2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE-V8
Pathfinder is a DogCar trailblazer
Tue, Jan 8th 2008
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - full, 4wd |
| msrp | $32,850 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 12mpg/18mpg |
| rating |  |
Ever since the Nissan Pathfinder came into existence 22 years ago, I’ve been calling it the ultimate Urban Assault Vehicle (UAV). With its brutish, armored-vehicle type appearance coupled with a very capable four-wheel-drive transmission and powerful V-8 engine, the Pathfinder is truly a mud-boggers delight.
But the folks who use it most, it seems, are the ones hauling dogs and handling groceries on a daily basis. They are more apt to be spotted in the shopping mall parking lot than on the rut-ridden backwoods trails.
Why? Because at its core, the Pathfinder is really a city slicker. And it’s perfect for hauling hounds.
Even Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc., agrees that the Pathfinder’s versatility is one of its strongest points:
“Pathfinder buyers are flexible in their needs – one day driving the family to an in-town adventure, the next day going camping with the family dogs," said Bosley. "The 2008 Pathfinder is a perfect tool for all of those tasks, with 7-passenger seating and up to 64 different seating/cargo configurations."
Did he say 64 seating configurations? In my week testing the Pathfinder, I only explored a half-dozen. That’s impressive.
And the squared-off, wide tailgate offers ample access for large dog crates, which can be secured with 12 utility hooks placed throughout the cargo area. There’s even an easy-clean rear cargo floor available on the SE and SE-OR trim levels.
Storage areas are everywhere in the Pathfinder, including eight cup holders and an overhead console with sunglass storage. For laptop and cell phone charging, there are four power outlets (two on instrument panel center stack, one for 2nd row and one cargo area). There are even rear cargo lights for easy nighttime viewing of your canines and their cargo.
And speaking of viewing, the rear-view television monitor is a lifesaver when trying to turn around in tight quarters. I quickly became accustomed to using the rear-view eye whenever backing up.
On the down side, the Pathfinder’s fuel mileage is miserable, with the EPA estimating 12 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. But with a total price of under $40,000 for the fully-loaded V-8, 4X4 Pathfinder, many may see this vehicle as an overall bargain.
So, while the Pathfinder is perfect as an off-road warrior, it’s also a comfortable ride in town, or on whatever path your adventures may take you.
-- Keith Turner
Carguy Comments: For 2008, Nissan Pathfinder comes with an available 300-horsepower V-8 engine to supplement its standard V-6. There are four different trim levels for both engines (S, SE, OR and LE), with rear-wheel-drive offered in both the V-6 and V-8, part-time all-wheel-drive on the V-6 and full-time four-wheel drive on the V-8. Cargo capacity is 145.7 cubic feet with both second and third row seats folded flat.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
2008 Nissan Pathfinder: Rugged versatility
Barking Lot Banter:
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder plays the role of a tough, rugged cowboy ready for the range. Yet, when negotiating city streets, the Pathfinder is a tame tiger offering many amenities to please the in-town crowd.
Comments
My daughter purchased a used Pathfinder and it quickly became the dog hauler in our family. Easy access to everything, tons of cargo space for its size. Very quiet and comfortable to drive… the only down side is my daughter won’t let me have it all the time. :) Good AC and venting, plenty of power (no towing) gotta love the sunroof!! Nice dog car, nice car for dog owners.
2009-07-23 11:39:03
My daughter purchased a used Pathfinder and it quickly became the dog hauler in our family. Easy access to everything, tons of cargo space for its size. Very quiet and comfortable to drive… the only down side is my daughter won’t let me have it all the time. :) Good AC and venting, plenty of power (no towing) gotta love the sunroof!! Nice dog car, nice car for dog owners.
2009-07-23 11:38:40
Not impressed at all. A decent off-roader, though not great. But then I am comparing to 5 Jeeps I have owned. A nice looking vehicle, also drives nice. The motor is enemic below 4k rpm’s, and this was the upgraded motor. The previous years were terrible for power but better on gas. My 2001 has made me never want to own another Nissan again. More electric and emissions problems then any vehicle I have ever owned. The overall cost of ownership has been terrible. My wifes V8 Grand Cherokee got better gas mileage. My Suburban gets the same mileage and has waaay more room for family and crates. The worst part is Nissan would never take responsibility for all the problems.
I would not try the new model mostly because I do not like the look at all. Also too much plastic overhang for my type of rugged driving. It’s just not capable enough. I would try an XTerra if I had the guts to buy another Nissan.
2009-05-22 19:03:23
The nissan pathfinder surley is the ultimate veichle , with that brutish look i think that is is one of the best mountain/backcountry cars on market , trust me we got our 2009 model and we could not be happier room for all for as well as our 12 month german shepherd dog , the car seats 6 , the dog and my older 12 year old lounge in the back comfortably and happily without and difficulties , it’s spacious and roomy so our dog loves it so do my 2 kids and husband , well la i can say that it’s a perfect car that is fabulous for those mountain and backcountry adventures ! have fun and this is a great dog suv !!!!
the best
2009-04-15 12:43:27
I drive a 2005 Pathfinder with a 6-cylinder engine and part-time 4WD. It gets 19+ MPG. While Nissan’s fuel door sticker recommends High-Test gasoline “for best performance”, mine has run just fine on Regular for almost 60,000 miles. It is an excellent ride for me and my three dogs – two big Labs plus a medium-sized hound mix. I see no reason to go V8 unless hauling really heavy loads in the mountains.
2009-02-28 12:16:03
Keith – why are you writing about dog mobiles – when you obviously do not know when a crate will fit and when it will not.
They do not fit in this car – you are not doing us one bit of a service.
2008-07-13 22:59:53
Have owned a 1996 Pathfinder since 1999. Rugged, no major maintenance problems and I use it to transport my Search & Rescue Dogs…two…and ALL their gear all the time. Gas millage is better on road at 23mpg and city around 19mpg when my husband is driving. Older model like mine has more cargo room than the newer models for crates and kid and GEAR and stuff. Love the ability to leave rear hatch window open with hatch closed for ventilation when truck isn’t running the A.C. Handles like a car on the clutch/shifting with plenty of acceleration for traffic- I have a V-6 engine and use least expensive gas. Have close to 300K miles on her and she is still going strong!
2008-06-06 09:58:20
19.5 mpg with 6 cylinder – more than ample power though it ran on high-test gas. Found it best when loaded with our 2 Rotties and gear for vacation after purchasing a Load Warrior which mounts on the roof rack. Tight squeeze, but the dogs never complained. Nose prints galore. Rear air provided more than adequate cooling and ventilaion in NC summers. Have moved up to Armada for more room, but the Pathfinder is a great dog-car…and dog owner car, too!
2008-03-14 15:23:55
Love my Pathfinder. I had a 2005 LE and now have a 2008 LE V-6. Great for my 2 Rotties, lots of room, rear AC keeps them comfortable. Ride is smooth, and has a TON of pick up. My BF laughs that if you step on the gas, be prepared for some whiplash. Gas mileage doesn’t bother me, as most SUV’s that are solid and heavy, get close to the same.
2010-07-28 13:49:23