This Perfect Nissan Pathfinder Is an Old-School SUV Legend

TL;DR

This 1989 Nissan Pathfinder with only 857 original miles is the most pristine first-gen example in existence.

Key Points

• 1.The Pathfinder debuted in the US for the 1987 model year as a body-on-frame truck — literally a Nissan Pickup with an enclosed rear body instead of a truck bed.
• 2.Only engine offered was a 3.0L V6 producing 155 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque — Nissan correctly skipped the underpowered 4-cylinder rivals like the early 4Runner offered.
• 3.The two-door body style was discontinued after 1990; Nissan was ahead of the curve since Ford's two-door Explorer continued into the 2000s and never sold well.
• 4.The original owner bought it new in Pennsylvania, suffered an injury shortly after, and barely drove it — it previously sold once on Cars and Bids before the current owner acquired it.
• 5.Key "luxury" features of the era included automatic locking front hubs (no getting out in the mud), power mirrors, cruise control, power windows, AC, and a remote tailgate glass release switch.
• 6.Quirky interior details include a clutch interlock defeat switch, four-wheel drive operating instructions printed on the back of the driver's headrest, and an ashtray (not cup holder) for rear passengers.
• 7.Driving it feels unmistakably like a truck — long gear throws, short first gear, significant body roll, vague steering, and a loud engine that delivers modest acceleration.
• 8.Doug scored it 37/100, tied with the era Ford Explorer, but the Pathfinder wins weekend/capability scores while losing daily practicality points due to its truckier, less suburban-friendly nature.