The Nissan Patrol is a series of full-size SUVs first produced in 1951.
Nissan Patrol Design and Introduction
The first generation Nissan Patrol was introduced in 1951 as the 4W60 mid-size off road vehicle. It was only sold in Japan and had a Nissan badge on the grille. The design shared many characteristics with the US military's Willys MB and Ford GPW from the 1940s. It had a soft top design with a boxy structure and a truck-like frontend. The Patrol featured a 3/7L Nissan NAK inline-6 engine with 75 PS. It was paired to a four-speed manual transmission and featured part-time four-wheel drive. An upgraded 3.7L NB inline-6 with 92 PS was introduced in 1955, then later replaced by the 4.0L NC inline-6 with 105 PS. In 1958, the 4W65 was available with a new grills and redesigned front end, plus an eight-passenger hardtop wagon WG4W65 was added to the lineup. Related variants included the Dodge M37 based 4W70 series, built on the Dodge platform with a Nissan engine, and the Patrol 4W66 with a 4.0L P inline-6 engine.
Second and Third Generation Updates
The second generation Nissan Patrol (60) hit the market in 1960, now available in three variants including the 86.6-inch (2,200 mm) short wheelbase, a 98.4-inch (2,500 mm) long wheelbase, and a 110.2-inch (2,800 mm) extra-long wheelbase version. It featured a 4.0L P inline-6 engine and a three or four-speed transmission. This generation was first available in Australia, then made it to North America in 1962, being the first Nissan-badged vehicle offered in the US, sold through existing Datsun dealerships.
In 1980, the third generation Nissan Patrol was introduced. It was now offered and assembled in many markets around the world, with assembly facilities eventually located in Japan, Iran, South Africa, the Philippines, and Spain. A special 260 series was released in Europe in 1986 with unique rectangular headlights. The engine selection began to grow, now available with a smaller 2.4L inline-4 engine, and two inline-6 options with 2.8L or 4.0L displacement. Three diesel engines were also available, including a 2.7L inline-4 and an inline-6 3.2L available in naturally-aspirated and turbocharged variants.
Fourth and Fifth Generation Changes
In 1987, the Nissan Patrol was dramatically redesigned, ushering in the fourth generation. It now used coil-spring suspension which made it more comfortable for passengers and gave increased off-road performance and handling. Engine choices included 3.0L and 4.2L inline-6 gasoline options and 2.8L and 4.2L diesel versions.
The fifth generation Nissan Patrol (Y61), also known as the Nissan Safari, was introduced in 1997. This model was once again heavily redesigned, bringing in a more modern SUV look with slightly more rounded shapes and a refined appearance. It is still produced in select markets, including Morocco and South Africa. The engine sizes jumped up dramatically, now with a 4.2L inline-6 being the smallest gasoline option, plus 4.5L and 4.8L gasoline engines available. The 4.8L TB48DE has a reputation as being excellent for modification, handling upwards of 2,000 horsepower in certain applications. Diesel engines ranged from a 2.8L up to a 4.2L inline-6. Four or five-speed automatic and five or six-speed manual transmissions were used throughout these vehicles.
The Modern Nissan Patrol
In 2010, the Nissan Patrol (Y62) received another design update. It would eventually be known as the Nissan Armada in markets including the United States as of 2016. It replaced the Armada built on the Titan platform. Powerful 4.0L V6 and 5.6L V8 options are available, offering up to 400 horsepower and 410 lb ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic was available initially, but now most come with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This generation added significant technological upgrades, including variable 4x4 model, hydraulic body motion control, electronic-locking rear differential, and driver assistance features like lane departure warnings and stability control systems.