1998 Nissan Pathfinder Press Kit

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With its smooth ride, responsive handling and go-anywhere off-road capability, the 1998 Nissan Pathfinder continues its leadership position in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) category. Combining advanced technology with rugged hardware, the Nissan Pathfinder delivers the highest level of performance and comfort options to meet the diverse needs of today's SUV consumers.

The Pathfinder is available in several model configurations, including the 4x2 XE and LE models, and three 4x4 trim levels - XE, SE and LE. Refinements in 1998 for the various models include: chrome bumpers (XE), standard CFC-free air conditioning (XE manual and SE semi-automatic), exterior upgrades to the XE Sport Package (2WD), an LCD odometer and one new exterior color.

Engine/Suspension/Body Structure
All 1998 Pathfinder models come equipped with a powerful V6 engine that is refined, yet fully capable of handling in-town driving or off-road terrain.

With a 3.3-liter sinGLE-overhead-cam (SOHC) V6 engine, the Pathfinder delivers 168 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 196 ft-lbs of torque at 2,800 rpm. The Pathfinder's extremely flat torque curve - more than 90 percent of the engine torque is available in the 1,500 - 1,800 rpm range - offers increased responsiveness, off-road control and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. (with automatic transmission).

The Pathfinder's advanced SOFIS (Sophisticated Optimized Fuel Injection System) system optimizes the engine's air/fuel mixture under all driving and atmospheric conditions by sensing and correcting fuel flow delays inside the intake ports. As a result, Pathfinder offers competitive fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 20/17 mpg Highway/City when fitted with the 4x2 5-speed manual transmission.

The 3.3-liter engine is available with a 5-speed manual or electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Four-wheel drive Pathfinders feature a shift-on-the-fly transfer case, which can be engaged at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Every Pathfinder comes with a standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system for ease of maneuverability and a tight turning radius.

The Nissan Pathfinder utilizes a 5-link rear suspension design with coil springs and shocks that are placed outboard to enhance stability and increase control of body roll. Stabilizer bars are placed in the front and rear, further enhancing vehicle stability, resulting in more predictable overall handling.

Pathfinder's MonoFrameä construction - with greater torsional and bending rigidity than traditional body-on-frame construction - is the basis of Pathfinder's solid platform, contributing to its low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and strong performance on and off road.

Also standard equipment on all 1998 Pathfinder models is a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS). When traveling over loose surfaces (such as gravel or sand), the Nissan Pathfinder's unique G-sensor "reads" the off-road surface and adjusts braking control accordingly, overcoming the "skimming" effect apparent in most other vehicles.

Safety Features The Pathfinder comes equipped with an extensive list of standard safety features including: dual air bags; adjustable front shoulder belt anchors; front and rear body structure crumple zones; hood buckling creases with safety stops (to help avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment); special "outrigger" box-section bodyside reinforcements, energy-absorbing steering column, 3-point ALR/ELR seat belt system for rear outboard and front passenger seat positions, and child safety rear door locks.

Additionally, a remote keyless entry and vehicle security system is available.

Standard Features/Optional Features and Packages
Pathfinder XE is available in 4x2 and 4x4 models and features chrome bumpers, CFC-free air conditioning (now standard), 6-spoke full-face chrome steel wheels and front and rear tow hooks.

Available options and equipment packages offered with Pathfinder XE include an outside spare tire carrier, and a Convenience Package that includes: power remote-controlled windows, door locks, heated outside mirrors, remote keyless entry system, rear cargo cover (envelope style) roof rack and more. The Sport Package, available on both the 2WD and 4WD models, includes: a rear wind deflector, halogen fog lights, roof rack cross bar, and additional items specific to each model.

The tough Pathfinder SE, available in 4x4 only, offers drivers a higher level of off-road driving capability, with a rugged image to match. Some of the notable aesthetic features on the SE model include: mud and snow radial tires mounted on 6-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, chrome trim, black fender flares, tubular steel step rail, roof rack, and Moquette fabric seat material.

Adding to driver comfort and convenience, the SE model also offers as standard equipment: semi-automatic air conditioning, cruise control, power remote-controlled windows, door locks and heated outside mirrors, remote keyless entry, vehicle security system, and driver's seat lumbar support with height adjustments.

For customers looking for additional amenities to enhance the mid-level SE, four optional packages are available: Sunroof with Bose"Audio system (also includes dual visors), an Off-Road Package with limited-slip rear differential and black grille guard and upper bumpers, and an Outside Spare Tire Carrier, and a Leather Package with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats (4X4), and LED compass/outside temperature gauge.

The top-of-the-line Pathfinder LE offers a sophisticated combination of luxurious features in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. The LE model comes standard with: electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip rear differential (4x4 only), running boards, fog lights, luxury aluminum-alloy wheels, roof rack, simulated wood-grain interior trim, CFC-free air conditioning and automatic temperature control system, leather seating surfaces, cruise control, power windows, door locks, outside mirrors, remote keyless entry and vehicle security system, and retractable cargo area cover with tie-downs.

The only available option on the LE model is a Luxury Package, featuring power sliding glass sunroof with tilt feature and power front seats (8-way driver's side, 4-way passenger's side).

Design/Interior Styling
Due to the combination of the extended wheelbase and unibody construction, the Pathfinder enjoys a spacious interior. Completing the interior package is a user-friendly instrument panel and comfortable seating for all passengers.

The instrument panel is arranged according to frequency of use. The most commonly referred to information displays are centrally located in the driver's field of vision and switches are varied in size and shape to minimize control confusion.
The Pathfinder's front bucket seats utilize a fatigue-reducing foam construction, consisting of higher density on the sides for body control and lower density in the center for added comfort on long drives.

The 60/40 split fold-down rear seat folds flat, increasing cargo flexibility and maximizing storage areas. The Pathfinder comes equipped with passenger seat back pockets, large front and rear door pockets, a concealed side storage bin, and a mini-storage compartment under the floor of the rear cargo area. The spare tire is mounted under the body for streamlined aerodynamics and increased cargo utility.

The 1998 Pathfinder introduces one new exterior color, Sierra Silver, in addition to previously available colors of Cayenne Red, Neptune Blue, Mahogany Pearl, Sahara Beige, Rain Forest Green Pearl, Super Black and Cloud White. Interior colors include Gray and Beige in either cloth or leather.