R50 - 2001 Pathfinder - 1 of 10 cars that changed the game (Popular Mechanics article)

[mickyficky]

Interesting article about 10 (or 9?) cars that changed the game. The 01 Pathy makes the list! I have a 95 and have never driven an 01, so are they that different R50 fans??

 

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-unlikely-autos-that-changed-cars-forever-234855738.html

 

 

"2001 Nissan Pathfinder: Autonomous Off-Roading
Electronic ascent and descent control eliminated some driver skill (and human error) from off-roading. The Pathfinder's antilock brake system was tuned so that the driver need only hold the brake when descending steep hills, which previously was a dangerous no-no for off-road driving. Accelerating up dirt hills always required a deft touch of the throttle—prior to the Pathfinder's carefully tuned traction control system, that is. It worked best if the driver floored the gas pedal, a definite counterintuitive move in any other off-roader at the time."

[Towncivilian]

Traction control? 2001 Pathfinder doesn't have any form of traction control. I think 2003-2004 R50s do.

 

I also don't know what they're talking about with the brake thing.

[devonianwalk]

 

 

It worked best if the driver floored the gas pedal, a definite counterintuitive move in any other off-roader at the time.

 

It sure as heck didn't work like that on the 99.5.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0hU2Oug4bSQ

[Rebelord]

Maybe they are talking about a first gen Pathfinder Armada? /shrug

[Towncivilian]

Didn't those start with 2003?

[Inyourface1650]

I have a 95 and have never driven an 01, so are they that different R50 fans??

 

 

Yes. Much much quieter, way better road manners, less rear leg room, better fuel economy.

 

I sadly have driven WD21, WD22, R50, D40, R51, and now back to a WD21 LOL

[Karmann]

No idea what they're talking about. Maybe members with more loaded models can chime in. My 02 SE has none of that, which was a selling point of buying an older SUV.