If Nissan owners conform to the general SUV-buyer profile, most Pathfinders will spend the bulk of their lives on the highway. We spent most of our test drive on paved roads. But a foray into the California desert, an unplanned run through
a mountain snowstorm, and several laps around an off-road obstacle course in Canada showed us the Pathfinder can go just
about anywhere.
The Pathfinder is a competent performer, especially in the highway cruise mode. Shorter occupants will find the step
up into the cabin a high one, even when accessory step rails are fitted. On the plus side, the Nissan is quiet, a benefit
of the Pathfinder's rigid unitized structure and well-placed sound insulation. It's also easy to drive. Soft springs and
generous wheel travel smooth out all but the worst bumps. In hard cornering, the body leans a fair amount, but this is
common to the sport-utility breed. The steering strikes a nice balance between precision and low effort.
The Pathfinder performs well even when packed with a full load of passengers and cargo. The engine is responsive and