2003 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A family vehicle that provides SUV height and cargo capacity, but drives with the ease and maneuverability of a sedan seems to be what many parents are looking for out of their SUVs these days. From its humble beginnings as a two-door truck-based ute, the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder has morphed into a four-door upscale mid-size SUV aimed more at the grocery set than the off-roading enthusiast.
The 2003 Pathfinder comes in SE and LE trims, both with a 3.5-liter, 240-hp V6 engine. The 5-speed manual is no more, so all models come with a 4-speed automatic. The LE gets a few standard upgrades this year, including heated leather seats, memory settings for the driver, a sunroof, and side impact and curtain airbags. These are optional on the SE, which only has dual front airbags. A new optional satellite radio is added this year. Both models come in either rear-wheel or part-time 4WD, with an All-Mode 4WD option for the LE, allowing the drive to select between four different settings, including high and low range gearing. The optional limited slip differential has been replaced by a Vehicle Dynamic Control package, containing traction and stability control and a tire pressure monitor. Both models get a redesigned 4-spoke steering wheel, and the independently-opening rear window can now be opened electronically.
Another option that doesn't return in the 2003 Pathfinder is the navigational system. Both trims feature power accessories, step rails, a roof rack, cruise control, and CD player. The SE is decked out in more sporty trim, with body-colored bumpers and fender flares, and leather trim. The LE is more elegantly appointed with faux wood accents, and it rides on larger 17-inch wheels. Both have two rows of seats, with the rear ones folding flat for extra storage options. Drivers have little negative to say about the 2003 Pathfinder, aside from the cramped rear legroom, limited headroom, and poor fuel economy (around 15/19 mpg). They love its instant acceleration power, car-like handling, 4WD system, and praise the Bose sound system.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
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by Francois L
Jan 05, 2023
Le moteur, la transmission, le différentiel et la boîte de transfert 4x4 sont excellents.
Cest la tôle des ailes arrières et des portes qui rouillent trop vites même quand le véhicule est protégé par une application anti-rouille chaque année.Jan 05, 2023
by thomas l
Jun 17, 2022
I strongly suggest in investing this car. Its not an eye sore, its very reliable (when well taken of) and best of all it is a sturdy classic. Jun 17, 2022
by William C
Mar 08, 2021
These Trucks are beasts. If u keep good tires on them theyll take u anywhere u wanna go. Change the oil and do regulations maintenance on them and u could easily get 300,000 to 400,000 mi out of them.Mar 08, 2021
User rating:
by Francois L
Jan 05, 2023
Le moteur, la transmission, le différentiel et la boîte de transfert 4x4 sont excellents.
Cest la tôle des ailes arrières et des portes qui rouillent trop vites même quand le véhicule est protégé par une application anti-rouille chaque année.Jan 05, 2023
by thomas l
Jun 17, 2022
I strongly suggest in investing this car. Its not an eye sore, its very reliable (when well taken of) and best of all it is a sturdy classic. Jun 17, 2022
by William C
Mar 08, 2021
These Trucks are beasts. If u keep good tires on them theyll take u anywhere u wanna go. Change the oil and do regulations maintenance on them and u could easily get 300,000 to 400,000 mi out of them.Mar 08, 2021
by Isaac F
Jun 16, 2020
If you have a small budget but you want a good car this is yoursJun 16, 2020
by patrick v
Apr 03, 2020
it is a good value. i compare it to the 4 runnerApr 03, 2020
by Rob R
Jan 23, 2013
I did a lot of research on this car before I bought it. I have bought mine with 53,000 miles on it, 10 years old. It is in great shape for a 10 year old car, but I cannot vouch for its reliability yet. They are rumored to drive past 300,000 miles. The 2005 and up models have a coolant line that may rupture in the transmission, destroying it. The 2003 model has a corrosion recall for steering components, Mine has no issues. This car feels very capable driving in snow storms, and on rutted dirt roads.Jan 23, 2013
by Seif O
Jun 05, 2010
perfomace: great acceleration, wonderful braking, need some tuning in handling !
build quality: couldnt be better !
appearence: interiorly it needs some more space, and extriorly it need alittle hight.
cost of ownership:VERY ECONOMICAL !
fun factor: u can ask anyone :D.....it's alot of fun !!Jun 05, 2010
by Andrew P
Dec 16, 2009
Great perfomance, gas mileage is good for an SUV, breaks real nice, and handles really well no matter what speed, no repair except normal wear and tear, and i drives like a car so its very smooth and nice on all roads and conditions.Dec 16, 2009
by George B
Jun 18, 2009
This SUV has been nothing less than great for us. Very reliable, great in the rain / sleet / snow, OK on gas (not great), fun to drive. When it snows the truck shines. 6K HIDs headlights and foglights. Tint all around. Jun 18, 2009
by Idania E
Nov 17, 2008
love it!! there is no reason to , all you got to do is drive one , it's like a CAR but 4X4,
price wise , well is not at all bad , you get what you pay for , it's a family car and we all fit , that's the best of all.
what else can I say , we put a entertainment system in it , so on long trips we can all watch what we want , kids in the back and adults in front .Nov 17, 2008
by Joe B
Aug 14, 2008
I have this car for a couple of months and I just love it. Plenty aof pickup when you need it and plenty of room for whatever. Plus it can go offroading. I haven't done that yet but I hope to soon. My only complaint is the gas. I wich it used a little less. It has 56k miles on it and still runs strong for a 2003 model. No coplaints about that. I also wished the car had stabilty control. It needs it sometimes when taking turns hard or driving when slippery. My car has hydroplained before and if not for the auto 4 wheel drive my car would have smashed into a median strip (you know the cement dividers on a highway) and that would have been a mess.Aug 14, 2008
by Carlos M
Jul 31, 2008
I bought this car 7 months ago, and it worked perfectly fine. Gas wise, I can say thta it performs much better than any other SUV. Smooth, solid, sporty, and really nice. Interior wise, my path's got a sleak look, all black leather seats and I hooked up a nice stereo into it.Jul 31, 2008
by Fernando S
Apr 14, 2008
excelente suv muy bueno para caminos difíciles, nuieve, etc. muy gastadora y la caja no es muy eficiente. el equipo de la versión full que teníamos es difícil de encontrar en sus competidores. tiene de todo...Apr 14, 2008
by Jonathan S
Feb 16, 2008
Well put-together. Feels invinceable. Good cabin space, good storage. The rear cargo area
is not completely flat -- the wheel wells intrude a little. Putting down the rear seats and
removing the cargo area tonneau takes a little bit of time. The split tailgate (separate
opening window) is good. Nice ride. Good 3.5 L V6; not a total gas hog. Feb 16, 2008
by Ernesto E
Jan 13, 2008
Probably one of the best cars I have owned for the price!Jan 13, 2008
by Caraline S
Dec 15, 2007
Reliable, and has never given us problems.Dec 15, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 09, 2007
I have had to have a fan replaced to run the heater and recently a part that has to do with the emissions. It has been reliable.Nov 09, 2007
by Anonymous
Apr 24, 2007
second pathfinder i've owned love the size and body size. grossly disappointed in the Bose stereo system. only the radio is Bose the components are not. would not have purchased it if i knew the cd was a clarion and the speakers were not bose. false advertizing on the part of Nissan. Premium gas is annoying and tires bwear quickly. Avoid the factory tires , they didnot last the warranty period and were terrible in northeast winters.Apr 24, 2007
What users have asked
2003 Nissan pathfinder by 3.5L
So about ready to lose it with this car. Any help would be great. My 2003 Nissan pathfinder 3.5L has hard start issues only when hot. When it's cold fires right up. So when engine is up to temp is take like 3 to 5 sec to start. Here is what I have replaced. Fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel injectors , coils, spark plugs, crankshaft sensor, all vacuum hoses. Any ideas...?
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Have you driven a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder?Compare this car
2003 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
Original MSRP
$27,339 to $34,339Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36
In Car Entertainment
Video system: VCR
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36 · Locking differential: center
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent