Nissan Prairie Third Generation 1998- 2004
| Nissan Prairie | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Nissan Liberty |
| Production | 1998–2004 |
| Assembly | Nissan Shatai Shonan, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact MPV |
| Body style | 5-door minivan |
| Layout | Front engine/front wheel drive, AWD |
| Related | Nissan Avenir |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L SR20DE I4 2.0 L SR20DET I4 turbo 2.0 L QR20DE I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic CVT |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm (106 in) |
| Length | 4,575 mm (180.1 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,690 mm (67 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,630 kg (3,590 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Nissan Lafesta |
The Nissan Liberty is the new name for the Nissan Prairie minivan in Japan from November 1998.
It has rear sliding doors and is available with either front wheel drive or all wheel drive. It is equipped with either the SR20DE or the SR20DET engine, both of which are mated to either a 4-speed automatic or a CVT transmission.
Nissan Liberty (Japan-spec)
The third generation Prairie now shared a platform with the compact station wagon Nissan Avenir with the Prairie/Liberty focused more on flexible seating and cargo carrying duties.
Some of the issues buyers had with the Prairie was its appearance and performance, so the styling was given more attention, and Nissan's Autech division punched up its performance image, by offering the Liberty Rider that replaced the Axis trim package. The turbocharged engine was offered in the "Highway Star 4WD" package October 12, 1999, as well as the "Highway Star GT4", also enhanced by Autech. Front wheel drive vehicles were only available with the CVT transmission. Styling and luxury items offered on the larger Nissan Elgrand were also offered on the Liberty.
The Liberty saw competition from Toyota and Honda during this generation from the Toyota Ipsum, Mitsubishi Chariot, and the Honda Stream, and was joined with the new, larger Nissan Presage at Nissan Bluebird Store locations.
From June 19, 2001 Nissan offered a rear door that swung up electrically, with a platform that extended out for passengers that used a wheelchair, and by remote control. The sliding doors were offered with an electrically opening feature on both sides from May 7, 2001. A facelift appeared in September 2002 and various appearance packages were offered to update the appearance until the vehicle was cancelled in December 2004, and replaced by the all new Nissan Lafesta.