Nissan Pathfinder: review, description, specifications, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The Nissan Pathfinder was first born in 1985 and has come a long way from a two-door boxy SUV to a modern full-size crossover. The model is an adapted copy of the first generation Nissan Terrano for the North American market. The successful Hardbody platform served as a constructive base, on which the Japanese concern produced small trucks and pickups.

First Generation WD-21

At the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, the fashion for compact and mid-size SUVs swept the world. Automakers quickly responded to consumer needs by launching a whole galaxy of crossovers on the market: S-10 Blazer, Ford Explorer, Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Trooper, Mitsubishi Montero, Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

The Japanese Nissan did not want to stand aside either. The management decided to make their own model based on Hardbody, a reliable and proven platform that has proven itself well inas mini trucks and vans.

The first generation Nissan Pathfinder for North America appeared in 1985 on two different ladder-type chassis. The car was delivered in 2WD and 4WD (2 and 4 wheel drive) configurations. In the US, between 1986 and 1989, only a two-door version was available. Externally, the car did not differ in sophistication and beauty. Straight laconic forms and high clearance gave the product a brutal look. By the way, European designers Jerry Hirshberg and Doug Wilson were involved in the development of the appearance.

Restyling

Nissan Pathfinder at the beginning of 1990 got a four-door modification. Interestingly, the designers made the rear door handles secretive. This corporate identity later migrated to other models of the Japanese manufacturer (in particular, Nissan Armada, Xterra, Juke).

The front grille has been redesigned and the available interior and exterior trim options have increased. In 1993, a third brake light was added. The 1994 model received a curved instrument panel and new bumpers. Gradually, the release of 2-door modifications was curtailed (in Canada they disappeared from sale in 1992).

Second generation R50

Second generation cars were introduced in 1996. The dimensions of the Nissan Pathfinder have changed slightly, but the design has been redesigned. The body has become more streamlined, modern. The three-liter 145-horsepower VG30i engines were replaced by new 3.3-liter VG33E engines with a capacity of 170 liters. s.

In 1999, the design of the grille was changed, the power line was supplemented by another engine: 3.5L VQ35DE with 240 hp. As of this year, the model was no longer sold in Japan, although it was still available in North America, South America, Europe and the Middle East.

Third generation R51

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, the Japanese concern introduced the third generation Nissan Pathfinder R51. A year later, at the Paris Motor Show, a modification based on the Nissan Navara was announced. The new R51 was based on the F-alpha platform, powered by a 4.0L V6 VQ40DE petrol engine (270 hp, 201 kW, 291 Nm) or a 2.5L YD25DDTi (174 hp, 130 kW, 297 Nm) Turbo Diesel engine.

The appearance and interior of the Nissan Pathfinder have been significantly changed. The car, while maintaining streamlined shapes, has grown in breadth and height. As the designers say, he has become more "muscular", solid. It is noteworthy that the rear door handles were still secretive. The interior differs from previous generations by a certain sophistication, modern decor elements and high-quality materials were used in decoration and design for that period.

Production

Until 2005, most Pathfinders were built in Japan, but the third generation destined for America was made in Spain, near Barcelona. Also in Tennessee (USA), a small-scale plant operated, producing only gasoline modifications for its own market.

FormerlyThe Nissan Pathfinder was sold in many markets outside of North America under the Terrano name. In 2005, after the launch of the third generation, the Pathfinder name became international. The R51 is the first of the Pathfinder range to go on sale in the UK.

By the way, at the end of 2003, a large SUV Armada-Pathfinder was introduced. Although it has a similar name, it has little in common with the hero of this article, since different platforms were used to make them. The "Pathfinder" prefix was later dropped, leaving only the name "Armada".

Redesign

In 2007, the updated Pathfinder was presented at the Chicago Auto Show. The model has got a powerful V8 5.8L VK56DE 310HP power unit from Nissan Titan. However, the new version was intended exclusively for the United States, where many connoisseurs of frisky motors live (albeit at the expense of efficiency).

In 2010 another tuning of Nissan Pathfinder was made. Major changes include:

• new hood;
• redesigned grille;
• more rounded front bumper.

Also new were alloy wheels and upgraded headlights.

Inside the cabin stood out new controls, leather upholstery, fabric (tapestry) inserts, a fashionable dashboard and chrome decor details. There was a button to control the integral transmission system and speed limiter. Rear passengers could enjoy the air conditioning system. followingFollowing the trends of the times, the Japanese have equipped the car with a rear-view camera and a navigation system with a hard drive.

Undercarriage

According to numerous reviews, the Nissan Pathfinder R51 is a successful combination of power, reliability and excellent road holding. In 2010, the car got an improved four-cylinder diesel engine with a volume of 2.5 liters. Thanks to technical improvements, its power has increased by 11% compared to the previous generation of motors (from 174 to 190 hp), while efficiency has also increased.

An all-new 231-horsepower 3.0 V6 diesel engine developed by the Nissan-Renault alliance was also introduced. It has enviable specifications and the ability to use a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Fourth generation R52

During the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the Japanese presented the next generation of the Pathfinder to the discerning public, this time the fourth. If the previous models abounded with curved and broken lines, various variations of stampings, small body parts, then the new car, on the contrary, is distinguished by an underlined conciseness of forms. The branded detail of the car has also disappeared - the rear doors have acquired quite familiar handles.

Following model commonality to lower costs, the new Pathfinder is based on the same platform as the Infiniti JX, Altima, Maxima, Murano and Quest with a front transverse engine configuration and either front or all wheel drive.

Specifications

Nissan Pathfinder meets the following specifications:

• Body type: 5-door station wagon.
• Dimensions: width 1.96 m; length 5 m; height 1.77 m.
• Engines: hybrid 2.5LQR25DER I4; petrol 3.5L VQ35DE V6; diesel 2.5L YD25DDTi I4-T.
• Transmission Type: Continuously Variable CVT.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission; 5-speed automatic transmission.
• Complete set: High+; high; top; Mid.

Reviews

Nissan Pathfinder, according to most car owners, is a very worthy car that is not inferior in quality and performance to more expensive brands. Among the strengths, users note reliable engines, a strong body, a “live” gearbox. By the way, the dynamics of an automatic transmission is not much inferior to a manual one.

The car is reliable on a snowy and wet track. This is facilitated by the flawless operation of the ABS, ESP systems and a solid weight - about 2.3 tons. In all-wheel drive versions, the system of automatic connection of an additional (front) drive is quickly activated. Of course, studded tires will not be superfluous.

Breakdowns are typical for most cars and concern not the most important (and expensive) elements. It is not uncommon for a car to take care of 50,000 km without significant problems. Drivers are limited to replacing consumables and undergoing maintenance.

According to reviews, the Nissan Pathfinder is very comfortable to drive and suitable for long-distance (over 1000 km) journeys. This is facilitatedergonomic "commander" landing, wide armrest, multi-level shelves on the driver's door, allowing the left hand to rest in various positions. Separate climate control provides the desired microclimate for driver and passenger. Also, operators favor dynamic engines that allow you to quickly overtake the vehicle in front and an optimally tuned suspension.

In general, "Nissan Pathfinder" corresponds to the level of the top SUV from the famous Japanese automaker. This is a reliable station wagon that performs well on public roads, and on a country road, and on a country dirt road.