2006 Nissan Pathfinder
Off Road and Over the Hill
Boomer: Melanie, thanks for driving me and my friends in the Pathfinder to Cave Creek to buy hiking boots. I felt like we waited till the last minute and then stuck you with the chauffeuring job.
X: I didn’t mind, while you four were looking at hiking boots and equipment, I went to Suzanne’s Hot Stuff to get some of my favorite sauces. Since I wouldn’t be hiking the Grand Canyon with all your “boomers” I didn’t need to be there. I liked driving the Pathfinder off road and not having to listen to the four of you talk about how hard you’ve trained and your cellulite.
Boomer: Thanks. The ladies were saying that the Pathfinder’s second row of seats was just fine regarding leg room but the third row was a little tight. It probably would be a good fit for children or adults with short legs. However, the vehicle’s new, bigger and bolder appearance inside and out is what is making this 7 passenger SUV so popular.
X: That’s great, but I didn’t look at the Pathfinder as a people transporter as much as an off-road vehicle with a luxurious interior. The Pathfinder has a sunroof, driver memory function, heated leather seats, power passenger seats, wood interior trim and side front and rear airbags. Those are just some of the standard features, but there is so much more to the Nissan’s mid-size SUV.
Boomer: The Nissan Pathfinder is quite the outdoor person’s off-road vehicle. The roof rack, which is capable of transporting a canoe and snow skis in one trip, was designed for the “big boys and their toys” person. It has a rear hatch for easy access to coolers, groceries, sports equipment or even the family pet. The running boards give it a real rugged feel and helps vertically challenged people get in the SUV easier. The tow receiver hitch can easily pull up to 6,000 pounds of boat or a trailer filled with more “big boy toys.” Oh, and in case that isn’t enough, there’s a first aid kit built into the rear cargo area.
X: I hope you and your buddies don’t need the first aid kit when you attempt to hike the canyon. No offense, but you and your friends are not exactly in the best of shape. Seriously, I don’t think walking a block to and from Starbucks every day with a caramel latte in hand qualifies as training.
Boomer: Thanks for your vote of confidence, at least we’re attempting it and we’re all over 50 years old. I don’t see you and your twenty-something friends doing any strenuous exercising other than lifting the microphone at karaoke and talking outside of Ben and Jerry’s.
X: If my friends and I did attempt to hike the canyon, like you and your “menopausal” ya-ya sisters, we would want to drive there in a Pathfinder. First there are so many places to off road on the way and second, there is plenty of room for hikers and equipment in the ’06. The total cargo area in the four wheel drive Nissan is 16.5 cubic feet. You can fold the second and third rows, as well as the passenger seat flat without removing any of the seats or headrests. Talk about room!
Boomer: That’s great, but if you laid all those seats flat, you would be driving alone.
X: Not a bad thought. The Pathfinder includes the fabulous Bose sound system with nine speakers for me to listen to my favorite music. I could also listen to my music with the Mp3 stereo head set on my ears, which is standard. There are also four power outlets for my laptop and other electronic goodies. What more could I want?
Boomer: A boyfriend or husband would be nice!
X: Not to change the subject, but why don’t we talk about the off road package for the Pathfinder? The Pathfinder is considered a truck-based midsize SUV. It has independent rear suspension and offers four models: XE, SE, SE Off-Road (which we tested), and the luxury-oriented LE. All have a 270-hp, V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission.
Boomer: Each model of the Pathfinder contains certain standard features. For example, the SE off-road comes with all-terrain tires, Rancho-brand shock absorbers, additional chassis skid plates and customized upholstery. It also has Nissan’s Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist systems. A few options you might want to add on would be power adjustable pedals and a DVD entertainment – navigation system package.
X: Of course the pricing varies as well with a $25,830 on the XE to about $35,700 for the LE. The pricing is comparable to other mid-size SUV’s and I personally feel that the ’06 is the best Pathfinder to date.
Boomer: Well said from someone who was still in elementary school when the first one came out, but I do agree, it’s their best ever.
X: Speaking of being old, why did you and your friends wait to so long to hike the Grand Canyon? I mean we’ve lived here twenty years and the Canyon has been around for millions of years, right? I would have thought your “empty nesters” club would have hiked the Canyon when you were all in your prime.
Boomer: I do think that you are assuming we won’t make it to the bottom and up again. We have the best equipment, clothing, survival kits, healthy snacks and hiking boots.What do you think we’re missing?
X: Twenty years of training, 15 pounds more weight and oxygen just for starters. But I wish you all the best of luck. I know that I will be thinking of you while I’m driving the Pathfinder, listening to tunes and driving off road by myself.
Boomer: And you think we have challenges?
Printer Friendly
