WD21/GD21; first generation; 1985 A two-door body-on-frame SUV, the first generation Pathfinder debuted in 1985 and shared stylistic cues and the majority of its parts with the Nissan Hardbody Truck.
In This Article...
Here is a synopsis of the Pathfinder’s past up until the 2013 introduction of the fourth generation.
Nissan recognized an opportunity to use its Hardbody truck as the framework for the new SUV when it chose to create a sport/utility that was smaller than the Patrol and, unlike the Patrol, sold in the United States. Based on the measurements of the JX, the wheelbase will be nearly 10 inches longer by 2013 than it was when the Pathfinder initially went on sale, and the overall length will have risen by 2 feet. Here is a synopsis of the Pathfinder’s past up until the 2013 introduction of the fourth generation.
The original Pathfinder was a two-door sport/utility built on the Hardbody platform for small pickup trucks. It was a body-on-frame design and had two doors, just like the original Toyota 4Runner, which was released a year earlier in 1984-1/2. In 1990, it added two more doors, and ever since then, it has had four doors. Both a 145-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 and a 106-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine were available for the Pathfinder. Eventually, the four-cylinder basic engine was eliminated, and the V-6’s output increased to 153.
Although the impending 2013 unibody model may seem like a significant change, the second-generation Pathfinder was also a unibody. With more rounded outward lines, the SUV’s appearance underwent a dramatic transformation from 1996 to 2004. The engine’s size was increased to 3.3 liters, producing 168 horsepower. Compared to the original generation’s truck-based design, this one was intended to be more sophisticated and larger in size. Satellite radio and DVD entertainment were available as luxuries. With the addition of a 3.5-liter engine and 240 horsepower in 2001, power increased once more.
Nissan made the third generation of the Pathfinder body-on-frame once more, taking it back to its truck-like origins. The style of the model’s current iteration changed from faux luxurious to bigger and boxier. Nissan’s sport/utility portfolio was expanded with the addition of the Xterra and Pathfinder Armada during Generation 2. The styling of the Pathfinder fit between the two, sliding between the smaller, off-road-oriented Xterra and the rounder, larger, upscale Armada (the “Pathfinder” element of the name was subsequently eliminated). The Titan and Frontier truck platforms, which may be customized for different vehicle widths and lengths, constitute the foundation for all three. The Pathfinder was originally offered with three rows of seating during this generation. Two different engines are available to power it. Similar to the contemporary Xterra, it was first offered with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower. A V-8 became available for the first time in 2008. The 5.6-liter V-8 in the Nissan Titan/Armada has been upgraded to 310 horsepower.
The fourth generation of the Pathfinder is similar to previous generations in certain ways. The generations appear to alternate between putting an emphasis on developing a luxury unibody vehicle and giving trucklike, robust capability priority. Nissan has just revealed a concept so far and hasn’t made many detailed disclosures about the production model of the new Pathfinder. The new vehicle, which will share platforms with the Infiniti JX (much like the Infiniti QX4 and the second-generation Pathfinder), should be more upscale, more spacious, and more fuel-efficient. Nissan hasn’t yet disclosed this vehicle’s fuel economy stats, although they should improve by 25%. Since there has been no mention of a V-8, we predict the V-6 will be comparable to the JX’s 3.5-liter, 265-hp V-6.
NISSANPathfinder
Their first SUV with a truck-like design was the Pathfinder, which was unveiled in 1986.
Every version of the Pathfinder saw a change in its exterior styling, but in 2013, Nissan reinvented it as a crossover. The previous version’s V8 engine was no longer offered.
The Pathfinder’s engine was a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 260 horsepower. It had a CVT transmission attached to it.
original generation (1987-1995)
The fan favorite of the group is this Pathfinder. It was initially a two-door car, but eventually gained a pair of rear doors and a front end that it shared with the classic Nissan Hardbody pickup. This small SUV has excellent off-road performance thanks to its tough body-on-frame construction. It’s difficult not to adore the design of this Pathfinder. It’s a handsome gentleman, with a three-slot grille, distinctive windows, and a greenhouse. With the fascinating C-pillar placed door handles, which became a characteristic design for both the Pathfinder and the later Xterra, even the four-doors looked attractive. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.0-liter V6 were among the available engines; the latter was updated in 1990 and had a maximum output of 153 horsepower.
The Pathfinder was launched into the enthusiast market thanks to a series of commercials that showed the car traveling to Rio de Janeiro on a less-traveled route. These ads also helped establish the idea of advertising SUVs as “adventure vehicles,” which has since been repeated many times. One of the series’ advertisements can be seen above, while the series’ last advertisement can be found on YouTube here.
the initial group
In 1985, the first Pathfinder model made accessible to clients in the United States. The crossover SUV was only available in a two door form from 1985 to 1989 and was based on Nissan’s hard body truck vehicles. According to Motor Trend, the engine was a 2.4 liter four cylinder as standard equipment but you could upgrade it to a 3.0 liter V-6 for the first few model years. The Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Isuzu MU, and Mitsubishi Pajero were the Pathfinder’s main rivals in the market. With the other brands already having secure positions in the automobile industry, this presented Nissan with some fierce competition, and the stakes were high. One of the first things you’ll note about the original Pathfinder is that it faced some challenges in capturing the attention of a picky customer base because it lacked competitive brands’ attractive appearance, sporty handling, and availability of a diesel alternative.
Pathfinder Model Years and History, New and Used
The Nissan Pathfinder, which was updated for 2013, is a full-size SUV with seating for seven people and a 7,000-pound towing capability. It also gets 26 mpg on the interstate.
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a capable SUV with a 7,000-lb towing capability, making it a flexible seven-passenger hauler.
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is a sleek SUV with seating for up to seven passengers with a V6 or V8 engine option. It is suitable for living on pavement or dirt.
The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is a seven-passenger midsize SUV that excels off-road thanks to its powerful engines, well-thought-out interior, and plenty of off-road capability.
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that was completely redesigned for the new model year and is available with either a brand-new 310 horsepower 5.6L V8 or a 4.0L V6 as a standard engine.
The full-size Nissan Pathfinder SUV has been redesigned and grown to accommodate seating for up to seven people. It is assured and secure both on and off the road.
2019 will see the introduction of brand-new and completely remodeled automobiles, trucks, and SUVs at a dealer near you. To get a more detailed look at what to expect, preview individual new models. You can also browse the photographs to discover what each automaker will be updating.
Minor adjustments to the trim levels were made to the Pathfinder from 1998 to 1999, but the inside and external styling were significantly updated in the middle of 1999. It would essentially carry over into 2000 unmodified. A 250 hp V6 engine was launched in 2001, providing the SUV with a long-awaited boost in power that made it the strongest in its class. Rear entertainment DVD system and updated in-dash GPS system were both made available.
The 2002 Pathfinder received stylish improvements, including a new front grille, an improved audio system, and various changes to the trims and add-on packages. For the 2003 model year, satellite radio became an optional feature along with a new Vehicle Dynamic Control Package that combined traction control, tire pressure monitoring, and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) into one feature. No revisions were planned for 2004, but a completely new and updated model with a more potent V6 engine and the well-liked third row of seats was delivered in 2005. A new MP3 input jack and the addition of the safety reverse feature for 2007 complemented the minor trim adjustments made in 2006.
A brand-new 5.6-liter V8 engine with 310 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque would be added to the Pathfinder in 2008. With minimal changes to the interior and external style, the interior was complimented by a revised gauge cluster and cup-holder with a center stack display screen. With a new 25th-anniversary Silver Edition published in 2011, The Pathfinder would glide through 2009 and 2010 largely untouched. Only minor changes were made between 2012 and 2013, and the much-anticipated Pathfinder Hybrid was added in 2014 to complete the fleet.
When did Nissan start producing the Pathfinder?
When the first model of the Nissan Pathfinder was unveiled in 1986, the company’s history truly began.
The Pathfinder had its third significant facelift in 2005, with significant upgrades to interior room and power.
From a unit-body layout, the 2005 Pathfinder went back to its original body-on-frame design.
Looking at the appearance of the SUV, it was simple to see that it had an adventurous attitude.
Old Nissan Pathfinders: Are they dependable?
Ratings for the Nissan Pathfinder are above average. The Pathfinder ranks 17th out of 26 midsize SUVs with a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal. The Pathfinder can last you for a very long time if you maintain it properly. It is not without issues, though.
- Faulty fuel level sensor – From 1994 to 2016, over 16 different Pathfinder model years have been impacted by this problem. The Pathfinder’s fuel level sensor can malfunction, causing irregular or erroneous gauge readings, according to the reports. The gasoline pump needs to be replaced, which can cost between $673 and $833.
- Problems with the navigation system – Several 2017 Pathfinder owners have reported that their SUV has problems with the navigation display. These include the rear assist display malfunctioning, the backup camera getting stuck, and the navigation controls freezing.
- Transmission problems – A common problem in the 2005–2010 model years, automatic transmission failure in Pathfinders may occur at about 90,000 miles. It appears that the crack-prone oil cooler tubing is what allows coolant to leak into the transmission system.
- Failure of the climate system, specifically problems with the A/C and heating systems, is a prevalent complaint among 2015 Pathfinder owners. Numerous reports claimed that the climate system flat-out refuses to function, which is a major issue when temperatures are really high.
Is Nissan Pathfinder a trustworthy vehicle?
Breakdown of the Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Rating. The Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 17th out of 26 midsize SUVs. Its ownership costs are cheaper than normal because the average annual repair cost is $542.
The Nissan Pathfinder has a truck frame, right?
Honest to God, the Nissan Pathfinder from 2013 to 2020 lost us. We gave it the nickname “Mallfinder” because of its startlingly quick transformation from a bulky, square-jawed, broad-shouldered, rear-drive truck-based bushwhacker to a kinder, gentler, lozenge-shaped, FWD-car-based soft-roader. Since since, the model has endured that derogatory term.
The Pathfinder’s off-road clearance dimensions decreased by one ton and became more car-like. The space-saving sideways powertrain had the advantage of freeing up a lot of passenger and freight room. About 400 pounds less were added to the curb weight, and fuel efficiency increased by 30%. Our enthusiasm for the Nissan, though, decreased even more than that.
There is no lift kit available to restore the R51-generation Nissan Pathfinder’s ground clearance measurements, nor does the 2022 model have a truck frame or V-8 power. However, Nissan has us cautiously optimistic that this new R53 2022 Pathfinder might revive some credibility to its storied name by squaring up the styling, ditching the continuously variable transmission for a proper nine-speed planetary-gear transmission, and applying a decade’s worth of technical know-how to the AWD system.