1996-2000 Nissan Pathfinder: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Fully redesigned for 1996, Nissan's sport-utility vehicle went on sale after the model year began. This was the first major reworking of the Pathfinder since its debut a decade earlier. A new, longer-wheelbase unibody chassis replaced the old body-on-frame design. In addition to dual airbags and standard 4-wheel antilock brakes, the new Pathfinder got a bigger V6 engine. Overall length increased by 6.7 inches, wheelbase stretched 2 inches, and width grew by 2.2 inches. Despite the increased dimensions, weight actually dropped by about 200 pounds. The spare tire moved under the cargo area, but an outside-mounted tire carrier was optional. The 4-door wagon had a rear liftgate and a separate top-hinged glass back window. Three models were available: base XE, sport-oriented SE, and luxury LE. All three used a 3.3-liter V6 producing 168 horsepower. Peak torque increased from 180 to 196 pound-feet. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on XE and SE Pathfinders. Four-speed automatic was standard on the LE, optional on others. The SE had standard part-time 4-wheel drive (not for use on dry pavement), with shift-on-the-fly capability via a console-mounted lever at speeds up to 50 mph. XE and LE models had rear-drive standard, with 4WD an option.