2001 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Pathfinder was one of the first SUVs before SUVs were fashionable, and it enters its 16th year with a much needed power boost to make it the most powerful mid-size SUV in its class. The 2001 Pathfinder ditches the old V6 in favor of a new 3.5-liter V6 that hits 240-hp with the 4-speed auto tran that's standard in the base XE and luxury LE models, or 250-hp with the 5-speed manual, only available in the sporty SE Pathfinder. The new engine is a big hit with drivers, who say the 2001 Pathfinder has finally come into its own, combining car-like handling, with the rugged power and cargo capability of an SUV.
All models have the option of rear-wheel drive or part-time 4WD. New this year is an optional All-Mode 4WD for the LE, straight out of the Infiniti QX4. The driver can select from four settings -- 2WD, automatic 4WD, 4WD-Hi, and 4WD-Lo. Drivers say the performance is amazing and can adapt easily to any road conditions. There is a limited slip differential option offered on the SE and LE. The 2001 Pathfinder updates its interior as well, getting a new instrument panel and adding more features to the base XE, which now has power windows, locks, and heated mirrors, and keyless entry. All Pathfinders come with ABS brakes and dual front-side airbags, with optional side airbags available on the LE and SE. Finally, there are some new options that help beef up the outstanding features on the new Pathfinder, including a navigation system and a DVD player.
With the 60/40 split-fold seats down, the five-seater Pathfinder holds up to 85 cubic feet of cargo. The rear window opens separately from the tailgate, and the cargo area comes standard with a net and cover for extra convenience. By far the favorite aspect of the 2001 Pathfinder for drivers is the new engine and 4WD option. But they also like all the equipment upgrades and comment on how smooth and comfortable the ride is. Drawbacks include a small backseat, early failure of the standard CD system, and the lousy fuel economy (around 15/19 mpg). The fact that the new Pathfinder only takes premium gas makes it a costlier SUV than in previous years.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Mackenson J
Feb 08, 2022
It looks good for the price ,I would want to buy a truck like that Feb 08, 2022
by jesus p
Jul 13, 2021
When it is taken care of and maintained. It is a great vehicle, reliable and durable, it wont get stuck in any reasonable road conditions and i would say that when it is equipped from factory with the nice features it is an amazing car all aroundJul 13, 2021
by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2014
The 2001 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most reputable vehicles on and off road.
Nissan spent a load of money on technology to keep this vehicle and its sister ( The Infiniti QX4 ) compatible with the leading small utility vehicles out there.Apr 16, 2014
User rating:
by Mackenson J
Feb 08, 2022
It looks good for the price ,I would want to buy a truck like that Feb 08, 2022
by jesus p
Jul 13, 2021
When it is taken care of and maintained. It is a great vehicle, reliable and durable, it wont get stuck in any reasonable road conditions and i would say that when it is equipped from factory with the nice features it is an amazing car all aroundJul 13, 2021
by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2014
The 2001 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most reputable vehicles on and off road.
Nissan spent a load of money on technology to keep this vehicle and its sister ( The Infiniti QX4 ) compatible with the leading small utility vehicles out there.Apr 16, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 01, 2014
I loved how it was able to handle with ease any weather conditions from downpours of rain to white out condition blizzards. It is very dependable even in temperatures below zero. Overall very satisfied with the purchase of this SUV.Feb 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 14, 2013
This has been a great reliable family car, especially in the bad weather we have here in colorado and for trips to the foothills.
There is plenty of room for the family camping gear.
This car feels very safe when driving and handles well even in icy conditions.
Apr 14, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 04, 2011
I've had this Pathfinder for 11 years and researched copiously before purchasing it. Despite the price of gas, I constantly took 'rides' after giving it a good cleaning; I just enjoyed being in it. If this vehicle got 22 miles per gallon, I would never consider parting with it. But that is the trade off for the Pathfinder's performance; getting on any entrance ramp - even going uphill - is done with authority. Breaking is spot on, and I have had no trouble even on the occasional panic stop. Just use genuine Nissan parts! It hasn't rusted (it is garaged every night), I NEVER worry about being stuck ANYWHERE, and have had enough cargo space to pack two of my daughters off to college without having to put them (my daughters) on the roof rack.
Owning this vehicle has been a honeymoon. But like all marriages, the priorities changes. I have no regrets. If you can find a 2001 - 2003 in good condition, you can't go wrong. Aug 04, 2011
by Dylan T
Sep 23, 2010
Love my Pathfinder, I bought it in June with 180 thousand miles on it. The lease on my Accord was up and I just wanted something to get back and forth to school in that I would not have to dig out of my street in the winter when I was leaving for school in the morning. Love it so far, can't hardly wait for our snowy winter. The truck has great acceleration, corners very well and has the smoothest ride of any SUV that I have owned. Sep 23, 2010
by Mohammed K
Aug 29, 2009
U have to b careful whn u go off-roads,u can get a
good ride widout maintain cost, otherwise u end up
in a garage...but it's a worth buy...
I have just sold out mine got I used it for desert
drives and it ended up My wallet on the jack. I
have now come back to the basics,, driving a
sedan.Aug 29, 2009
by Bianca D
Jun 14, 2009
Love this car for its looks but I'm sick of driving an SUV. The car runs pretty smooth, not perfect but decent. The build quality is weak (first cylinder misfire), gas mileage sucks but looks sexy inside (leather) and out. Jun 14, 2009
by Ben S
Feb 26, 2009
The Nissan Pathfinder seems like a fairly middle-of-the-road car. It has good acceleration and braking power, and steering is fairly responsive. However, it peels-out very easily due to an extremely touchy gas pedal, it will spin out if the street is wet, and the gas mileage is lacking. Seating can be a little cramped, as the back bench has very little leg-room. Also, on my car (a 2001), the CD player has gone ka-puts to the extent of replacing.Feb 26, 2009
by Michele B
Nov 06, 2008
love my ride! have always wanted an suv... now i have the best! shes always ready when i am... lol has the speed of a racer and the heart of a hunter... best car i have ever owned. have not had to do anything to it but replace the brakes normal wear and tear.Nov 06, 2008
by Andy R
Aug 29, 2008
We had driven several SUVs, such as the Durango, Expedition, Blazer, Trailblazer, and Rodeo. But it wasn't until we drove the Pathfinder that we finally found the right vehicle. We instantly impressed with the drive, the power of the 3.5L V6 and the looks of the vehicle. Once we had driven the Pathfinder, we knew we found the SUV we had been looking for.Aug 29, 2008
by Goldschmidt D
Aug 26, 2008
GR8 Horsepower........Acceleration is wonderful.............Bad thing iz gas mileage...........15 MPG Terrible.................Wish dere was a 3rd row seat........I got mad peeps and when we go out i can only squeeze 5 other ppl wit me.....Sound system iz poppin......Dat bass iz Bangin..........Needs black rims....LUV ITAug 26, 2008
by Pamela B
Aug 05, 2008
I love my car because it is 4 wheel drive, it gets good gas mileage, it has room for 5 to 6 people, and it is pretty nice looking. I am a diehard Nissan fan...you can't kill them even when you take them muddin and get trees up inside them.Aug 05, 2008
by Daniel M
Jul 11, 2008
An absolutley terrific SUV. The VQ engine is a gem, and makes highway passing a breeze. Brakes are a little spongy, and there is allot of body roll under cornering. Only downside is the amount of gas it takes!Jul 11, 2008
by Jamie G
Apr 04, 2008
A great vehicle,reliable and hardly any issues with her!!!!! A great vehicle to drive accross canada twice without any problems!!!!!!Apr 04, 2008
by Sonja A
Dec 13, 2007
nice features, all goodDec 13, 2007
What users have asked
Someone help me
I have a charged battery and referbished alternator was just put on. Now there's no power, the dash lights wouldnt even come on. What could this be?
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panic alarm
URGENT !Please tell me to how to stop the panic alarm in 2001 Nissan Pathfinder. As long as the car is running, the alarm will stay off. But if I stop it and open the door, the alarm will go off. The key faub is dead, so not of help. There are buttons on the drivers panel (Set, 1 & 2). No directions in the manual how to disarm without key faub. Car will eventually this car will run out of gas today. I cannot do any mechanical or under the hood fixes currently, so hoping there is a reset with the key in the ignition I can follow. Any suggestions, Please!
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Innovative performance chip installation instructions
How do you install the innovative performance chip on a 2001 Nissan pathfinder
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2001 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
Original MSRP
$27,889 to $32,339Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36 · Limited slip differential: rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: VCR
Lights
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: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
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
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
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
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side 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
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36 · Limited slip differential: rear
In Car Entertainment
Video system: VCR
Lights
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: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · 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
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.36
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
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
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: VCR
Lights
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: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent