Nissan Pathfinder (Japan, 1986-present)

The Nissan Pathfinder is a SUV manufactured by Nissan Motors since 1986, which derives from Nissan's compact pickup truck platform. Slotted in size between the Murano and Armada, the Pathfinder directly competes with Toyota's 4Runner.

The first generation of the North American Pathfinder was available with two and four-door bodies. It shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. At that time the Pathfinder was Nissan's counter attack to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco, Jeep Cherokee, and non-American SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Trooper, and the Mitsubishi Montero.

The second generation was launched in 1996 with more rounded styling. It was completely redesigned and switched from body on frame construction to unibody construction.

In 2004, at the North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled the third generation of the Pathfinder, now based on Nissan's F-Alpha platform.

The Pathfind...