Topic: 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. Opinions?

[mrthompson]

Have you looked at the Chevy Tahoe? 
http://www.canadiandriver.com/overviews/2006/chevrolet/tahoe.php

"The Tahoe offers considerable flexibility; the second row of seats fold forward to create a flat floor, and an optional third-row bench seat turns it into a nine-passenger vehicle, although that last row is very tight for adults. The optional third row also has a 50/50 split, for extra cargo/passenger configurations."

[ktm525]

I am familiar with Tahoes as my father has owned a 4 door Yukon and now a new Denali (2005). The redesign for 2006 looks interesting. What holds me back from the Tahoe/Yukon is the extra size, especially the width. Those extra inches seem to really make a difference when piloting around the city. I will have a quick gander at an 06. I think I will do another evaluation when the auto show comes to town.

[mrthompson]

Ford Exploder?  It has an available V8.  Or the Expedition?
 

[inco]

Denali is a very nice package and good deals are out there. You can maybe get bonus points with the in laws if you go that route! That's a vehicle that tempts me.

New Tahoe was what I was thinking too but what about the Toyota offerings - the Sequoia or maybe a used Laxus 470?

Armada might be worth a look - used or demo model. Jeep must be in same category as Durango I guess? Explorer should also be driven - just to compare if nothing else.

[mdxtasy]

New Tahoe was what I was thinking too but what about the Toyota offerings - the Sequoia or maybe a used Laxus 470?

A LAXus?  Is that what you over 40 guys use to keep the excrement game interesting?   

[inco]

Can't hide anything from those cross readers. Pretty sharp kid. What did you eat today?

[G0dspd]

I am familiar with Tahoes as my father has owned a 4 door Yukon and now a new Denali (2005). Those extra inches seem to really make a difference when piloting around the city. I will have a quick gander at an 06. I think I will do another evaluation when the auto show comes to town.

If you don't like the size of the Tahoe maybe you should take a look at the Envoy.  They have the XL model for a reasonable 3rd row and the Denali edition has a V8 (300 hp @ 5,200 RPM).  The inline 6 looks good too (291 hp @ 6,000 RPM).

[Benhaze]

The AllMode system, when in AUTO, is not part time 4WD. If it meets the definition of AWD is open to debate as there does seem to be a good definition of AWD. However what the AllMode system does is automatically proportion power/torque front/rear as required to a maximum of 50/50. It can be used on dry pavement with out problems. It is better than any "part time" system (like on the XTerra), how it compares to the really sophisticated AWD systems is up to the potential buyer to decide.

In my mind, if it does not meet the definition of AWD, it is a part time system. "AWD" means all wheel are engaged all the time. Nissan's All Mode engages the front wheels only when the rear wheels slip. I do recognize it is a very good 4WD system, way better than Ford's or GM's,  and Trainman is dead on the money. Still, I prefer a system that can drive all wheels all time. All Mode can't since the 4X4 mode cannot be used on dry pavement.

[ktm525]

I am familiar with Tahoes as my father has owned a 4 door Yukon and now a new Denali (2005). Those extra inches seem to really make a difference when piloting around the city. I will have a quick gander at an 06. I think I will do another evaluation when the auto show comes to town.

If you don't like the size of the Tahoe maybe you should take a look at the Envoy.  They have the XL model for a reasonable 3rd row and the Denali edition has a V8 (300 hp @ 5,200 RPM).  The inline 6 looks good too (291 hp @ 6,000 RPM).

The Envoy was ok when it came out abput 7 years ago. They are very dated. No side airbags, stability contol etc. Plus IMO the Envoy XL is ugly

[mdxtasy]

I had the Envoy/Trailblazer on the list when we were shopping and came to the same conclusion as you ktm, the vehicles had decent engines but the fit and finish, quality etc was a little behind the newer competitors. 

[Trainman]

The AllMode system, when in AUTO, is not part time 4WD. If it meets the definition of AWD is open to debate as there does seem to be a good definition of AWD. However what the AllMode system does is automatically proportion power/torque front/rear as required to a maximum of 50/50. It can be used on dry pavement with out problems. It is better than any "part time" system (like on the XTerra), how it compares to the really sophisticated AWD systems is up to the potential buyer to decide.

In my mind, if it does not meet the definition of AWD, it is a part time system. "AWD" means all wheel are engaged all the time. Nissan's All Mode engages the front wheels only when the rear wheels slip. I do recognize it is a very good 4WD system, way better than Ford's or GM's,  and Trainman is dead on the money. Still, I prefer a system that can drive all wheels all time. All Mode can't since the 4X4 mode cannot be used on dry pavement.

Good post.  Nissan's AllMode is in a grey area, does not meet the definitions of part time 4wd nor of AWD.

For what I use my truck for, I need the locked 4wd high and low.  The auto mode is a bonus.

[Craig]

Too bad that the 4Runner ergonomics don't work for you.  Otherwise, it's the best in this class.

[mrthompson]

I was going to suggest the Lexus LX 470 until I saw the price.....$101,400!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Holy fack! 

[ktm525]

Too bad that the 4Runner ergonomics don't work for you.  Otherwise, it's the best in this class.

Yeah it is weird. I had a 1990 4Runner that seemed to fit me fine. The ergos in the new 4Runner are poor. Not only was the front seats low (with the low windshield) but the rear seat bottom is too short and too low to offer anyone over 5' proper support for their legs.

[Craig]

I've heard that.  Works fine for my dad, and it fits me just fine.  He's 5'8" (about 1/2" shorted after the back surgery) and I'm 5'11".

I keep threatening to steal it.

We looked very hard at the 2005 Pathfinder, but when we compared the comments in www.nissanforums.com with those in www.t4r.org, we were concerned about a few points on the Pathfinder.  The fuel issue was one.  Premium is "recommended" in Canada, and required in the US.  WTH?

An even better website comparison is with www.expeditionforum.com, where half the thread titles contain the word "help".  At least the Pathy is bulletproof compared to the Expedition.

[prufrock]

After another looong weekend of car shopping, my wife and I were very impressed by the size and features of the 2006 Pathfinder LE. Plus, the Nissan dealer was willing to deal: $1200 over wholesale, with a $1000 incentive (only applied after taxes -- so about another $877 off before) from Nissan. Now, whether that's a good sign or not...

While the interior is inferior to the Toyota, the cargo room is much better for our needs (can put a dog kennel in without lowering 2nd row seats). The power is great, but visions of high gas bills (worse than the V8 Toyota, but more HP? -- wow!) are a little off-putting.

Our first preference would be the Toyota, but the company's lack of optional safety equipment in their base model 4Runner really, really bugs me. And the cargo area is about 3 inches too short for our needs, unfortunately.

Looking at cost to purchase over four years, we can get the loaded 4x4 Pathfinder for only a $1000 more than the PT AWD Pilot (EX-L) and for $4500 less than the 4Runner (Limited V6) over the four years.

Any opinions as to whether this is a good vehicle compared to the Pilot and 4Runner, especially given the cost? I have read a lot at nissanforums.com, but it's hard to get a general impression by doing so.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks! Shawn

[Craig]

It was harder to get a good discount on the 4Runner, but we managed to get the 2005 V6 Limited to within $1000 of the Pathy LE, if memory serves, but I don't think you're price-comparing the Pathy LE to the Limited V6, given your $4500 difference.

[prufrock]

It was harder to get a good discount on the 4Runner, but we managed to get the 2005 V6 Limited to within $1000 of the Pathy LE, if memory serves, but I don't think you're price-comparing the Pathy LE to the Limited V6, given your $4500 difference.

Actually, that's exactly the comparison being made. The Toyota dealer here won't budge a bit, but Nissan is really working hard to sell the Pathfinder. It's the LE, but no NAV or RES. I just got off the phone with the dealer, and he figures that tomorrow Nissan is going to sweeten the deal even more. I have my fingers crossed.

The $4500 takes into account the big discount off MSRP from Nissan, plus the taxes on it and the interest.

I have to admit I didn't think much about the Pathfinder before, but it's seeming like a great deal for the money now.

Shawn

** Addendum **

Just an interesting note: I have read a few threads on these boards about how much cheaper it is to buy a vehicle in the US. I was reading at the Nissan forums, had a double-take, and just confirmed the following:

The All-Mode 4WD system that is present in all models of Pathfinder in Canada is only found in the top of the line model in the US. I wonder what other significant differences exist for vehicles that supposedly serve similar markets.