2002 NISSAN PATHFINDER

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The Premium Equipment 2002 Nissan Pathfinder Powers To The Top of the V6 Sport Utility Vehicle Class

The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder premium sport utility vehicle stands strong in the Nissan lineup with a 250-horsepower engine based on the same technology as Nissan Maxima's award-winning V6, numerous interior and exterior enhancements to the standard SE model, available All-Mode 4WD' System (LE), restyled interior with new steering wheel and revised audio system with a faster functioning in-dash 6-disc CD changer and available Radio Data System (RDS).

'With a 250-horsepower V6 Engine, Pathfinder delivers exceptional performance,' said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. 'And with available features such as All-Mode 4WD, the Nissan Mobile Entertainment System with DVD or video cassette player and our innovative Nissan Navigation System with Birdview' display, Pathfinder is the vehicle of choice in the ultra-competitive SUV market.'

With additional refinements to its exterior and premium equipment packaging, the 2002 model completes the transformation of this second-generation Pathfinder - originally introduced in 1996 with an entirely new body, interior and innovative MonoFrame' chasis design and enhanced as 1999.5 and 2001 models.

A Refined And Aggressive Exterior Design

The 2002 Pathfinder continues the bold, aggressive appearance introduced midway through the 1999 model year, achieved through use of a high hood with a 'milled off' top/front edge appearance, multi-parabola headlights and fog lights, new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (LE) and new 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a unique design (SE). For 2002, the muscular front fascia is enhanced by a new grille and a restyled, larger Nissan badge.

SE features new titanium-accented step rails and roof rack with integrated air dam, new body-color bumpers and fender flares. The rearview features a smooth tailgate, bumper and rear combination lights. A tailgate finisher puts the final touch on the rear end and completes the refined look of Pathfinder.

An Advanced And Featured Interior Design

The 2002 Pathfinder continues to provide the highest level of premium equipment. Among the refinements for the new model year are new steering wheel with restyled chrome Nissan badge, redesigned cloth-appointed interior for SE model, revised audio system with new faceplate, faster functioning in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Luxury features include a Bose audio system with AM/FM/cassette 6-disc in-dash CD changer, a new Radio Data System (RDS) and steering wheel audio controls (std. LE, avail. SE). An available Nissan Mobile Entertainment System is offered on Pathfinders equipped with the Bose audio system. It features a flip-down 6.4-inch ceiling-mounted LCD monitor and DVD or video cassette player, which plays through wireless headphones or the vehicle's audio system.

Pathfinder is equipped with a titanium-colored (SE) or white (LE) meter cluster that offers outstanding gauge readability day or night, and an available 5.8-inch LCD screen dashboard-mounted navigation system with Nissan's unique industry-exclusive three-dimensional Birdview map display (LE). Birdview offers an easy-to-read rolling display of roads, buildings and other points of interest.

Standard features include low-cut pile carpeting, 8-way adjustable driver/4-way adjustable front passenger seats with a fatigue-reducing design consisting of higher density foam on the sides to prevent sliding in the seats, a low density foam center for comfort on long and short drives and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat. For convenience, the front passenger's seat back features a pocket perfect for map and magazine storage, on either side of the occupants are large door pockets and between the seats is a dual level center console with padded armrest and built-in 12-volt power source.

All Pathfinders come standard with an under-dash flip-down coin tray, overhead sunglass storage, one-touch power sliding glass sunroof (LE only), cargo area under-floor mini-storage bin and cargo area concealed storage bin. A coin holder is now standard on 4x2 SE and LE models.

A Powerful Engine and Driveline Matched to a Rugged Suspension

The 2002 Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter VQ35DE DOHC 24-valve V6. Rated at 250 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque with the 5-speed manual transmission and 240 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque for 4-speed automatic transmission-equipped models, Pathfinder has more horsepower than some V8s available on competitors compact sport utility vehicles.

The engine is based on the Nissan VQ engine series used in the 2001 Maxima an engine named as one of Ward's Auto World's '10 Best Engines' for seven consecutive years. But rather than just enlarge the 2001 Maxima engine (a 3.0-liter design), the creators of Pathfinder's V6 designed it specifically for SUV applications with an emphasis on low to mid-speed torque needed for off-roading and recreational equipment hauling.

Among the many advanced systems utilized in Pathfinder's engine are NVTCS (Nissan Valve Timing Control System), NVIS (Nissan Variable Induction System), a lightweight piston design and an aluminum-alloy block. In addition, double platinum-tipped spark plugs provide 100,000-mile service intervals. A resin engine cover provides a clean engine compartment appearance.

Liquid-filled front and double-cushion rear engine mounts help isolate engine vibrations from the cabin. All noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have been reduced and the carefully tuned exhaust system provides an exciting Maxima-like engine note. 'The 2002 Pathfinder is deceptively fast and has a true performance engine note a benefit of one of the most powerful V6 engines in class,' said Kirrane. 'There's a true sense of luxury and refinement in every system and component.' Pathfinder is available with a 5-speed manual (SE 4x4) or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive (standard LE, SE 4x2, optional SE 4x4). The automatic features Nissan's NEW DUETTE (New Development Unity Engine Transmission Total Engineering) control system for seamless shifting.

Four-wheel drive Pathfinders feature a shift-on-the-fly transfer case, which can be engaged at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. 4x4 LE Pathfinders come standard with the advanced push-button All-Mode 4WD system. The All-Mode system utilizes a wet multi-plate clutch design managed by a computerized electronic control unit, which allows up to 50 percent of available torque (infinitely adjustable) to reach the front wheels on demand.

The 2002 Pathfinder continues to utilize a proven 5-link rear suspension design with coil springs and stabilizer bar with an optimized shock absorber layout for ride and handling control. The front suspension features independent struts with coil springs.

Pathfinder's unique MonoFrame construction provides a smooth, comfortable on-road ride while offering outstanding off-road capabilities. The MonoFrame design combines the body, floor and frame into a single, rigid structure (as opposed to separate pieces bolted together), reducing stress throughout the body and minimizing squeaks and rattles. Special side members distribute stress evenly throughout the body at the A-, B- and C-pillars, assisting noise reduction and contributing to Pathfinder's solidity. The result is a car-like ride with truck-like toughness.

All 2002 Pathfinders feature power-assisted brakes and standard 4-wheel/4-sensor/3-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), with Nissan's unique G-sensor system which 'reads' the driving surface and adjusts braking control accordingly. Standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering ensures maximum maneuverability and a tight turning radius.

Safety

Standard Pathfinder safety equipment includes dual front supplemental air bags, front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams, front and rear crumple zones, an energy-absorbing steering column, a clutch/ignition interlock feature (manual transmission), child safety rear door locks and child seat anchors with three tether points. Available as part of the optional Leather Package on LE and SE models are front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, which deploy from the side of the front seats.

Standard on all 2002 Pathfinders is a Vehicle Security System with Immobilzer and remote keyless entry.

Model Availability

The 2002 Pathfinder is offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations and in two models the sporty, rugged SE and luxurious LE. A 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is standard on LE and SE 4X2, while the SE 4X4 is offered with a choice of automatic or 5-speed manual transmissions.

Several option packages are offered in 2002, allowing buyers to further tune their vehicles toward luxury or sportiness. Packages include the SE Popular Package, SE Sunroof Package (sunroof std. on LE), Patrol Edition Pathfinder with Nissan Navigation System (LE) and Leather Package for SE and LE models. A limited-slip rear differential is optional on 4x4 A/T SE and LE models (standard on SE 4x4 5-speed). Optional on all Pathfinders is the Nissan Mobile Entertainment System with video cassette player or DVD player.

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