1988 Nissan Pathfinder XE review from North America
"This truck takes a lickin and keeps on tickin...seriously"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
My alternator died and I have since replaced it.
I also kept up with regular maintenance and replaced the timing belt, cam seals, water pump, thermostat and timing belt tensioner.
Steering is weak, especially if you do any off-road driving. I have replaced a ball-joint and a tie-rod. I also installed an idler-arm brace to strengthen the weak factory idler-arm.
The exhaust manifolds warp and the bolts break off, causing them to leak and make an annoying "ticking" sound until it warms up.
General comments?
I love this truck, aside from the weak and sloppy steering components, it is rock solid.
It looks nearly brand new inside and out and the engine still runs strong at nearly 300K.
It isn't the most powerful engine ever made, but it gets the job done.
The after-market is also surprisingly strong and there are lots of 4x4 off-road upgrades available.
Recommended reviews
  | Freak of nature? or truly a well built truck! |
| An attractive and very reliable SUV. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 262000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 289000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Nissan Pathfinder |
| Date of Entry | 8th July, 2005 |