The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder brings with it a name that has been regarded as the model for which Nissan Motors is really proud of. With the latest 2008 models, the manufacturer has given a whole new look to the line-up to meet the expectations of different categories of buyers. This year, Pathfinder comes in four trim levels- bases S, up-level SE, new SE-Off Road and the best LE. Moreover, the manufacturer has launched the vehicles with a reasonable MSRP range. This new line-up will surely maintain Nissan's reputation in the market. Both users and car experts have done the Nissan Pathfinder review.
Exterior Look
The manufacturer says that the Pathfinder has been given a totally new look. But at the first glance, the latest models look much like their predecessor. However, there are some changes done by the manufacturer for the exterior body. The front bumper has been mildly restyled and the doors have new rub strips. The new front and rear fascias help to maintain the rugged yet sophisticated look that has always distinguished the Pathfinder. Even with these changes, the exterior body looks a bit dull.
Interior Cabin
All the seven models have been designed to accommodate comfortably seven adult passengers across three rows of seats. For all the trims, there are specific seating arrangements. The second-row 40/20/40-split fold-flat bench seat with tip-up easy entry for third row and the third-row 50/50-split fold-flat bench seat are common across all models and body styles. Depending upon the trim, there is cloth or leather trimming for the seats. For a comfortable ride, the upscale cabin has been highlighted with a number of standard comfort and convenience related features. However, when it comes to entertainment only the LE trim has got the best, while the other three trims have been neglected to some extent. The innovative Nissan Navigation comes only as an optional feature and that too for the LE models.
Space
In the upscale inside cabin with comfortable seating arrangement for seven adults, there is also ample cargo space with the back two rows featuring fold-flat facility. The free space for putting cargoes is quite moderate when all three rows are up but as soon as the seats are folded down, the cargo space expands exponentially. Even throughout the cabin, the designers have given ample storage facility like the eight cup holders including two bottle holders, an overhead console with sunglass storage, Driver's seat back pocket and storage pockets on both front and rear doors.
Under the Hood
As there are seven models and each one is different from the other, the manufacturer has come up with two powerful engine configurations in the form of a 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine and a 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine. The base V6 engine gives 266 horsepower at the rate of 5,600 rpm, while its torque capacity is 288 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm, while the V8 engine gives a horsepower of 310 at the rate of 5,200 and when it comes to the torque it is 388 lb-ft at the rate of 3,400 rpm. Only the base S model's engines are mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission, while for the other models it is a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Even the fuel economy of all the models is quite good, but some improvements are expected in the future.
Safety
This time, the manufacturer has given emphasis on the safety aspect both for the front and back row passengers. All the seven models come with a comprehensive array of safety features in the form of over 50 standard features, optional technologies along with child-safety programs such as Snug Kids. In all the models, one can find Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System, front seat Active Head Restraints and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for all the three rows. Apart from these features, according to the trims the manufacturer has upgraded the safety features.
Overall, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder models make a better deal when one is considering a stylish and powerful mid-sized sports utility vehicle.
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