Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder first made its way onto American soil in 1986. Featuring a two or four-door body style, the Pathfinder was originally considered a compact SUV. However, as years have passed, the model has jumped in size and is now in the mid-size category. Placed in between the Murano and Armada in the maker's lineup, the Pathfinder has long been a staple on the American SUV market. Most recently, the Pathfinder received a complete makeover including an exterior revamp and new engine addition.

In the beginning, the Nissan Pathfinder was fitted with a range of V6 and I4 engines, with two turbodiesel selections. Powerfully equipped, the Pathfinder was a hit with the buying public and Nissan saw sales rise quickly. However, as other makers began releasing similar models, it seems that buyers began to switch over to the standard American brands (Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge) for their SUV needs. With a slump in sales, Nissan had to do something big to get attention, and they redesigned the model with a sleeker exterior in 1996. Engine choices stayed generally the same, but horsepower was pumped up and a new crosshatch grille was added.

Though sales of the Nissan Pathfinder did begin to pick up, it was still nowhere near what the classic American manufacturers were making. So, in 2005, Nissan decided to give it another try and produced a Pathfinder with a muscular, tank-like appearance. The commanding profile gained a great deal of praise, and consumers found themselves more attracted to the Pathfinder than many other popular SUV brands. With an increase in size, the model became a mid-size SUV and a powerful 317 horsepower V8 was added to pick up the slack.

While recent attention has been paid to hybrid SUVs, Nissan is staying quiet about the Pathfinder. Critics and consumers alike are wondering if the maker will give it a "green" makeover, but no word has been released about the future of the model. Unfortunately, because of its lack of environmental friendliness, buyers are beginning to stray from the Pathfinder again, and Nissan will soon have to think of something to regain their admiration.

took notice of the Pathfinder and has used the model in several films and television shows. Blockbuster hits like America Ferrara's Real Women Have Curves, teen thriller Cry Wolf, and cult favorite Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind have all given a role to the Pathfinder. Television programs that utilized the Nissan Pathfinder in a scene include Prison Break, One Tree Hill, Comedy Central's Chappelle's Show, and the teen drama The O.C.