Before buying my '07 Pathfinder, I had owned:
- 1999 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD
- 2004 Toyota Highlander
- 2005 Honda Pilot LE/Leather
The Rodeo was roomy and very good off-road but I grew tired of it's harsh ride. In the end, parts were expensive and hard to find and things were breaking too frequently. The Highlander was also roomy, but I didn't like the flimsy front seats, poor acceleration or tippy feeling going around turns, and it was no off-road vehicle, so I wasn't upset to give it up to my ex-wife during our divorce. I loved the spaciousness and comfort of the Pilot, and the ride and acceleration were great, but this was really a minivan with all wheel drive, not an off-road capable. Still, I was sorry to see it go at the end of its lease, and even sorrier that Honda wouldn't offer a good deal on another.
When I couldn't make a deal for another Honda Pilot I was looking at the Explorer, Trailblazer, 4Runner, Jeep Laredo and Pathfinder. I wanted:
- V6 engine with good power and decent fuel economy;
- Real off-road capability. Not rock-crawling or hard-core mud, but able to handle some moderate conditions and deep snow;
- Comfortable seating, (I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs of not-all muscle:)) and ride;
- Third-row seating and decent cargo capacity;
- Towing capability at least 5,000 pounds;
- Affordable (for me);
- Long-term reliability was not a factor, as I was going to lease again, but I didn't want to the truck in the shop every month for warranty repairs, either.
I could have got a good deal on a Trailblazer, but it was too cramped. Likewise, the Jeep was snug and the roof was a bit low for a 6-footer, and it had no 3rd-row seats. I loved the Explorer, but my experience with Ford products wasn't positive and I couldn't get a good price. I had never owned a Nissan or driven a Pathfinder, but I stopped by a local dealer during a sale and actually got high-pressured into buying my Pathfinder SE. I never got to the Toyota dealer.
I've always felt bad about falling for the high-pressure tactics at Open Road Nissan. I definitely did not get a good deal, or anywhere near the deal that I wanted, or even the options I wanted. But, upon reflection, I got what I think is the best match for my lifestyle. I like the power and ride, the fuel economy is good for its class, it is off-road capable and I can tow 6,000 lbs. On the downside, I wish it was more comfortable and had more rear-seat legroom, and had more of the convenience/safety features I grew used to with Toyota and Honda. I probably would have been happier with a Pathfinder LE, or at least more upgrades in the SE.
Will I keep this Pathfinder or get another one? I honestly don't know. I can't think of a better overall SUV in this price and size category. I might trade-up to an LE, but then again, by then my kids will all have their own cars and I might go with something a little smaller and more off-road capable. I'll have to see where my mid-life crisis takes me!
So why
did I by a Pathfinder? The honest answer is I succumbed to a high-pressure sales strategy. But I don't think I could have found another model in that category that would have been better than the Pathfinder.