Nissan Pathfinder 1995 Review

The December 1986 Nissan Pathfinder took a leaf out of the Toyota HiLux/4Runner book, using what were basically Navara ute panels and chassis to form a compact 4X4 wagon. The styling was unlike other Japanese vehicles, because it was designed at Nissan's California, USA studios.

In February 1988, the range was expanded to include DX and ST spec levels. In January 1990, the DX equipment level was raised to almost ST level, while the ST was equipped with power windows and central locking.

The early Pathfinders had a truly asthmatic 2.4lt four-cylinder motor called the Z24. This provided adequate power at best and really would have been better suited to use as a boat anchor than a powerplant for a 4X4.

That said, it was reliable and grudgingly economical if not pushed. If you are looking at buying a Pathfinder and you have any ideas about load hauling or towing, forget the four-cylinder version.
The next upgrade was in October 1992, when a four-door body was released with 3.0lt V6 power and an automatic transmission option. Variable damping shock absorbers were standard on the Ti.

The 1994 Pathfinder models are distinguished by a new interior including a curved dashboard. The Ti version scored aluminium wheels with optional CD stacker and leather upholstery.

This 3.0lt model had the engine that should have been fitted all along. It was the VG30 that was also fitted to Nissan's big sportscar, the 300Z.

This somewhat boxy-looking version was far cry from the two-door. It was powerful, would haul a trailer or small van and was roomy enough for four, or even five if you had a few kids. Some nifty inclusions like the flip-up window on the tailgate and the handy swing-away spare-wheel carrier added to its appeal.

This Pathfinder was capable off the road as well. With some minor modifications, it could embarrass some of the bigger 4X4s of the day in many conditions -- especially sand and mud.

In November 1995, a new Pathfinder was released: the first monocoque -- unit construction -- large 4X4 wagon out of Japan. Two models were available: the RX and the Ti, which were fitted with the same 3.3lt V6 automatic transmission powertrain.

The Pathfinder has had a tough row to hoe, because it started off with lacklustre performance and came up against the marketing might of Toyota, which was pushing the 4Runner. When it was finally built with the right engine, it then had to compete with a V6 Toyota offering, as well as the Jeep Cherokee.

Then the Pathfinder was stuck with a part-time 4X4 system while others were benefiting from full-time or on-demand systems. Nissan corrected the 4X4 drivetrain situation in February 1999 with the introduction of All-Mode 4WD. This drive system is still in the current Pathfinder and uses a multi-plate wet clutch in the transfer case to distribute torque automatically in the 'auto' setting to as much as 50:50 to front and rear.

At the same time as All-Mode was introduced, Nissan upgraded the Pathfinder by including a CD player.

The next upgrade came in 2002, with a facelift that included roof rails and cross bars on the Ti and cruise control. That package was further enhanced in 2003 by the addition of leather upholstery to the Ti model.

POWER TRANSFORMATIONS
The original Pathfinder's on-road performance was awful, thanks to the carburettored Z24 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 74kW at 4800rpm and 177Nm at 2800rpm. The engine was a good bush slogger, but a slug on the highway. Only the ST came with a limited slip rear differential.

The 3.0lt V6 introduction was timely and transformed the Pathfinder. The engine had better on-road and off-road characteristics than the V6 in the 4Runner, while its handling was also better than the Toyota's.

Compared to the previous Pathfinder, the 1996 model's V6 power of 125kW at 4800rpm was a 12kW improvement, thanks to a displacement increase up from 3.0lt to 3.3lt. Peak torque was 266Nm -- up only 18Nm -- but produced at a very useful 2800rpm compared to a previous 4000rpm.

Matched to a new electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, the modest outputs translated into rapid progress.

PERFORMANCE ON THE GROUND
What makes the Pathfinder such a pleasant vehicle to steer on all road surfaces is its balanced handling and sharp steering. The current-shape Nissan was the first 4X4 wagon to have the benefits of McPherson strut front suspension in conjunction with a coil-sprung live axle at the back.

Unfortunately, like GM-Isuzu did with the Jackaroo and the Frontera, Nissan cut back on powertrain sophistication with the Pathfinder to keep costs down. So a pre-1999 Pathfinder is in limbo on ground that is too firm for 4X4 engagement, but does give marginal grip in 2WD -- such as tight, winding dirt roads or bitumen that has random ice patches. In such conditions, most of its opposition are already in full-time 4X4 or have automatic or manual 4X4 selection. Since the pre-1999 Pathfinder has no central differential or viscous coupling, it can only be put into 4X4 in true off-road conditions, or transmission damage can occur.

In low-range driving situations, Pathfinders are surprisingly agile, with much better front suspension travel than the equivalent Pajero, for example.

Despite their old-fashioned disc/drum braking arrangement, Pathfinders pull up well -- with or without the ABS option -- but are badly affected by water crossings, which douse the rear drums.

Fuel consumption varies from around 13lt/100km for bitumen cruising and up to around 30lt/100km for off-road slogging.

ON THE INSIDE
The Pathfinder's driving ergonomics are very good, with an excellent driver's position and well-placed instruments and controls. The V6 models have a quiet interior, with little mechanical or road noise intrusion.

Of the early models, the ST is the preferred buy, because standard equipment included a tachometer, tilt steering column, a height-adjustable driver's seat and the external spare-wheel carrier.

An infuriating cost-cut saw manual door locking on the 1996 model RX, but without pop-up door buttons. You need long arms to reach inside the front door openings to lift the rocker switches, halfway down the rear doors. This situation was rectified in October 1997 when central locking was incorporated.

Pathfinders have always had funny tailgates, but the old shape is easier to live with than the current model's, which has insufficient travel on the lift-up tailgate, putting the sharp edge of the door right at temple level for the 1.8m brigade.

Current-shape Nissan Pathfinders don't have serious in-service problems, and most have never been off-road, making them ideal used-4X4 buys. A consistent service history is the best guide to vehicle condition.

The current-shape Pathfinder will have lasted nearly 10 years when it is replaced next year by the all-new model that's already on sale in some overseas markets. The 1995–2005 Pathie will go down as one of the better 4X4 wagon efforts.

GREY IMPORTS
There are a number of 'grey import' Pathfinders in dealerships and privately around the country. These have been imported from Japan and are fairly easy to distinguish from the Australian-delivered versions.

Most will have the characteristic Japanese wing mirror on the front of the mudguard, and they won't have the Australian compliance plate with their original date of delivery.

Some of the grey imports are diesels, which actually make very good tourers. The engine is the 2.5lt diesel out of the Navara, so you can actually get spares from your Nissan dealer.

The diesel is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and we have known some of these vehicles to do extensive touring around the country, even towing vans.

They are not very powerful, but they will hold a respectable cruising speed -- even towing a small (very small) van or trailer.

As with all grey imports, be wary of service records and try to get one with as few kilometers on the clock as possible.

MODIFICATIONS
Pathfinders will certainly be helped by a good set of aftermarket dampers. The original ones are pretty weak and don't like a load.

If you're towing, upgraded springs in the rear or a set of airbags will also help. A hunt around the suspension stores should also uncover a set of upgraded torsion bars for the front.

Hot chips are available for the VG30 engine if you want a bit more power, but watch that they don't require the use of premium unleaded fuel.

If you're venturing off-road, go for a more aggressive tyre as the standard-style rubber is pretty hopeless and doesn't let the Pathfinder unleash its true potential.

Overall, the Pathfinder is quite an under-rated vehicle, and as such represents very good value on the second-hand market.