2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE-V8

Pathfinder is a DogCar trailblazer

Tue, Jan 8th 2008

Ever since the Nissan Pathfinder came into existence 22 years ago, I’ve been calling it the ultimate Urban Assault Vehicle (UAV). With its brutish, armored-vehicle type appearance coupled with a very capable four-wheel-drive transmission and powerful V-8 engine, the Pathfinder is truly a mud-boggers delight.

But the folks who use it most, it seems, are the ones hauling dogs and handling groceries on a daily basis. They are more apt to be spotted in the shopping mall parking lot than on the rut-ridden backwoods trails.

Why? Because at its core, the Pathfinder is really a city slicker. And it’s perfect for hauling hounds.

Even Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc., agrees that the Pathfinder’s versatility is one of its strongest points:

“Pathfinder buyers are flexible in their needs – one day driving the family to an in-town adventure, the next day going camping with the family dogs," said Bosley. "The 2008 Pathfinder is a perfect tool for all of those tasks, with 7-passenger seating and up to 64 different seating/cargo configurations."

Did he say 64 seating configurations? In my week testing the Pathfinder, I only explored a half-dozen. That’s impressive.

And the squared-off, wide tailgate offers ample access for large dog crates, which can be secured with 12 utility hooks placed throughout the cargo area. There’s even an easy-clean rear cargo floor available on the SE and SE-OR trim levels.

Storage areas are everywhere in the Pathfinder, including eight cup holders and an overhead console with sunglass storage. For laptop and cell phone charging, there are four power outlets (two on instrument panel center stack, one for 2nd row and one cargo area). There are even rear cargo lights for easy nighttime viewing of your canines and their cargo.

And speaking of viewing, the rear-view television monitor is a lifesaver when trying to turn around in tight quarters. I quickly became accustomed to using the rear-view eye whenever backing up.

On the down side, the Pathfinder’s fuel mileage is miserable, with the EPA estimating 12 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. But with a total price of under $40,000 for the fully-loaded V-8, 4X4 Pathfinder, many may see this vehicle as an overall bargain.

So, while the Pathfinder is perfect as an off-road warrior, it’s also a comfortable ride in town, or on whatever path your adventures may take you.

-- Keith Turner

Carguy Comments: For 2008, Nissan Pathfinder comes with an available 300-horsepower V-8 engine to supplement its standard V-6. There are four different trim levels for both engines (S, SE, OR and LE), with rear-wheel-drive offered in both the V-6 and V-8, part-time all-wheel-drive on the V-6 and full-time four-wheel drive on the V-8. Cargo capacity is 145.7 cubic feet with both second and third row seats folded flat.

-- Keith Turner, The Family Car

2008 Nissan Pathfinder: Rugged versatility

Barking Lot Banter:

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder plays the role of a tough, rugged cowboy ready for the range. Yet, when negotiating city streets, the Pathfinder is a tame tiger offering many amenities to please the in-town crowd.