NISSAN / ELGRAND / E51 / 2002 LAUNCH

Nissan Elgrand E51

An earlier premium Elgrand with a different engine, transmission and cabin brief from the later E52. Start with the generation and the actual seats.

Manufacturer-based generation guide · no stock implied

Start with
the right car.

Nissan announced the second-generation Elgrand in Japan on 20 May 2002; its heritage archive identifies the family as E51. The original launch table centres on the 3.5-litre VQ35DE V6 and a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode, with two- and four-wheel-drive versions. It also shows seven-seat XL and eight-seat X and other grades. Later E51 cars may differ, so the 2002 table is a dated starting point, not a specification for every E51.

View the manufacturer release ↗

01

Compare E51 against E52

The later E52 arrived in 2010 with a 2.5-litre or 3.5-litre choice and Xtronic CVT-M6. The E51 launch was a V6/five-speed-automatic proposition. Match the exact car to the correct generation before comparing running costs or service advice.

02

Walk through the real cabin

Nissan highlighted its movable second-row multifunction centre seat, allowing a walk-through even in an eight-seat arrangement. Check the fitted seat, rails, belts and third-row access on the vehicle rather than assuming every trim operates identically.

03

Read the doors and trim carefully

The 2002 grade table lists both four-door and five-door bodies and different grades, including Highway Star. Ask for clear photographs of both sides, each opening door and the actual equipment; a styling badge alone is not a complete specification.

Know what
the source says.

These facts describe a dated Japanese release. A later update, a different grade or an individual imported car can differ.

GenerationSecond-generation Elgrand · E51
Japanese announcement20 May 2002
2002 launch engine3.5L VQ35DE V6
2002 launch gearbox5M-ATx five-speed automatic
Drive in launch tableTwo- or four-wheel drive
Seating in launch tableSeven or eight by grade

Check the build date, Japanese grade, chassis/type code and fitted equipment. No engine, seating, drive or feature should be copied into a vehicle advert without matching evidence.

Turn research
into proof.

Use the guide to ask precise questions about a real car. Review its records and inspect the actual vehicle before a buying decision.

  1. Confirm E51 identity, grade, year and engine from the Nissan plate and Japanese documents.
  2. Check cabin hardware, sliding doors, seat mechanisms and body repairs on both sides.
  3. Ask for service evidence appropriate to the exact engine and gearbox; arrange a vehicle-specific condition inspection.
  4. Confirm UK import/registration status and obtain an insurance quote for that individual car.

State whether the earlier V6/automatic character, seven seats or an eight-seat walk-through is the priority. Ask for the actual door configuration and records before considering an E51.

Discuss this brief with Japan Motor Hub ↗JDM4U does not transmit this page or your saved Garage automatically. This is an editorial reference, not a vehicle offer.

For the vehicle you choose, follow GOV.UK guidance on importing vehicles ↗ and verify customs, tax, approval or exemption, registration and insurance requirements. A Japanese launch does not establish UK eligibility or total landed cost.

Original sources.
Clear scope.

Manufacturer announcements establish launch facts; they are not inspection reports or stock records.

Sources reviewed 4 October 2026. The hero is abstract typography, not a photograph of a vehicle. No individual vehicle, price, condition, current stock or publication rights to vehicle imagery is implied.

JDM4U editorial graphic for Nissan Elgrand E51; no vehicle is pictured
Editorial guide graphic. No individual vehicle is pictured.