NISSAN Patrol LWB 1998-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

Nissan replaced the fourth generation of the Patrol in 1997 as a 1998 model year and built it with a short or a long wheelbase.

The Patrol began its march on the off-road market in 1951 as the 4W60. It had an uninspired name, but it was based on the Willys CJ-3 Chassis. But that was just the beginning. The Japanese carmaker learned from that vehicle and, most importantly, learned how to design them and transformed the Patrol range into one of the most capable 4x4 vehicles globally.

Despite its size, the long-wheelbase Patrol tried to look civilized. The carmaker designed it with shaved edges and rounded body panels. Despite its new shape, it couldn't be subtle in the five-door version (actually six). It was still tall and long, hard to drive in town. Its four side doors made the ingress and egress easier for up to seven passengers. It featured two side-hinged, unequal-length doors, and the longer one sported the spare wheel.

The cabin offered room for five occupants, with an option for seven with two folding seats in the trunk area. At the front, Nissan spoiled the occupants with wide, comfortable seats divided by a tall center console where the carmaker added a storage compartment and a large ashtray. On the center stack, the carmaker installed a standard AC unit and a stereo-cassette player.

The most important part of the Patrol's success was under the body. Its curved, sturdy chassis provided an excellent platform for serious off-roading. In addition, Nissan used live axles both front and rear with coil springs and adjustable stabilizer bars, which increased the suspension travel.