03Xterraman,

First let me say that the R50 Pathfinder is not a crossover SUV. Its platform was developed long before the term "crossover" was coined. While it does have a unibody, it retains a solid rear axle and has a low-range 4WD system. Properly equipped, it is exceptionally capable. Click here for an example. Except for the unibody platform, it's no more a crossover than a 4Runner is. No "crossover" SUVs have a solid axle or a part-time 4WD low-range transfer case.

With regard to the '05 Pathfinder, it's neither an off-roader's SUV nor a crossover. It has fully independent suspension, not a solid rear axle, but has a few off-road options that make it more far more capable than the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, though less modifiable than the Xterra. Nissan has [wisely] recognized that the Xterra is the 4WD enthusiast's preference, and [also wisely] built the '05 Pathfinder to compete the midsize "family" SUV market, most of which never see any kind of off-road duty.

FUELER- If I may impart some advice to you, do not buy a Pathfinder older than a 2001 unless you get a screamin' good deal. In 2001, the 240hp VQ35 engine replaced the 170hp VG33. If I had to settle for 170hp, I would at least want to get some off-road capability (i.e. Xterra) as "fair compensation". A 2000 R50 is no more capable or modiable than a 1996 R50.