Nissan's Pathfinder leads way to big changes

Nissan Pathfinder Click image for larger view

A third-generation Nissan Pathfinder debuts as a 2005 model. It's based on the same platform as the full-sized Armada SUV and Titan, which means it's larger, has three-row seating and comes with a 4-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower. It's available with two- and four-wheel-drive capability and has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

Also new to the Nissan truck line is a revised Frontier, which has a larger, bolder body style and also is based on a chassis derived from the larger Titan pickup.

The 2005-model Titan, introduced last year, is the first full-sized pickup from Nissan and also spawned Nissan's huge Armada SUV.

Unlike Toyota's first effort, the T-100, Nissan appears to have effectively captured the spirit of the traditional American pickup. The question is whether a Japanese manufacturer can win the hearts of traditional American pickup buyers. Because of that the Nissan Titan is among Bankrate's 10 most exciting cars of the year. Read our full road test.

On the car side, Nissan offers for 2005 the first SE-R high-performance model in the Altima. It sports a 260-horsepower V6, as well as different front and rear body panels, and such sport compact touches as larger brakes, stiffer suspension and a Bose stereo.

A new Sentra is due in 2005 as a 2006 model, and an anniversary version of the 350Z is also on track.

-- Posted: Feb. 15, 2005