That small dose of history is meant to suggest that the folks at Nissan have paid attention to the world around them, and have adapted the Pathfinder to meet changing needs. The current Pathfinder provides the SUV buyer with a sophisticated unit-body structure intended to be strong and quiet. The suspension was designed to handle streets and trails alike. It's equipped with all the comforts of a loaded midsize sedan along with the spaciousness of a station wagon. Getting those disparate virtues to coexist in a single vehicle is a tall order.

Now in its fourth model year, the present Pathfinder differs little from the version offered last year. Or the year before when it was last redesigned. Frankly, little in the way of alteration was needed. Pathfinder acquits itself well against its competitors -- most notably the Ford Explorer, Chevy Blazer, Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Rodeo and Honda Passport.