| A long-distance haul means different things to | | | | did take a heavy throttle to get the job done, and |
| different drivers. For me on one recent journey, it | | | | that didn't do much for the one major downfall of |
| was a 400-plus mile trek from Redondo Beach, Calif. | | | | most SUVs -- lousy gas mileage.The Pathfinder is |
| (South of Los Angeles) to Sacramento.It was a | | | | rated at 16 mpg (city) and 23 mpg (highway), but I |
| seven-hour day in the car. The trip included the long | | | | averaged just under 20 mpg on my trip. Nissan |
| climb over the infamous Grapevine in Southern | | | | recommends premium fuel, further adding to the |
| California and plenty of flat and high-speed miles along | | | | not-so-thrifty costs.The Pathfinder was redesigned in |
| Interstate 5.The 2006 Nissan Pathfinder was my | | | | 2005, and both the interior and exterior changes |
| transportation and the mid-sized SUV, now on the | | | | were nicely accomplished, including added width, |
| market for two decades, performed well. My test | | | | height and length. The interior has well-placed, cleanly |
| vehicle was the four-wheel drive LE model (with | | | | designed gauges and the console and instrument |
| navigation system), the most expensive of the four | | | | panel are handsome and smartly positioned.Unlike |
| available models.Several top manufacturers' current | | | | other SUVs, the Pathfinder has a standard third-row |
| SUV models are seemingly interchangeable, and that | | | | seat. Without removing headrests, the rear row folds |
| includes Pathfinder and its top competitors, the Ford | | | | level, and the folding front-passenger seatback |
| Explorer, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.I drove | | | | further builds the cargo room to 79.2 cubic feet. |
| my test vehicle nearly 700 miles, including the climb | | | | That's among the best in the class.The Pathfinder LE |
| on the steady grade that connects Southern | | | | model has standard 17-inch wheels; other models |
| California to the mid-state agricultural valley. And | | | | have 16-inch wheels. The LE also features standard |
| although I never engaged the four-wheel drive | | | | front-side and side curtain airbags (they're optional on |
| feature or carried a heavy load, those are two | | | | other models).Regardless of model, the Pathfinder's |
| attributes that distinguish the Pathfinder from rivals.In | | | | standard equipment list is impressive. It ranges from |
| addition to mega-interstate miles, I nimbly | | | | illuminated visor mirrors to the AM/FM radio with |
| maneuvered the vehicle through city streets. Parking | | | | in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3 changer and heated power |
| lots, narrow driveways and U-turns in tight quarters | | | | mirrors and sunroof to a memory system for the |
| were all handled easily. The vehicle never felt | | | | driver seat, mirror and pedals.My test vehicle also |
| cumbersome. The LE is the only member of the fleet | | | | included five option packages ranging from the |
| with full-time all-wheel drive, and it can be left | | | | navigation and rear-seat entertainment system to |
| engaged on dry pavement. The Pathfinder also has a | | | | leather and heated front seats. The various options |
| 6,000-pound towing capacity.Each of the four | | | | added nearly $8,000 to the vehicle's base price.The |
| Pathfinder models includes a 4.0-liter, 270-horsepower | | | | result is a finely equipped SUV that can certainly ease |
| V6. During my trek, the vehicle advanced adequately | | | | the ordeal of a 400-mile drive and also provide an |
| even while ascending the most difficult climbs. But it | | | | equally enjoyable ride around town. |