2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE

Moving up a notch from the base model is the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE, offering a few more standard features.  The rear-wheel drive, 7-passenger SUV is powered by a 4.0-liter, 270-hp DOHC V6 and 5-speed automatic, with a independent and wishbone suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, tire monitor, and 4-wheel ABS brakes.  The family SUV also comes with dual front airbags and optional side impact bags for each row.  The back two rows recline and fold (3rd row into the floor), and there are storage compartments in the consoles and even in the floor.  The 16-79 cubic feet of cargo space is supplemented by a roof rack and trailer hitch, which can tow 6000 pounds.

The 2006 Pathfinder SE adds a power driver's seat, foglights, running boards, a first aid kit, and an air filtering system to the base model.  Wheel-mounted cruise control, full power setup, intermittent front and rear wipers, a trip computer, and CD player are all standard.  In 2006, the SE gets leather seats and a CD changer/MP3 player added to the options list, which also includes automatic headlights, leather seats and trim, heated seats and mirrors, power adjustable pedals, a sunroof, satellite radio, a DVD player, rear air conditioning, and a power passenger seat.  Favorite features for owners include the engine power, car-like handling, roomy and versatile interior, and exterior style, but they complain about a cheap-looking interior, low gas mileage (15/21) and the tiny backseat.