Nissan - Pathfinder

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in several trim levels with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The V8 engine is available in SE or LE trim levels with two- or four-wheel drive. Expect to add $2,000-$2,200 for 4WD and $1,600-$1,800 for the V8.

Pathfinder S ($25,700) includes a 4.0-liter V6, five-speed automatic, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, immobilizer, 40/20/40 reclining middle-row and 50/50 third-row that both fold flat, active front head restraints, alloy wheels, roof rack, rear wiper, rear glass and hatch opening, four map lights, seven assist grips, full instrumentation, CD player, and twelve cargo area tie-down points. It's also available with 4WD ($27,700).

SE ($29,000) adds an eight-way power driver seat, 17-inch wheels, fold-flat front passenger seat, seven-inch display with rearview monitor, power adjustable pedals, dual-zone climate control and rear air, easy-clean cargo area, fog lamps, leather wheel and shifter, tow hook, running boards, body-color power mirrors, 6CD satellite-ready sound, and extendable visors with illuminated mirrors. The SE is available with 4WD ($31,000). SE models offer a wide range of options.

SE V8 ($30,600) adds 18-inch tires; SE V8 4WD ($32850) comes with the All-Mode four-wheel-drive system that includes an all-wheel-drive setting for street use.

SE Off-Road ($33,900) comes with 4WD (electric-switched part-time), the V6, nominal SE bits, plus 265/75R16 B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, Bilstein shocks, unique blue seat fabric, hill climb and descent electronic assists, three skid plates, and the SE premium package including moonroof, HomeLink, and Bose sound system. Leather upholstery and DVD entertainment are optional.

LE ($34,800) comes with leather upholstery (except the kid's third row) and woodgrain trim, driver memory system, side and curtain airbags, moonroof, heated steering wheel/front seats/mirrors, and the Bose 6CD 10-speaker sound system. LE 4WD ($37,000) are All-Mode. The LE V8 ($36,500) and LE V8 4WD ($38,700) uses 18-inch wheels. Navigation is optional, along with XM Satellite Radio, Bose sound with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and Intelligent Key.

Safety features on all Pathfinders include VDC electronic stability control, tire pressure monitors and ABS. Front side-impact airbags (for torso protection) and side-curtain airbags (for head protection) are extra-cost options on all but the LE where they come standard; we recommend getting them.