Automobile:
2009 Pathfinder LE 4X4
By: Chris Kern
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Overall Rating: 3.5 out
of 5.0
As the previous owner of several
4-wheel drives and SUVs, all starting with the sporty Suzuki Sidekick,
followed by a Toyota 4Runner Limited, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and now the
current owner of a 2008 Tahoe LTZ, as well as a Lexus IS 300, I believe
that my experiences and exposure to these rides, as well as over 250,000
total driving miles provides me with some background and reference points
to draw comparisons with the new Pathfinder. I’ve had the privilege
of driving the Pathfinder for the past week during the wonderful fall
season of Phoenix Arizona.
So, here goes:
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Body Style:
I actually like the body-style of the Pathfinder. The lines are not too
hard or too soft and the overall flow looks like a well balanced vehicle,
appealing to the eye. Nothing seems out of proportion or placed in a weird
location. Good start. The navy blue color on our test vehicle had great
luster and in general is one of my favorite colors. Nice!
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Wheels/Rims:
Nice as a standard feature to the car. Not too small and not too beefy
and the rims I thought were fairly attractive, especially compared to
some other standard rims provided on other SUVs. |
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Dash/Instrumentation:
I like the clean-cut layout, large sized numbering, and highly visible
layout of the instrumentation. I also liked the upgraded navigation system
and rear-view camera, which for the amount of driving and for safety sake,
is a nice option to have. One of the items I thought was poorly placed
were the seat heating controls that were not in simple reach.
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Interior:
Nicely done. Simple leather appointed seats were comfortable with plenty
of adjustability with the electronic controls. Being 6’2”
with long legs certainly makes for the need for leg-room a must and the
ability to make major seat adjustments when other drivers use the car.
Plenty of headroom and storage for groceries, etc. in the back. As a fan
of sun-roofs, I would have liked to see one on this vehicle. Not sure
if its an available option – if not – it surely should be,
and I’ll otherwise give that to Nissan as a helpful reminder for
next time.
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Cabin Noise:
For an SUV and a 4X4 vehicle, I was pleasantly surprise on how quiet the
interior cabin was, as well as how much of the exterior noise was shielded
with my windows closed. Whatever you did – good job!
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Drivability:
This is probably what you’re really looking for. The Pathfinder
I found to drive very nicely and offered a smooth ride, both around town
and on highways. I was equally impressed with the power and acceleration
that it had coming off a stop and otherwise for passing on the highway.
Compared to my Tahoe, I actually think the Pathfinder had more balls.
The turning radius and navigating parking lots (the rear-view camera was
definitely put to task here) during this splendid holiday season was also
in check with my high expectations, and felt that it navigated as well
if not slightly better than its peers.
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Handling:
The one area that I thought
was lacking was the handling around corners. The steering just felt as
if it were rusty or that the power steering could have been tuned up a
bit more. I did not feel 100% confident taking a corner at normal driving
speeds, let alone on a tear. If I were to state my biggest beef with the
Pathfinder – that would be it!
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Conclusion:
All in all – I like the Pathfinder. The pricing point is in line
with its peers and I have good faith in Nissan as a company and manufacturer
to produce and stand by its product, as well as survive the nasty economy
we’re in without having to ask for a hand-out. While the Pathfinder
did not blow my socks off or wow me on any particular feature, it’s
still a good buy and one of better choices to consider amongst the SUV
crowd.
Sincerely,
Chris Kern
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