The Nissan Pathfinder Through The Years

When the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is released later this fall it will mark the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Pathfinder. Now, as we anticipate the release of this newest Pathfinder we are taking a look back at the models of the previous three decades.  

First Generation (1987 – 1995) – When the original Pathfinder was first released in 1986, it was designed based off the popular Hardbody pickup platform and was a two-door model. The design included features similar to the pickup including an open, comfortable interior, three horizontal slots on the hood’s front edge, and body-on-frame platform designed with off-roading in mind. By 1980 the two rear doors has been added and so were the signature “hidden” C-pillar mounted rear door handles giving it the look that we are more familiar with today. There were two engines seen in the vehicles from the first generation, a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and the second being a 3.0-liter V6 engine. The horsepower capabilities of the 3.0-liter V6 engine started out at 140 hp and then increased to 145 in 1988 and then to 153 hp from 1990-1995.

Second Generation (1996 – 2004) – When the first model from the second generation was released it debuted with a new design that distinguished it more from the Nissan pickups. This model included a more aerodynamic look and was built on a unibody platform. Along with the new design this version offered improvements to ride and handling thanks to the 168 horsepower 3.3Liter Engine that powered it. In 2001, Nissan introduced a 250 horsepower 3.5L V6 Engine from the VQ-series engine family. The 2001 model also offered a redesigned more family-friendly interior and upgraded technologies such as a Navigation system complete with a three-dimensional “Birdview” display.

Third Generation (2005 – 2012) – Nissan debuted the first model from this new generation of Pathfinders at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. With this new generation the brand returned to the original body-on-frame platform using a modified version of the F-Alpha platform. The 2005 version also included a split fold-down 3rd row seat allowing the Pathfinder to now fit up to seven passengers. The third generation Pathfinder had two engine options the first being a 4.0-liter V6 that generated 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque, and the second being a 5.6-liter V8 that generated 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque.

Fourth Generation (2013 – 2016) – The seven-seater design was carried on into the fourth generation and a variety of new technologies and performance upgrades were added. A few of these upgraded included an EZ Flex™ Seating System, intuitive 4WD, 8.4 cubic feet more cargo space, 5000-pound standard towing capacity, LATCH AND GLIDE™ technology, and a 240 horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine paired with a next-generation Xtronic transmission.

Loughead® Nissan is sure that all of our customers from Swarthmore, Philadelphia, Drexel Hill, PA; Wilmington, DE; or Concordville, PA will love the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder once it officially arrives here later this fall. Look out for more information about its arrival here.

“Jul. 7, 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 1987 – 2017: A Brief History.”NissanNews.com. N.p., 7 July 2016. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fnissannews.com%2Fen-US%2Fnissan%2Fusa%2Freleases%2Fnissan-pathfinder-1987-2017-a-brief-history>.

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