Still reeling after its power-leading engine boost from last year, the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder tinkers only with appearance features on the mid-size SUV. Leaving its rugged heritage behind (or more aptly leaving it to the new Xterra), the 2002 Pathfinder gets more upscale by dropping the base XE trim, meaning that whether you opt for the sporty SE or luxury LE trims, you'll get standard power features, cruise control, remote entry, a CD player, dual front airbags, and ABS brakes.

This year, the 2002 Pathfinder SE gets 16-inch alloy wheels, new titanium step rails and roof rack (to match the interior titanium gauges), and body-colored moldings and bumpers. The LE adds 17-inch alloy wheels. It also features fog lights, wood accents, a 6-CD player, and cargo cover and net. Both trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 which gets 240-hp with the 4-speed auto tran or 250-hp with a 5-speed manual. Both transmission are offered on the SE, but the LE only comes with the auto tran. The 2002 Pathfinder can be had as a rear-wheel drive or part-time 4WD SUV, and the LE has the option of a driver-selected All-Mode 4WD, with four different settings to adapt to different road conditions. Optional limited slip differential on both the SE and LE helps with off-roading adventures.

There are only two rows of seats in the 2002 Pathfinder, and the rear seat does feel cramped and hard to access. New last year was an optional DVD system for kids. Once you ditch the kids at soccer practice, you can fold down the 60/40 seats for up to 85 cubic feet of Home Depot space. The rear liftgate opens separately from the window for versatile access. There is also a bug deflector on the rear window -- not sure what that is unless it's some kind of frog glued on the back. The powerful engine and pickup are highlights for owners of the 2002 Pathfinder, and they also like the 4WD performance. Though the SUV is costly, it comes with a great set of standard features, and most drivers feel the SUV is durable and solid. Complaints are predictably about the low gas mileage.