1990 - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder Pre-Owned

While the two versions were produced side-by-side, only the doors and respective profile styling modifications were different. The rest of the vehicle, inside and out, was identical too, including its 4,366 mm (171.9 in) length, 1,689 mm (66.5 in) width and 1,679 mm (66.1 in) height,

The Pathfinder's robust 153-hp 3.0-L V6 engine provides a healthy 180 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. (Photo: Nissan)

as well as the 2,649 mm (104.3 in) length of its wheelbase, with the only differentiating spec being curb weight, at 18.1 kg (40.0 lb) more for the extra two doors in SE trim. Just to be clear, there were no differences when it came to wheels and tires, brakes, suspension, chassis and powertrain either.

The latter item included a robust 153-hp 3.0-L V6 that made maximum output at 4,800 rpm, and maximum torque, a healthy 180 lb-ft, at 4,000 rpm. It was mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic featuring a lock-up torque converter, with the majority of buyers choosing the less involved shifting process.

While quite good off the beaten path, Nissan neglected to include a shift-on-the-fly mechanism for engaging 4WD. (Photo: www.mrjim.net)

The suspension was quite sophisticated for SUVs of its time, a double wishbone setup in the front and a five-link coil sprung system with stabilizer bar was in the rear. Optional adjustable shock absorbers could firm up the ride to improve handling on curving stretches of highway. To that end the Pathfinder suffered from rather vague power-assisted recirculating ball steering, fine for off-road work but hardly exacting on pavement. Still its 10.8 m (35.5 ft) turning circle is quite good for this category, making parking fairly easy. Its standard 215/75R15 tires were hardly grippy either, made worse by stepping up to the optional 235/75R15 rubber.

In Canada the Pathfinder only came in 4-wheel drive unlike some of its competitors that offered a base RWD model, which made its starting price point higher but creates less confusion in the pre-owned market (U.S. Pathfinders offered a base RWD model). While quite good off the beaten path, Nissan neglected to include a shift-on-the-fly mechanism for engaging 4WD. This makes it less convenient than some of its competitors when attempting to overcome slippery road conditions on the go.