- suv 131,072
- 2,024 below average
- 3,000 great
- Temple, TX
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- autoshopper.com
- 2,024 below average suv 131,072 automatic
2003 nissan pathfinder review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. introductionnissan pathfinder is a powerful, quick performer. If nissan's entry-level xterra is considered tough gear, then the pathfinder is premium equipment. The pathfinder competes with the toyota 4runner. leather upholstery is standard on the pathfinder le, the top model for 2003. Side-impact airbags and curtain air bags are standard on the le. Pathfinder se models get re-styled six-spoke 16-inch wheels and titanium-colored interior accents. Also, a choice of xm or sirius satellite radio is now available on all pathfinders. . lineupall nissan pathfinder models are powered by a 3. 5-liter v6 engine, which provides 240 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of torque. Body-color mirrors and splash guards help distinguish the le from the black-trimmed se. se 4x4 28,799) models rely on a two-speed transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability. Le 4x4 33,799) models upgrade to an all-mode push-button system that lets the driver select 2wd, auto, 4hi and 4lo. A limited-slip differential 249) is available for improved traction in slippery conditions. Two-wheel-drive pathfinders are propelled by their rear wheels. the new dynamic control package 749) includes the vehicle dynamic control electronic stability system, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitor system. A sunroof package 1099) is available for se that includes one-touch power sunroof, temperature gauge, digital compass, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, homelink. . walkaroundnissan pathfinder was last redesigned for the 1999 model year, and even then represented an evolutionary rather than revolutionary change from the previous generation. Still, the pathfinder remains winsome and efficient, with a square-jawed galoot look up front, emphasized by last year's new grille. Multi-parabola headlights give it a bit of a jeweled appearance. new alloy wheels add some freshness for 2003. Se has a step rail for climbing into and out of the truck, while le has running boards. The tailgate lifts up from the bottom. A separate release allows just the rear window to open. This can be performed by pressing a button located on the inside door grip next to the fuel door release. the outside door handles are small and dated in design. The spare tire is mounted underneath the rear of the chassis, better for interior space. The radio antenna is wrapped in swirled wire to reduce wind noise at speed. The roof rack has adjustable sliding tie-downs. Se comes with a unique titanium-colored roof rack with integrated air dam. . interiorthe pathfinder's interior was updated last year (2002), with new front seats and a revised audio system. It's a nice-looking interior with an attractive dash that looks contemporary. Interior materials appear to be of good quality. The simulated wood-grain trim warms the interior of the le. the leather-trimmed seats look good and feature perforated leather inserts. The optional eight-way power front seats are supportive and comfortable. The two-position memory system is easy to set up. The main instruments on le models uses nissan's trademark black-on-white pattern, while the 2003 se features a black-on-titanium scheme. heating and air conditioning controls are mounted at the top of the center stack where they are easy to reach. A big temperature knob and big, clearly marked buttons make it easy to operate. It's an automatic climate control system, but there's only one zone. The audio system works okay, but is lacking in aesthetics. These are a welcome convenience, because the vast majority of the time we want to open or close the windows or sunroof all the way. The window switches are mounted on the doors where they are easy to find and operate. The inside door handles are small and dainty. The rear glass can be opened by pressing a button on the driver's door grip or by turning the key in the rear door lock. Two more cupholders are mounted in the elbow area of the center console, awkward to reach. Center console storage is two-tiered, and awkward for the driver to reach. Mounted in the overhead console are useful outside temperature and digital compass readouts in led, along with a good pair of map lights. One tester banged his head on the overhead console every time he got in and put on his seatbelt. Others did not seem to have this problem. A nice, solid shade covers the glass sunroof. Double visors are useful for those times when the sun is coming through the upper corner of the windshield. Homelink buttons are mounted on the driver visor for easy garage door operation. rear seats are comfortable and reasonably roomy for two adults. To aid climbing in, grab handles are provided at both rear doors and on the passenger side. Rear seats are split 60/40 and fold down for versatile cargo hauling. Flip the seat bottom forward and then flip the seatback down for a fairly flat load floor. Finding the lever to release the seat bottom can be challenging and it's a little awkward to operate. The coat hooks are too small for a big load of dry cleaning. . driving impressionnissan pathfinder always surprises us with its sporty performance and handling. The throttle is very responsive and the 3. 5-liter v6 delivers quick acceleration performance. It's quick off the line and has little trouble beating traffic out of the gate. Pathfinder's drive-by-wire electronic throttle control seems overly sensitive at tip-in, but we quickly learned to use a soft touch when taking off. Once underway, the throttle is quick and very responsive. There's plenty of performance for passing on two-lane roads or merging quickly into fast traffic. With 240 horsepower at 6000 rpm, a pathfinder 4x4 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in the mid-8 second range, more spirited than most suvs. the sporty driving experience extends to the handling. Pathfinder responds quickly to input from steering wheel, making it enjoyable to drive. It feels lighter on its feet than most suvs, not as heavy and ponderous when cornering. This makes it easy to move through traffic and enjoyable on on-ramps or rural roads. pathfinder rides well. It feels more refined than the nissan xterra, but a little less refined than the all-new toyota 4runner. Pathfinder has been with us for awhile, but is holding up very well. the brakes work smoothly and are easy to operate. Drums are used on the rear, but abs is standard. pathfinder le 4x4 comes with the push-button all-mode 4wd system. Twist a big retro knob to select 2wd, auto, 4hi, or 4lo. It has good suspension articulation and good approach and departure angles.
3,000 Temple, TXTemple, TX at autoshopper.com