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NISSAN Patrol SWB Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 1988
Engines: Diesel
Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
NISSAN Patrol SWB photo gallery

In 2004, Nissan introduced an important upgrade for the fifth generation of the Patrol, also known as the Y61, and offered the rugged offroader with either three or five doors.

The Patrol was one of the most important vehicles produced by the Japanese brand. Its history went back in time until 1951, and it was based on a former Dodge M37 ¾ truck. Back then, though, it wasn't known as Nissan, even if it had the Nissan name stamped on its grille.

With the fifth generation, the automaker finally understood that selling a tough, rugged offroader wrapped in poorly designed bodywork is hard. That's why it dropped the previously used wedged design and adopted a more organic language in 1997 when it introduced the car, which was kept until the model's replacement. That's why the 2004 model-year with three doors still featured rounded edges and big headlights. At the back, the automaker placed the actual taillights on the bumper, while the upper ones were just for design.

Like most three-door offroaders, the 3-door Patrol was not a king of comfort by any means. While the front passengers enjoyed all the amenities and had plenty of legroom at their disposal, the rear occupants were kinda cramped on that folding bench seat. In addition, the vehicle didn't provide too much trunk space when the bench was up.

Depending on the market, the Patrol featured various engines and transmissions. In Europe, the most common unit was the 3.0-liter turbodiesel mated to a 5-speed transmission fitted as standard. It replaced the previous 2.8-liter unit that was on the Patrol between 1997 and 2003. For the Middle-East versions, a 4.8-liter inline-six unit mated to a 5-speed automatic was available.

full description and technical specifications
diesel engines:

NISSAN Patrol SWB 3.0 Di

NISSAN Patrol SWB photo gallery

Nissan introduced the fifth generation of the Patrol in late 1997 as a 1998 model, and it produced it in a short or long-wheelbase configuration, with two or four side doors.

The Patrol's roots are going back in time until 1951 when the Japanese carmaker built the 4W60 model based on a Willys CJ-3 chassis. Over time, the carmaker learned how to develop the vehicle until it became one of the best 4x4 vehicles in the world.

Nissan designed the Patrol's fifth generation to look like a civilized vehicle. It was still big, but its rough edges and flat panels were gone. The three-door version (four, actually) was shorter and easier to live with in a city. It was shorter than a compact-sized sedan but wider and definitely taller. Its wide door allowed the passengers to climb aboard, while in the back, Nissan installed two unequal-length, side-hinged doors.

Inside, the cabin offered five seats, but it provided little room for the rear passengers despite the vehicle's exterior size. Nissan spoiled the front occupants with large, 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. Nissan used live axles both front and rear, with an adjustable stabilizer bar, which, combined with the coil-springs in all corners, increased the suspension travel. The carmaker offered the Patrol a wide engine range, both gasoline and diesel, depending on the countries and areas. The high and low transfer case was fitted as standard on the entire range.

full description and technical specifications
NISSAN Patrol SWB photo gallery

Nissan introduced the fourth generation of the Patrol nameplate in 1988, and even if it looked somewhat similar to its predecessor, it was a new vehicle.

Like the model it replaced, it was available with either a short or a long wheelbase. While the longer version was most suitable for families with an outdoor appeal, the short one was more of a rugged off-road vehicle. In addition, it was also available with the famous RD28T engine, the same unit to be found in the mighty Skyline GT-R.

Despite the flat front fascia with round headlights and a slatted grille, the 1988 Patrol was not identical to its predecessor. Thanks to the wider front fenders, the car looked more aggressive. In addition, the wheel arches sported cladding to protect the bodywork from mud and stones thrown by the beefy wheels. The short-wheelbase version of the Y60 Patrol was fitted with two doors and a set of windows for the rear passengers. Yet, the trunk was small when compared to its five-door sibling. At the back, it received an outside-mounted spare wheel mounted on a cradle. There were two unequally-length doors to access the trunk.

Inside, the driver faced an angular-shaped instrument cluster with big dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked by four gauges. Between the front seats, the carmaker added the gear stick and the transfer-case lever. The rear passengers couldn't enjoy too much legroom, but it was enough for two passengers on short trips.

The Y60 was a body-on-frame construction with independent front suspension and a solid axle in the rear. Under the hood, Nissan installed either inline-six turbo-diesel powerplants or the famous 2.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine for specific markets.

full description and technical specifications
diesel engines:

NISSAN Patrol SWB 2.8 TD