1990 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Specifications

Reliability Makes For Good Used SUV

With the current generation Nissan Pathfinder performing its final model year swan song before being replaced by something altogether new, it seemed fitting to pay tribute to the one that started it all off.

No doubt the Japanese automaker will dub the new improved version Pathfinder as well, but there will be little else to tie it to the outgoing model when it comes to interior and exterior design.

The first Pathfinder took North America like a whirlwind when it entered the scene in 1986, despite hardly being first in the SUV race. Competitive models such as the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner had been on sale for years before Nissan entered the picture, while such stalwarts as the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer could trace their roots back decades.

I experienced the Pathfinder initially the year it debuted. Its aggressive 2-door styling that immediately won over fans had me doing cartwheels as well. It was like nothing that Id ever seen previously, highlighted by triangular rear quarter windows, chiseled hardbody fender swells, transformer-style wheels, and a radically blunt nose. I thought it looked best with the optional dealer installed front brush guard, complete with rectangular fog lamps.

As popular as the Pathfinder was it soon became apparent to Nissan that two additional doors were needed to make it more functional, a move made in 1990 that would prove so popular the 2-door model would be phased out a year later in 1991. While the cool rear triangular side windows were dropped to make way for the rear doors, Nissan once again broke from tradition by mounting the rear door handles sideways on the C-pillars at window height.

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 171.9 inch length, 66.5 inch width and 66.1 inch height, as well as the 104.3 inch length of its wheelbase, with the only differentiating spec being curb weight, at 40 pounds 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.

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 35.5 foot turning circle is quite good for this category, making parking fairly easy. Its standard 215/75R15 tires were hardly grippy either, made only slightly better by stepping up to the optional 235/75R15 rubber.

The Pathfinder came in rear and 4-wheel drive, which made its starting price point lower than those SUVs that only offered 4WD. While the latter drive configuration was 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.

Its station wagon practicality, however, was wonderfully convenient. A single-piece liftgate opened up to a commodious cargo area of 31.4 cu ft, even bigger at 80.0 cu ft if the split rear seatbacks were dropped forward. When the rear seats were upright sufficient shoulder and hip room was available for three adult passengers, plus at 33.1 inch there was more than enough legroom. Driver and front passenger had ample room too, plus the majority of convenience and comfort items available on luxury cars of the day if fully optioned out.

With the competition heating up Nissan couldnt stand still, despite the Pathfinders popularity. Therefore 1993 saw a few updates, including new fenders and redesigned front and rear fascias.

Not as obvious, the inner door beams were strengthened to improve side-impact crash protection. The following year Nissan made what is probably the cars biggest improvement over its six year run, a substantially revised dash and instrument cluster. Gone was the sharp edged styling that was once extremely fashionable, replaced by a softer looking design.

Looking back, 1990 to 1995 (1993 through 1995 especially) Pathfinders still look quite good next to more modern SUVs. Considering the vehicles much better than average reliability compared to competitors of the era, Nissans SUV is a worthy pre-owned sport utility.