1990 Nissan Primera Traveller 2.0L D 5MT FWD (75 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Nissan introduced the first generation of the Primera in 1990 as a replacement for the aging Bluebird, offering it in three shapes: sedan, hatchback, and station wagon, the latter being named Traveller.

Since the Bluebird had a solid reputation as a dependable vehicle, customers received its successor with great enthusiasm. Unlike its predecessor, the first generation of the Primera was designed with the European customer in mind. With the Traveller, Nissan hit a soft spot for families looking for a vehicle large enough to carry them around with all the necessary luggage. Even though it was not a heartbreaker in terms of styling, its vast loading area made it a practical vehicle for families and small entrepreneurs who needed a car capable enough to carry their tools and materials but small enough to fit in tight parking lots.

At the beginning of the ‘90s, the design language started to shift from the wedged shapes of the early ‘80s to the bio-design era. As a result, the Primera’s front fascia featured a mix of both. Its rectangular, horizontal headlights featured shaved corners instead of sharp ones. Between them, the automaker installed a narrow grille that sported a wing design theme. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker added a second air intake that helped cool the engine. It was available with or without squared fog lights flanking it depending on the trim level and options.

The Primera Traveller was slightly taller than its brothers. Up to the B-pillars, it was similar to those, but the rear doors were different, featuring shorter windows and a less raked-forward cut. A set of roof rails was on the options list, depending on the grade. Behind them, the automaker installed a third set of wide windows that flanked the luggage compartment. At the same time, an almost vertical tailgate ended the car. The Primera P10 Traveller featured corner-mounted slim and tall taillights.

Inside, Nissan installed higher quality materials than those available for the Bluebird. The velour upholstery covered most areas, including the door cards, the transmission tunnel, and the seats. Fronting the driver was a new dashboard covered with soft plastics. The instrument cluster was extended above the center stack, which housed an off-the-shelf stereo and the HVAC control panel. Inside the instrument panel, customers could find large dials for the speedometer and tachometer and two gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. In the back, the folding bench could expand the storage area from a regular 460 liters (16.2 cu-ft.) to an impressive 1,700 liters (60 cu-ft.).

Under the hood, the automaker installed a range of gasoline and diesel engines with four cylinders. All of them were paired with five-speed manual transmissions, while a four-speed automatic was available for selected powerplants.