All-New 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

Press Release

At a Glance

The all-new, third-generation Nissan Pathfinder is designed to offer the best balance in its segment of off-road capabilities and on-road utility. True to its roots as a powerful, authentic family adventure-enhancing sport utility vehicle (SUV), the 2005 Pathfinder features a larger interior, three-row seating, a new 4.0-liter V6 and an all-new platform based on the "F-Alpha" platform from the full-size Armada and full-size Titan pickup.

The 2005 Pathfinder performance credentials include its rugged, fully boxed all-steel frame, independent double-wishbone front and rear suspension, standard 4.0-liter engine rated at 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, and a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. The new Pathfinder is available as a 4x2, or 4x4 with an advanced off-road traction system which includes Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and 4-Wheel Limited-Slip. It offers a maximum towing capacity, when properly equipped, of 6,000 pounds.

The addition of the 3rd row seat gives the new Pathfinder 7-passenger seating, along with outstanding passenger/cargo flexibility. The split fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded down individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide up to 64 different seating/cargo configurations.

Advanced safety technology features include Zone Body Construction, Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection to outboard passengers in all three rows.

The new Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee. It goes on sale at Nissan dealers nationwide in October 2004.

Highlights of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder SUV include:

Body

• Active, rugged Nissan Armada-style exterior design, short front and rear overhangs
• Larger body with enhanced dimensions versus the current Pathfinder
• Integrated front bumper, aggressive geometric fenders, angled strut-style grille
• C-pillars with Nissan SUV signature high-mounted rear door handles
• Highly functional roof rack, available side running boards
• Six new exterior colors (nine total available): Avalanche, Silver Lightning, Storm Gray, Silverton Blue, Woodland Brown and Red Brawn

Engine and Driveline

• New 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque
• Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, microfinished crankshaft and camshaft, molybdenum-coated pistons, Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), silent two-stage timing chain
• Standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Available All-Mode automatic 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled transfer case
• Available advanced off-road traction systems

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Independent all-steel double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Independent double-wishbone rear suspension with stabilizer bar
• Available Rancho???????????????????? performance off-road shocks
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/75R16, P265/70R16 or P265/75R16 tires
• Available 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)

Interior Features

• Standard 2nd and 3rd row flat-folding seats with 7-passenger seating
• Fold-down front passenger seat, 40/20/40 split 2nd row seat with hidden under-seat storage compartment, 50/50 split 3rd row seat
• Large center console, available leather-appointed, power memory heated seats
• Available dual-zone automatic temperature control
• Available power-adjustable foot pedals
• Available DVD-based navigation system with 7.0-inch color LCD display, DVD video entertainment system and Bose???????????????????? audio system with 6CD autochanger and MP3 capability, available satellite radio
• Available wood-toned interior

Safety and Security

• Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor)
• 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, with available supplemental front seat side-impact air bags, and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for outboard passengers in all three rows
• 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants, including 2nd row center position
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)

Models and Manufacturing

• Available in 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations in XE, SE, SE Off-Road and LE trim levels
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant

Three-Row Seating, Powerful 4.0-liter V6 and New Rugged Platform

When it was first introduced in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle (SUV) stood as an innovator in class - and as the lone SUV in Nissan showrooms in North America. Today, the family of Nissan SUVs has grown significantly in size and scope, now encompassing the full-size Armada, Xterra, Murano and, for the 2005 model year, a completely redesigned Pathfinder.

The new Pathfinder remains true to the adventure roots of the original with an all-new larger, more powerful design featuring, for the first time, three-row seating, along with enhanced off-road capabilities and improved performance driven by the use of a new 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine and a new fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Pathfinder Armada.

"For 2005, we're strengthening the original Pathfinder concept by providing what we believe is the best balance of off-road and on-road capabilities and utility in class," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Each of our four Nissan SUVs has a specific role in the lineup. With the success of Murano as our true crossover SUV, we're able to utilize the strengths of the Armada platform in creating the 2005 Pathfinder a highly capable, mid-sized adventure vehicle for highly active families."

Expressive Exterior Styling

In its third major redesign, the 2005 Pathfinder evolves the now classic look of the previous generations - including a large, powerful hood and headlights, solid shoulder line, large integrated fender flares, short front and rear overhangs and Nissan SUV signature angled C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles. The new Pathfinder also bears a strong family resemblance to the larger Armada, especially in the angled strut-style grille and powerful overall presence and straightforward functionality.

New exterior features include a new roof rack design with integrated forward and rear grips and an updated, clean-cut rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening. Other exterior features include available side running boards, heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt sunroof.

"The styling of the new Pathfinder gives it a tough but modern appearance. It projects an authentic 4x4 adventure feeling, much like the Armada, yet with a relaxed attitude that implies an athletic leanness rather than overt force," said McNabb. "The new Pathfinder has also grown in nearly every dimension, though it retains its manageable size that is ideal for many buyers - neither too big nor too small."

The 2005 Pathfinder features a longer wheelbase (112.2 inches) for enhanced roominess, ride comfort and stability, while its manageable overall length (187.6 inches) and short front and rear overhangs enhance maneuverability for around town or driving on off-road trails.

The Pathfinder also offers a bold palette of expressive exterior colors, including six new colors and three carryovers: Avalanche, Silver Lightning, Storm Gray, Silverton Blue, Woodland Bronze, Red Brawn, Super Black, Granite and Canteen.