After driving my friends '01 Pathfinder, Nissan better do alot of work getting that 3.5 to stop vibrating. That 3.5 feels as refined as a tractor motor compared to the 3.0. Sure it has 38 more horses but I feel the 3.0 is a better motor.

So I don't feel too bad about the '02 with the 3.5 other than the 6-speed tranny.

Mark

 

The 3.5 VQ in the Altima and Maxima probably won't feel like that. If it did, Nissan wouldn't bank their future on it. They'll probably use different engine mounts, etc.

 

here's a quote from nissannews.com re the 2001 pathfinder:

"The previous Pathfinder engine was a SOHC 3.3-liter design (designated the VG series) producing 170 horsepower and 200 ft-lbs of torque. The new engine is based on the Nissan VQ engine series currently used in the 2000 Maxima - an engine named as one of Ward's Auto World magazine's "10 Best Engines" for six consecutive years. But rather than just enlarge the Maxima engine (a 3.0-liter design), the creators of the new Pathfinder V6 designed it specifically for SUV applications with an emphasis on low to mid-speed torque needed for off-roading and recreational equipment hauling."

even Ward's Auto World noticed the "grittyness" of the 3.5 in the pathfinder:

"Nissan 3.5L DOHC V-6

250 hp, 250 lb.-ft. (Pathfinder)

+ More refined than SUV buyers deserve.

– Gritty around the edges. Pushing the displacement envelope?"

so, hopefully, the 3.5VQ in the max and alty will be more refined than the truckish engine in the pathfinder...along with different engine mounts like paul2kgxe said

cheers