Just as the exterior was redone in 2000, so was the interior, and it has been updated again for 2002 with new front seats and revised audio system.
The main instruments follow Nissan's trademark black-on-white pattern and are extremely easy to read.
In addition to central/remote locking, the Pathfinder had one-touch up/down windows and a one-touch open/close sunroof.
These are a welcome convenience, because the vast majority of the time we want to open or close the windows or sunroof all the way. Mounted in our SE's overhead console were an outside temperature readout and a digital compass. Our eight-way power front seats were excellent, and the truck's black leather upholstery was sumptuous. The Pathfinder had four cupholders, two in front, two in back, and convenient grab handles for climbing in through both rear doors.
Nissan Pathfinder offers a relatively sporty driving experience by SUV standards. Responsive handling and quick throttle response make it enjoyable to drive.
The Nissan Pathfinder offers almost sedan-like acceleration. The 4x2 models with the manual transmission are capable of 0-60 mph acceleration times of only 7.6 seconds. Our SE 4x4 was equipped with the automatic transmission. Nonetheless, with 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, it produced 0-60 times in the mid-8 second range, vastly more spirited than most foot-dragging SUVs. Throttle tip-in was a bit sensitive, however, so we had to train our feet not to lurch away from intersections.
The Pathfinder is a capable off-road vehicle as well. It's built for rugged terrain and is ready to go anywhere, especially if you order the limited-slip differential.
Pathfinder comes in two trim levels, each available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive versions: SE 4X2 ($28,649); SE 4X4 ($27,649) with a five-speed manual (the only model with a manual transmission); SE 4x4 automatic ($28,649); LE 4X2 ($28,999) LE 4X4 ($31,499). The former XE base model is gone.
All Pathfinders are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which provides 250 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque with the manual transmission and 240 hp and 265 pound-feet with the four-speed automatic.
Two-wheel-drive Pathfinders are propelled by their rear wheels. Buyers can chose between part-time, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case or, with the Pathfinder, a push-button All-Mode 4WD system.
Pathfinder SE comes with eight-way adjustable driver's seat, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, cruise control, automatic on/off headlights, air conditioning, power windows and locks and heated power mirrors, an AM/FM/cassette/CD audio system, remote keyless entry, flip-out liftgate glass with intermittent wiper, tilt steering wheel, large cupholders, dual front air bags and child safety seat anchors.
Pathfinder LE adds mud and snow-rated tires, halogen fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rack cross bars, wood-tone trim, Bose audio system with an in-dash, six-CD changer, automatic temperature controls, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, a cargo net and retractable cover and the availability of push-button 4WD.
Options include leather seats, a one-touch sunroof, mobile entertainment and navigation systems and a limited-slip differential.