2001 Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Pathfinder 2001 Nissan Pathfinder XE 4WD Sport Utility Wagon 4WD Kyushu, Japan A long-overdue 250-horsepower V6 engine debuts for 2001, making Pathfinder the most powerful SUV in its class. An interior freshening and more standard goodies, as well as snazzy options like an in-dash navigation system and an entertainment system for rear seat occupants, are new for 2001. Also added to the LE's option list this fall is the handy All-Mode automatic 4WD system from the Infiniti QX4. Powerful V6 engine, carlike interior, good reliability record, rear entertainment system option, available Infiniti All-Mode 4WD on LE models. Tight rear seat, high price tag, cheap interior bits. Nissan's hardy Pathfinder has always been our vehicle of choice for seeking a new path to the premium outlet center. Though the exterior may exude that tough-guy outdoorsy image, the interior has always been comfortable enough for the dilettante woodsman who doesn't like to get his nails too dirty. Though the old 3.3-liter V6 engine provided acceptable levels of low-end grunt, the coarsely produced 170 horsepower it made was meager when stacked against newer competitors. So revel, all you who seek liberation from urban ennui -- the Pathfinder is finally energized by a stouter V6, based on the Maxima sedan's stellar powerplant. When mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 engine produces a mighty 250 horsepower and 240 foot-pounds of torque. Matching it to an automatic tranny will usurp 10 ponies but add 25 foot-pounds of twist, still ample power to haul plenty of equipment and go mountain climbing, as well as merge onto freeways without fear. The Pathfinder comes with rear-wheel or part-time four-wheel drive, the latter of which provides a shift-on-the-fly transfer case that can be engaged at speeds up to 50 mph. On LE models, an automatic All-Mode four-wheel-drive system can be specified for 2001, giving you one more reason to skip paying the extra tariff the Infiniti QX4 commands. All-Mode operates in 2WD, automatic 4WD, 4WD-Hi and 4WD-Lo, all selected using a simple rotary knob on the dashboard. We've long admired the Pathfinder for its excellent ride and handling, further enhanced by solid unibody construction. The interior, one of the friendliest of any SUV on the market, is spruced up for 2001 with an updated instrument panel. A new dual level center console with a padded armrest and 12-volt power source will organize all your gewgaws. You can choose from three trim levels -- the XE, which for the 2001 model year comes with standard power windows, mirrors and locks, and a security system; the sporty SE, which gives you a choice of automatic or manual transmission along with sporty trim; and the top-of-the-line LE, which includes fog lights, Bose audio system, and fake wood accents. All models come standard with 16-inch wheels, full-size spare tire, a CD player and ABS. Side airbags can be ordered as long as they are contained in leather-wrapped seating, which is available only on SE and LE. Those same models, when power is transferred to the drive wheels via an automatic transmission, can be equipped with a mobile entertainment system, which includes a 6.4-inch flip-down LCD screen, video player, and ports to plug and play a PlayStation 2 (And we all know how important that will be after Christmas, don't we?). A "Birdview" navigation system, shared with the Infiniti QX4, is also available, but we don't recommend it. While the "Birdview" perspective is interesting, teensy, tiny, little, itty-bitty buttons control the thing, along with some of the climate control functions. Get a map. Items that remain static from last year include a substantial maximum cargo carrying capacity of 85 cubic feet (surprising for what appears to be a relatively small vehicle). Some of this space, in our humble opinion, should have been used to alleviate the still-cramped rear accommodations. Despite a few quibbles, we're thrilled that Nissan finally rectified the Pathfinder's main problem -- horsepower. With this updated, competitive package, we're betting fat rebates and dealer incentives have gone the way of the Dodo. Ford Explorer GMC Jimmy Honda Passport Isuzu Trooper 336,000 560,000 5Unlimited NA NA NA 6 3.5 liters V6 240 hp @ 6000 rpm 265 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm 85 cu.ft. 1169 lbs. 5000 lbs. 182.7 in. 69.7 in. 67.9 in. 4131 lbs. 106.3 in. 35.4 ft. 8.3 in. 38 in. 37 in. 56.6 in. 56.4 in. 54.1 in. 51.5 in. 41.7 in. 31.8 in. 5 Standard Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available Rating = Good Rating = Very Good Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested Not Tested 21.1 gal. 15 mpg / 19 mpg 317 mi. / 401 mi. Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not. $26,956 $29,649 7.35% $520 N/A 3% of the Total Invoice XE 2WD (4A): 3.5L V6 DOHC SMPI 24-valve engine with variable valve timing, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; 90 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, 4.36 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rigid rear axle multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 21.1 gal. capacity fuel tank; skid plates, side impact bars; liftback rear cargo door; roof rack, front and rear body-colored mud flaps; front and rear body-colored bumpers with front tow hooks, rear step bumper; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote black heated folding outside mirrors; 16" x 7" polished alloy wheels; P245/70SR16 M&S BSW tires; full-size steel spare wheel; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature,cassette player, single-disc CD player, 6 speakers, and fixed diversity antenna; cruise control with steering wheel controls; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry with remote trunk lock, child-safety rear door locks, remote fuel door release; 3 power accessory outlets, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, low brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; deep tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function, fixed 1/4 vent windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers; flip-up rear window, fixed-interval rear wiper, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, centerarmrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding split-bench seat with reclining adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light, front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, 1 seatback storage pocket, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo tie downs, cargo light, roll-up cargo cover, cargo net; body-colored grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and black door handles. SE 2WD (5M): 5-speed OD manual transmission; limited-slip differential, 4.64 axle ratio; colored fender flares; 16" x 7" machined alloy wheels; P255/65SR16 BSW M&S tires; driver's seat includes 8-way adjustment and lumbar support. LE 2WD (4A) (in addition to or instead of SE 2WD (5M) equipment): 4-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; transmission oil cooler; running boards; body-colored fender flares; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights, fully automatic headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; air conditioning with climate control; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, single-disc CD player, 6 premium speakers, and power retractable diversity antenna, radio steering wheel controls; garage door opener; instrumentation display includes compass, exterior temp; leather-wrapped gearshift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; concealed cargo storage and chrome grille. 4WD (in addition to or instead of 2WD equipment): Part-time 4-wheel drive, (All-mode 4-wheel drive on LE), auto-locking hub control and manual shift and rear AC ducts. F92 Floor Mats $58 $79 H94 6-Disc CD Changer $338 $719 M94 In-Cabin Microfilter $38 $49 P92 Tow Hitch III $305 $389 R94 Body Color Side Moldings $73 $99 W94 Gold Badging $123 $389