2006 NISSAN PATHFINDER

Love her durability, hate her defects

Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 1 Value Rating: 3

Don't get me wrong, my Nissan Pathfinder has literally been a valued member of my family for 10 years. It has transported my family very well, and she has only put me down on the side of the road (in another state, mind you) once. I have had to have numerous and costly repairs, though, but I did give her a run for her money in commuting and travel miles. I would buy another one of these (at a price at which I could afford the fixes) because of its durability, safety, nice look, spacious cargo area once third row of seats is folded down, family friendliness and powerful engine. Here's the ugly: The transmission/radiator issue (cost me $2,500) mentioned by others is very real, as are the issues with constant brake repairs (my second or third set of rotors and pads) and O2 sensors (cost me $500)/catalytic converters (I'm scared to find out how much that is going to cost me, but the repairman's facial expression said it all as he recommended another mechanic to fix it). I also had a problem with my battery cables corroding (fixed that a couple times) and a tire going up and down (but I changed out the rims & tires, which was a costly fix for that problem). The cigarette lighters I use for my phone charger never really worked right (one may have a blown fuse, other seems to have a short). The front seats are very uncomfortable, my leg seems to rest against the bulky side of the center console. And I didn't realize how difficult the steering was until I drove other cars and nearly oversteered because of the ease. These things have aggravated and maybe even help lead to aches, pains and even a wrist surgery I've had (I spend a lot of time in my car). It's a great car if you get it at a good price that takes into account that you'll need to replace the transmission, 02 sensor and cats at some point.

Biggest piece of crap I've ever owned!

Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1 Value Rating: 1

DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE! At 93,000 miles we've already replaced u joints, tie rods, brakes (twice!), water pump, driver's side window door motor, O2 sensor, tire pressure sensors, gas tank sensor and now we've got the dreaded radiator/tranmisson issue! That's just the mechanical issues. The cosmetic issues are rust spots all over the back hatch and in the drivers side door well. We've been loyal Nissan customers for over 20 years. This is the 5th one we've owned. That all changes going forward. I am completely, 100% done with Nissan. When you talk to them on the phone and give them the break down of repairs and that you've spent over $6K in repairs, they are totally unsympathetic, even going so far as to say "It's a man made product. Nothing made by man is perfect.". WHAT??? This thing has been slowly falling apart for 8 years, that's not the imperfection of man. That's low quality, poor design and bad construction! Take your excuses to someone you didn't swindle $30K from, Nissan. Buh-bye. I'll give Toyota your love.

Unbelievably poor craftsmanship!

Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1 Safety Rating: 1 Technology Rating: 1 Value Rating: 1

The radiator transmission should have been a recall $3,000 in repair. The timing chain tensioner should have been a recall $4,500 in repair. Nissan does not stand behind their vehicles. This vehicle has cost my family of five more money than any other vehicle 3x fold. Will never ever ever buy another Nissan did I say ever. Worst company I've ever dealt with in my life.

No more Nissan.

It sucks period. Nissan should be out of business, give it one star but it don't deserve that

No more Nissans for our family

Performance : 3 Comfort : 4 Fuel Economy : 1 Fun To Drive : 4 Interior Design : 5 Exterior Design : 5 Build Quality : 1 Reliability : 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 1

We have purchased 5 Nissans new and used since 2000. 3 Xterras by my mother who now 74 years old, and 2 Pathfinders by me. The 2006 Pathfinder was junk after 40K. The front impeller shaft joint went bad 40K. The steering column replaced at 46K. A running board became loose, and needed replaced. Fog lights worked when they were in the mood at 60K. Then we got to 87K. Radiator cut loose and mixed the coolant and trans fluid. At the time all Nissan would offer is a discounted price of $4000 to do the repair. So I went onto ebay bought a $100 replacement radiator, and had Jiffy Lube flush the tranny. I took it to a Chevy dealer and dumped it for a Silverado 4x4 crew cab. The tranny was slipping.

Don't buy a used one

Performance : 4 Comfort : 4 Fuel Economy : 4 Fun To Drive : 4 Interior Design : 4 Exterior Design : 4 Build Quality : 2 Reliability : 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 3

I bought my Pathfinder brand new. Last week after 245,XXX miles the dreaded transmission radiator problem took her down. I've replaced the catalytic converters twice, the fuel pump, both O2 sensors, Oil Pressure sensor, Camshaft position sensor, the u -joint. I got 180,000 miles out of her before all of these problems and she's never left me stranded along the road. Brand new these cars are good, but unfortunately this is my 4th and final Nissan. So if you see a used one on the lot with around 150k miles on it. Move on and save yourself some dough.

Buyer Beware

Performance : 4 Comfort : 4 Fuel Economy : 4 Fun To Drive : 4 Interior Design : 4 Exterior Design : 4 Build Quality : 1 Reliability : 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Please Google search Nissan Pathfinder transmission problem prior to purchasing this vehicle used. What may/will happen is after 80k - 100K miles there will be a complete transmission failure. There is an obvious defect in the radiator / transmission which allows radiator fluid to go into the transmission. Once this happens you will need a complete transmission and radiator (about a $5-6K+ fix). There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan USA and they may cover 1/2 of the expenses but you will still be out of $3K in out of pocket expenses. There is also a catalytic convertver / O2 sensor problem which will not allow the vehicle to pass smog (If you live in CA) and costs $1200 to fix.

176,000 miles and still going...

Performance : 5 Comfort : 4 Fuel Economy : 4 Fun To Drive : 5 Interior Design : 4 Exterior Design : 5 Build Quality : 5 Reliability : 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Pathfinder new in 2006. With two kids and my job, I'm constantly on the road. This SUV has lead up to its name. It's been everywhere. I keep the oil changed regularly, on my 3rd set of tires & brakes. It does a great job. Other than the typical wear issues, the only thing I can complain about is the 93 octane fuel requirement. With gas prices as high as they are, it's not unusual to pay $60+ for a tank of gas. I tried the 87 octane the first year, and I did not like the performance. I went back to 93 octane and haven't changed. I've had nine vehicles in my life, and this is the only car I've driven that has never given me problems. It's a great vehicle.

Owned since new

Performance : 5 Comfort : 5 Fuel Economy : 5 Fun To Drive : 5 Interior Design : 5 Exterior Design : 5 Build Quality : 5 Reliability : 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned my Pathfinder LE since new when I bought it in early 07. I have not had any problems with it. It currently has 52K and change miles on it. I have not had the radiator failure like most people have, the brakes are still good. I did get the TPMS sensors replaced because the dealer broke one but they paid for it. I am glad I have this SUV and the fact that is is a 2006 it has more horsepower and torque than the later models, since Nissan detuned the 4.0l V6 so they can sell the V8. I have driven it cross country four times and it never gave me any problems.

major problems!!!!!

Performance : 1 Comfort : 5 Fuel Economy : 3 Fun To Drive : 3 Interior Design : 4 Exterior Design : 4 Build Quality : 1 Reliability : 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I have had my car 3 years and i am still making payments i have replaced the cadillac converters and one co2 sensor which has cost me 2200.00. Now i found out my tranmission is slipping which if you do research on it alot of people are having the same problem! No recall i guess nissan could care less about you after the sale will never own another one!!!!!!