats invites driver and passengers into the Nissan Pathfinder. Be forewarned, however, that this is not a sport utility rig on the scale of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Our 6-foot-plus test driver found his right knee mated with the steering wheel when he moved from the accelerator to the brake pedal.
Taking a seat in the rear passenger compartment, both of his knees pressed up against the front seatback when it was placed in the farthest rearward position.
Our impression is that interior room is a little tight. We found this to be the case on several midsize sport utilities, so if interior volume is a concern of yours, Pathfinder and others might have to be weighed carefully.
Positive attributes abound, however. The pop-up sunroof is positioned well forward, preventing direct exposure to the sun's rays for the driver and front seat passenger. Power mirror, window and door lock controls are conveniently positioned in the driver's armrest. The instrument cluster is easily readable through the steering wheel and features both speedometer and tachometer dials, a digital clock, a trip odometer and warning lights for various functions. The AM/FM stereo features no less than eight speakers, two of them in the rear roof. Glove compartment capacity is ample, but center armrest storage capacity is merely adequate. The five-speed manual transmission and 4WD levers are positioned for easy access and use.
Walk-Around
The Pathfinder XE makes its unique styling statement by avoiding the chrome, glitter and glitz found on some of its counterparts. You might think it plain. But it is also utilitarian and purposeful, like a good quality tool. Three black vinyl air scoops on the front of the hood and a companion black vinyl clad bumper and matching grille in an understated chrome frame convey the vehicle's clean but rough-and-ready personality. Rectangular headlamps and side markers, both in impact-resistant lenses, are augmented by fog lamps and amber cornering lamps imbedded in the bumper beneath. A large, heavy-duty towing eye completes the front-end treatment. In profile, an ordinary but functional black step bar replaces the expected running board. Recessed door handles and the utter absence of chrome trim or insignia add to the dramatic styling.
Out back, the Pathfinder's signature spare tire carrier swings out and to the right to reveal a drop gate and lift-up rear window. The carrier also features a locking pin to make certain it doesn't slam back into you.
The paint on our test vehicle was a lustrous dark green, devoid of imperfections. Pathfinder graphics appear on the spare tire cover, mud flaps an rear side windows. The only exterior disappointment was the roof rack, which appeared to be on the delicate side. Sure enough, a check of the specs revealed that the rack is rated for a mere 80-pound load maximum.
Impressions
Total absence of wind or engine noise at moderate speeds, firm communication with the road and a truly gratifying off-road junket highlighted our test drive of the Pathfinder. The standard 3.0-liter V6 delivered more than adequate highway passing performance, going from 50 to 70 mph in 10 seconds when we left the transmission in fourth gear. This performance is, in part, attributable to the Pathfinder's trim dimensions and resultant lower curb weight. The five-speed manual transmission was smooth and quick through the gates. The 4WD system features both high and low modes and engaged quickly and smoothly with only a modest increase in engine noise; the 4WD instrument panel light alerted us to the switch. The power front disc and the rear anti-lock braking system rear drum brakes delivered sure, straight stops with far less pedal reaction than some other vehicles so equipped. And guess what? Our Nissan Pathfinder also featured a Sport/Comfort suspension that really worked, transmitting every bump to our test driver in the stiff Sport mode but virtually eliminating them in the softer Comfort mode.
Our off-road experience warrants a paragraph of praise by itself. We selected the Sport suspension mode, shifted to low 4WD and took on a series of truly formidable washboard road conditions-deep ruts, water-filled depressions and giant mudholes. The Pathfinder blew through them all with nary a bone-jarring jolt or the slightest loss of control in accelerating, braking or maneuvering. It's a powerful, agile, immensely capable off-road adventurer.
Summary
Like the idea of a sport utility vehicle that backs its no-nonsense styling with impressive performances on- and off-road? Willing to overlook a lack of legroom and cargo capacity? Then the Nissan Pathfinder XE 4x4 should be at or near the top of your shopping list. No, you won't be able to squeeze more than four adults inside comfortably or haul a ton of sports gear or luggage. But Nissan has packed this sportster with a power train and underpinnings that backroad or deep woods enthusiasts will find difficult to match.
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