Nissan Pathfinder 2011Review

It has been 25 years since its debut which has during which Nissan Pathfinder has evolved from off-road toughness to and every-day-use vehicle. To commemorate its anniversary the manufacturers decided to add a Silver Edition.  The Silver Edition has 17-inch wheels of alloy, side moldings for the body color  with Silver Edition badging and chrome inserts.

The 2011 Pathfinder has a truck-based construction and still gives an smooth ride, although it is a little jerky. A rough pavement ride is given in exchange for strong abilities off-road.

The Nissan Pathfinder for 2011 comes with two engines. The V6, 4.0-liter, which is standard for all. The highest trim level, produces 266 hp and 288 lb-ft torque. A V8, 5.6-liter producing 310 hp and about 380 lb-ft torque is the power behind Pathfinder LE V8. An automatic five-speed  transmission is the standard on all Nissan Pathfinder models.

All versions come with rear-wheel drive and with an option of a  part-time 4WD.

The Nissan Pathfinder for 2011 comes with a more refined interior which has three-row seats and an ample amount of storage space compared to previous years. The front seats provide a good level of comfort compared to the folding second-row and 3rd row seats which are more haltered. The 2nd-row seat can be split 40/20/40. Third row folds in 50/50-split downwards with head restraints well in place. The 3rd row seat remains more suitable for youngsters.  This gives the Pathfinder diversity in its seating and cargo arrangements.

Equipment-wise, the Nissan Pathfinder provides four trim levels varying from simplistic to luxurious.

Available standard features are tilt steering wheel, power windows, climate control and a trip computer. Available features are navigation system, Bluetooth, a 9.3 GB music storage hard drive and rearview monitor. For 2011 option packages consist of the V8 Value Package for LE, which has a rear DVD system equipped with 7-inch monitor with headphones. The Navigation package (HDD) is available on LE models.

In terms of storage space the Nissan Pathfinder for 2011 has 16.5 cubic feet storage space compared to Ford Explorer’s13.6 cubic feet with no seats folded. The third row folded down flat provides 49.2 cubic feet and 79.2 with  second and third seat rows folded flat.

For the 2011 Pathfinder, crash testing has not yet been conducted but using the 2010 model crash test by the federal government  it was given four stars for the  protection of driver and passenger in frontal crashes tests which falls below most SUV’s which earn 5 stars. It also received a three-star score for rollover,giving it a 23 percent likelihood of rollover, ideal for a family SUV. The IIHS  gave its maximum score of “Good”  when it comes to tests on  front and side impact . A score of “Marginal”  in test on  roof strength  was given.

However, on positive side the Pathfinder has roof-mounted curtain air bags for rollover head and side-impact protection for all rows of occupants.

The average price for the Pathfinder 2011 ranges between $27,604 and $41,589.