NISSAN PATHFINDER
The North American first generation Pathfinder came in two different bodies and shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. Built on a ladder-type frame, the Pathfinder was Nissan's response to the S-10 Blazer, Ford Explorer, the Jeep Cherokee, and other non-domestic SUV's like the Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Trooper, and the Mitsubishi Montero. WD21 Pathfinders were available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. In the US from 1986.5 to 1989 Pathfinders came with a two door body. In early 1990 it became a four door in the United States. Some US 1990 Pathfinder's came with the two door body, but they are rare.
When the four door was introduced, Nissan chose to conceal the door handles as a part of the "C" pillar trim to visually make it appear like a two door truck with a camper shell, with conventional door handles on the front doors. This appearance approach was also used on the first generationChevrolet S-10 Blazer with conventional door handles for the rear doors. This design tradition is still used on some Nissan SUV's currently offered, to include the Nissan Armada and the Nissan Xterra.
When the four door was introduced, Nissan chose to conceal the door handles as a part of the "C" pillar trim to visually make it appear like a two door truck with a camper shell, with conventional door handles on the front doors. This appearance approach was also used on the first generationChevrolet S-10 Blazer with conventional door handles for the rear doors. This design tradition is still used on some Nissan SUV's currently offered, to include the Nissan Armada and the Nissan Xterra.
The 2-door version was available in Canada until 1990. From 86.5 to 1989 Pathfinders were available with either the Nissan VG30i 3.0 L V6 (145 hp (108 kW), 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) torque), or the Nissan Z24 2.4 L (106 hp (79 kW)) I4. In 1990 the V6 received an upgrade from throttle body injection to a multi point fuel injection system. This engine was known as the VG30E, and was rated at 153 hp (114 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) torque. Also in 1990, the Z24 was replaced with the KA24E. The first generation continued until 1995. This generation also came out in the 2.7 L I4 Diesel Engine known as the TD27 with the option of a turbocharger to increase the power rating.
