Nissan Pathfinder will build on its reputation as the “Thoroughbred of 4x4s” for 2003 with a long list of refinements and enhancements that add convenience, luxury and performance across the Pathfinder line.
Foremost among these is a new standard Vehicle Dynamic Control for Pathfinder SE (with automatic transmission) and Pathfinder LE. The package includes Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
All Pathfinders — the rugged and sporty SE, the luxury-oriented LE and the uniquely Canadian Chilkoot Edition — now offer a standard power remote rear-hatch release, electronic brake-force distribution and a standard child-seat anchor system — LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).
Upgraded interior trim and a larger centre console are now standard on Pathfinder LE, which also gets upgraded HVAC (heater, ventilation, air-conditioning) controls and audio controls and standard curtain side-impact supplemental airbags.
SE models also feature restyled 16-inch, six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and a new titanium-look interior trim.
“Pathfinder — Nissan’s best-recognized nameplate — delivers far more than the minimum daily requirement of style and creature comforts,” says Nissan Canada director of marketing Ian Forsyth. “That’s why it appeals to well-educated, affluent Canadian couples, looking for a versatile, yet sporty, go-anywhere vehicle.”
The Chilkoot Edition, available only in Canada, is based on the Pathfinder XE but adds a host of high-value features, including distinct Chilkoot badging. It is named for the Chilkoot Trail, once the main route into the Yukon, used first by the Tlingit Indians and later by thousands of prospectors trying to reach the Klondike gold fields between 1896 and 1899.
Like its predecessors, the 2003 Pathfinder continues to provide the highest level of standard premium equipment. Luxury features include a BoseÒ audio system with AM/FM/cassette/six-disc in-dash CD changer and steering wheel audio controls, one-touch power sliding glass sunroof, low-cut pile carpeting, 8-way adjustable driver/4-way adjustable front passenger and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat.
For convenience, the front passenger seatback features a pocket perfect for map and magazine storage, on either side of the occupants are large door pockets and between the seats is a dual level centre console with padded armrest and built-in 12-volt power source.
All Pathfinders come standard with a flip-down coin tray, overhead sunglass storage, cargo area under-floor mini-storage bin and cargo area concealed storage bin.
Pathfinder has ample horsepower (240) and low-end torque (265 ft-lbs) for both on- and off-road excursions. Its 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 (VQ35DE) engine is based on the VQ engine series used in the 2003 Maxima – an engine named one of Ward’s Auto World’s “10 Best Engines” for nine consecutive years. The Pathfinder V6 is designed and tuned specifically for SUV applications, with an emphasis on low- to mid-speed torque needed for off-road use and transporting recreational equipment.
A five-speed manual is the standard transmission in Pathfinder SE and the Chilkoot Edition. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on LE and optional on SE and Chilkoot. The automatic transmission features Nissan’s NEW DUETTE (New Development Unity Engine Transmission Total Engineering) control system for seamless shifting.
Pathfinders with manual transmissions feature a shift-on-the-fly transfer case, which can be engaged at speeds of up to 80 kilometres an hour (50 miles per hour). Automatic-equipped Pathfinders come standard with an advanced dial controlled All-Mode 4WD system.
Pathfinder uses a proven five-link rear suspension design with coil springs and stabilizer bar with an optimized shock absorber layout for ride and handling control. The front suspension features independent struts with coil springs.
Pathfinder’s unique MonoFrame construction provides a smooth, comfortable on-road ride while offering outstanding off-road capabilities. The MonoFrame design combines the body, floor and frame into a single, rigid structure (as opposed to separate pieces bolted together), reducing stress throughout the body and minimizing squeaks and rattles.
All 2003 Pathfinders feature power-assisted brakes and standard four-wheel/four-sensor/three-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), with Nissan’s unique G-sensor system, which “reads” the driving surface and adjusts braking control accordingly. Standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering ensures maximum maneuverability and a tight turning radius.
Standard Pathfinder safety equipment includes dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seatbelt sensors, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams, front and rear crumple zones, an energy-absorbing steering column and LATCH, a child seat anchorage system (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).
Also standard on all Pathfinders is a Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer and remote keyless entry.
The 2003 Pathfinder features an aggressive yet refined appearance, achieved through use of a high hood with a “milled off” top/front edge, multi-parabola headlights and fog lights, new 16-inch six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels on SE or standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on LE. The rearview features a smooth tailgate, bumper and rear combination lights. Body-colour bumpers and fender flares and a tailgate finisher complete the contemporary look of Pathfinder.