Nissan Hardbody Truck
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nissan Hardbody | |
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| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Production | 1986-1997 |
| Predecessor | Datsun 720 |
| Class | Compact pickup truck (1986-1997) |
| Body style | 2-door and 4 door truck |
| Related | Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Frontier Nissan Titan Nissan Xterra |
| Similar | Mazda Truck Toyota Tacoma |
Nissan Hardbody Trucks were the successor to the Datsun 720 line of small trucks. The Hardbody was produced for the U.S. Market from 1986 until 1997, and were direct competition to the Toyota mini pickup. The old to new Nissan body style changed in mid-year 1986, so the new 'D21' 1986 Hardbody trucks are referred to as 1986.5; they can be distinguished from the early 720 body by their two large headlights rather than four smaller. The D21 Hardbody was a close relative of the pathfinder.
The Hardbody cab styles were 'Standard' and 'King' (also known as 'Extended'). Bed lengths were 'standard' 6-foot and 'long' seven foot. Both 4 and 6 cylinder engines were available, with the 2.4L 4 cylinder KA24E being a respectable-performance SOHC engine that replaced the Z24 for 1990-1997. The 6 cylinder 3.0L VG30E engine increased horsepower and torque only modestly, and was not available on all the Hardbody variations. Five-speed, including overdrive, manual transmissions were the most common, but an automatic transmission was available for some configurations. Both rear wheel drive (4x2) and four wheel drive (4x4) versions were made in quantity. Major options included air conditioning, larger wheels/tires, sliding rear window, radios, and rear bumper.
These low-cost, dependable Hardbody small pickup trucks sold very well worldwide, and are still often seen both on-road and off-road.
The truck is still in production in Mexico.
[edit] External links
- Nissan Offroad - Nissan 4x4 discussion groups
- AC Parts - Nissan Aftermarket parts supplier and discussion board.
- NOAS - The Nissan Offroad Association of the Southeast - the #1 Nissan 4x4 Club in the US.
- NissanCustoms.com - The Nissan Minitruck online forum
- RONIN Wheelers - The premiere Colorado Nissan 4x4 group.
