SE 4x4 w/Convenience & Premium Groups

I just came out of a lease on a 2003 Pathfinder and now moved into the restyled 2006 model. Even though I am fairly happy with the new model there are things about it I don't like. I feel the windshield mounted rearview mirror is mounted too low...obstructing my vision at times (I'm on the taller side, 6' 1"). I really dislike the fact they removed the auto up/down feature on the passenger side power window..in fact, I miss that the most. Another big drawback is the fact you can only get heated mirrors with the top-of-the-line LE model...in essence I had more upscale options on my older SE Pathfinder. I feel the ride isn't as 'plush' as my old Pathfinder. I also don't like how the fuel filler door works...you simply press on the left side of the door to open it up but doors have to be unlocked (fuel door locks when doors are locked), the spring that opens the door already broke and I only had vehicle for a month. I also noticed some fit & finish issued with dash mounted front speaker on passenger side and noticed some heater fan noise in the beginning but seemed to have improved. The sunroof switch is a little confusing...one button handles open/close and tilt up/down...not the most intuitive. Rear wiper a bit on the small side. All these negatives mentioned are relatively minor.

On the plus side...engine is powerful and smooth and has a nice growl to it. (gas mileage not great though). Stereo (premium Bose with subwoofer) is awesome...wish it had tape player addition like my last Path had but addition of MP3 playing great idea (an MP3 player input port would have been icing on the cake). Transmission shifts smoothly. Inclusion of a hitch a godsend! Nice dash layout and illumination, though the heat/temperature knobs a little slow to respond when adjusting temp, I would have preferred knobs which 'click' and change immediately to setting changes. Second row seat wider than last model which gives my kids more elbow room (3 boys ages 3-7-9). Trip computer very helpful and nice feature to have. Even though the body design is a bit boxier...it allows for more cargo room. One of the reasons I chose a Pathfinder over the Murano is I really like (and need) the flip-open rear glass window...it allows you to cram more in to the back without having to open the whole tailgate (Murano's don't offer that feature) or to haul long objects home from Home Depot and able to keep your tailgate closed. I like the fact they included a release handle for this on the exterior rather than having to use a key as I did in the 2003 model (it was a pain because it would then lock all the doors). Addition of 2nd & 3rd row roof-mounted air vents helpful in keeping everyone more comfortable..though lacking 3rd row reading lights.

So...even though there are improvements in some areas...they took away some features I was used to and added them to the more expensive models which I think is idiotic for Nissan to do...they may think its a great marketing maneuver to get people to buy the more expensive models but for young working families who are watching their dollars its leaving these customers somewhat unsatisfied...NOT what you want to do in my opinion. In the past, I always thought of the Pathfinder as a "Premium SUV", now the new model leaves me feeling like its just another SUV in the same class as the Xterra and the Frontier Pickup (they share the exact same interior design and front end...how boring...no individuality).

I'm for the most part satisfied...but I think I was much more satisfied the first time around with the 2003 Pathfinder when I got it.

7/05/06 Another problem that arose. The rear passenger fan control NEVER turns off, even when key is out of ignition. I woke to a dead battery one morning. I have notified dealer about this and will update with outcome.

7/27/06 Dealer replaced the relay switch on the rear fan control and repaired the bad hinge on the fuel filler door...all is well. Feels like a new truck again. :-)