The Pontiac Pathfinder was an entry-level full sized car[1] or station wagon[2] that was based on the Chevrolet marque, another General Motors brand.

The Chevrolet chassis, engine, and body panels were used, but most of the distinctive Pontiac styling parts for each model year were incorporated.

This resulted in shorter front and rear fenders than on U.S. built Pontiacs and Canadian specific wheels and hubcaps.

The Pontiac Pathfinders (as well as some other Canadian models) usually had Chevrolet engines and drive trains, so that one can find Canadian Pontiacs with OHV sixes or 283 V8 engines built by Chevrolet.

Although Canada-specific models of U.S. makes were gradually phased out after Canada's "Auto Pact" treaty with the U.S. made them no longer necessary, Pontiacs manufactured and sold in Canada maintained their unique model names for many years even after the "Auto Pact" treaty took effect.