The Nissan Pathfinder and Chrysler 200C: A Review

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2016 NISSAN PATHFINDER PLATINUM 4WD

I like this SUV! It’s a head-turner! This car is fun and it’s easy to drive. It has an incredibly even ride. It’s roomy, it’s cool looking, it’s efficient, it’s sturdy and it’s still trendy! It has a stylish, trendy cabin that can fit seven. Ok, to be honest, the Pathfinder hasn’t changed in a while, but that’s OK. The quality of this three-row SUV makes it a worthy opponent. It is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Guess what? You can leave on the fog lights with the headlights in the auto position without the lights staying on. What? Yes! It’s skews toward a more mature audience. Can you say family vehicle? But the ride is still smooth enough and it’s well-balanced.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 3.5-liter V6 w/260HP/240lb-ft. Torque, XTRONIC CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission), Continuous Valve Timing Control System, Intuitive 4WD w/4x4i and selectable 2 WD, auto and 4WD lock modes, hill start assist and hill descent control, 5,000 lb. towing capacity, 20” machined finish alloy wheels, temporary spare tire, driver and front passenger, side-impact, and curtain air bags, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control system, Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer system, vehicle security system, tire pressure monitoring system with easy fill tire alert, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, seven passenger seating capacity, leather appointed seating, 2^nd-Row 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat with recline, 3^rd-Row 50/50 split fold-flat bench seat with recline, 8-way power driver seat wit power lumbar support, 4-Way power front passenger seat, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2^nd row seats, leather-wrapped shifter, push button ignition, remote engine start, Nissan Intelligent Key®, voice recognition, rear sonar system, Sirius XM® satellite radio, BOSE® audio AM/FM/1-CD/USB with MP3 playback capability and Bluetooth® streaming audio, 8” WVGA color monitor, roof rails, power liftgate and trailer harness.

MSRP: $46,045

FUEL ECONOMY: 19/26

THE DRIVE: Cool!

THE CAR: Chrysler 200C

This car makes me look good.  Driving down the road in a Chrysler 200 is a good way to start the day. It’s a handsome, sporty car with a sexy ride!  The one I drove had a velvet red pearl coat exterior complemented with a black/linen interior and premium leather-trimmed vent seats.

The car, which is affordable, handles well and has excellent crash-test ratings from both U.S. agencies, has a crisp look with lots of room for the driver, a lengthy roofline, polished grille and front end. It all comes together, creating an enviable look.

Debuting in 2015, the Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan with a luxury personality.  It's available in LX, Limited, 200 S and 200C trim.

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 2.4-liter 14 MultiAir® engine, transmission is 9-speed 948TE automatic transmission, advanced multistage front airbags, supplemental front seat-mounted side airbags, supplemental side-curtain front and rear airbags, driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, passenger inflatable knee-bolster airbag, LATCH ready child seat anchor system, ParkView rear back-up, remote start system, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, ride and handling suspension, brake assist, electric park brake, electric power steering, keyless enter ‘n Go, 8.4-inch touchscreen display, Integrated voice command with Bluetooth®, remote USB port, premium 7-inch driver information display cluster, heated front seats, power 8-way driver seat, power 4-way driver lumbar adjust, 6-way power passenger seat, luxury door trim panel, automatic high beam control and SiriusXM® Sat radio w/one year radio subscription.

MSRP: $32,425

FUEL ECONOMY: 23/36

THE DRIVE: Smooth!

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Rhythm & Business, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via: dcdwriter@aol.com