The Tokyo Motor Show is going on this week, and we're bringing you all of the best concepts and new cars from what might be the strangest of all of the major auto shows. So for our Find of the Week this week, it seemed fitting to find a vehicle that represents that unique Japanese home-market styling and size constraints. Something truly odd on our roads.
Well, we've found just the ticket. It's a 2002 Nissan Elgrand X four-wheel drive. A seven-seat van that's as long as a Toyota Highlander, but only as wide as a Chevrolet Cruze.
While we don't normally cite Wikipedia, the description of the Elgrand there is as bold as the Elgrand's grille. "The Nissan Elgrand is the greatest full-size luxury MPV." No pulling punches there.
The Elgrand we've found this week is a second generation car. The first-gen van was built from 1997 until 2002, and it was a premium people carrier. In a land of tiny kei cars, this had big 3.3L and 3.5L V6 engines. There was a Caravan Elgrand for cargo, and a Homy Elgrand for people.
The second-generation Elgrand is known as the E51. It was designed specifically for the Japanese market, although it has gained popularity in other right-hand drive markets around the world. The E51 changed to a curvier, more stylish exterior. The suspension was revised, and disc brakes replaced rear drums.
The Elgrand had some extremely impressive technology for 2002. There was an internet-enabled navigation system called Carwings. It didn't use satellites, but wheel speed sensors and steering information. It also had a backup camera and assisted braking.
The Elgrand came in four trim levels, with this X-trim van being second from the top. Over the years, special models got some great names, like Rider, VIP, and Highway Star. We'll take the simplicity, because, after all, X gon' give it to ya.
And take a look inside the cabin. The boxy interior leaves lots of room for passengers, but just look at those seats. The look so much more inviting and comfortable than the minivan seats we're used to seeing. And see that? In the windows? Those are curtains! Cover up the windows and take a nap. Or just enjoy the dark ride as a passenger.
The Elgrand used a 3.5L V6, the same V6 that was in just about every Nissan at the time. Here, it develops 240 hp. More than enough to move this van around. It also had a rare for 2002 five-speed automatic, and this vehicle has all-wheel drive.
The combination of massive grille, narrow track, and tall body makes this look like nothing else on the road. The Elgrand X we found is for sale in Burnaby, BC, and has under 100,000 km on the odometer. The pictures of the underside look cleaner than my last test car.
If you want something that stands out, seats seven, and will turn heads wherever you go, check out this 2002 Nissan Elgrand MPV. Our autoTRADER.ca Find of the Week this week.
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