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2006 Nissan Pathfinder SUV
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What’s New?
After a total redesign in 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder receives only minor refinements for the 2006 model year. The minor upgrades include adding a 6-disc CD changer to the SE Comfort Package, available leather seating on the SE model, available satellite radio (XM or Sirius), a Desert Leather option on the Off-Road model, and one new exterior color, Majestic Blue.
Overview
Nissan’s Pathfinder has been a midsize SUV staple in the U.S. for two decades. It was the first SUV from Nissan, and now is part of a four-SUV lineup for the brand. Seven models comprise the Pathfinder range: S, SE, and LE models in two-wheel drive, along with the S, SE, LE and SE Off-Road edition in four-wheel drive. The Pathfinder is a body-on-frame vehicle, which gives it strength and ample towing capacity (6,000 pounds), but the independent suspension offers more car-like ride and handling qualities.
Standard interior features are plentiful: all rows of seats split and fold (the driver’s seat is fixed, but the front passenger seat folds), cruise control, power locks/mirrors/windows, remote entry, and a CD-equipped audio system are found on every model. Options include dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and a navigation system. As for the exterior design, the angled front strut ties in the family resemblance to the rest of Nissan’s family of SUVs. The high placement for the handles on the rear doors, an early design element, remain.
The motive force is the 4.0L V-6 that’s based on the VQ engine series. The 4.0L unit produces a hearty 270 hp and 291 lb.-ft. of torque. All trim levels come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that helps keep the vehicle on its intended path during understeer or oversteer conditions when the vehicle encounters poor road traction.
The Competition
There are 20 contenders in the Midsize Utility segment in which the Frontier competes. High fuel prices helped this segment take market share away from its larger full-size brethren, but the smaller Crossover Utility segment promises to give it a run for the money. Still, the room and power capabilities of the Midsize Utility segment make it a good compromise between its compact and full-size counterparts.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM Jeep sold 213,584 Grand Cherokees in calendar year 2005 to just edge out the Ford Explorer (203,483). The Chevrolet TrailBlazer (regular length only) was a solid third (163,581). The Nissan Pathfinder, with 76,156 units sold in 2005, ranked eighth on the sales chart. Other top-selling models in the segment include the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4Runner.
After a total redesign in 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder receives only minor refinements for the 2006 model year. The minor upgrades include adding a 6-disc CD changer to the SE Comfort Package, available leather seating on the SE model, available satellite radio (XM or Sirius), a Desert Leather option on the Off-Road model, and one new exterior color, Majestic Blue.
Overview
Nissan’s Pathfinder has been a midsize SUV staple in the U.S. for two decades. It was the first SUV from Nissan, and now is part of a four-SUV lineup for the brand. Seven models comprise the Pathfinder range: S, SE, and LE models in two-wheel drive, along with the S, SE, LE and SE Off-Road edition in four-wheel drive. The Pathfinder is a body-on-frame vehicle, which gives it strength and ample towing capacity (6,000 pounds), but the independent suspension offers more car-like ride and handling qualities.
Standard interior features are plentiful: all rows of seats split and fold (the driver’s seat is fixed, but the front passenger seat folds), cruise control, power locks/mirrors/windows, remote entry, and a CD-equipped audio system are found on every model. Options include dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, and a navigation system. As for the exterior design, the angled front strut ties in the family resemblance to the rest of Nissan’s family of SUVs. The high placement for the handles on the rear doors, an early design element, remain.
The motive force is the 4.0L V-6 that’s based on the VQ engine series. The 4.0L unit produces a hearty 270 hp and 291 lb.-ft. of torque. All trim levels come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) that helps keep the vehicle on its intended path during understeer or oversteer conditions when the vehicle encounters poor road traction.
The Competition
There are 20 contenders in the Midsize Utility segment in which the Frontier competes. High fuel prices helped this segment take market share away from its larger full-size brethren, but the smaller Crossover Utility segment promises to give it a run for the money. Still, the room and power capabilities of the Midsize Utility segment make it a good compromise between its compact and full-size counterparts.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM Jeep sold 213,584 Grand Cherokees in calendar year 2005 to just edge out the Ford Explorer (203,483). The Chevrolet TrailBlazer (regular length only) was a solid third (163,581). The Nissan Pathfinder, with 76,156 units sold in 2005, ranked eighth on the sales chart. Other top-selling models in the segment include the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango, and Toyota 4Runner.
