Nissan Xterra

2001 Nissan Xterra SE

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Shopping for a 2012 Nissan Xterra? MSRP: $24,890 - $31,220

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The Xterra has kept the same basic styling theme and details since its original introduction for 2000, but it's had two distinct iterations—both based on the Nissan Frontier pickup. The first-generation Xterra looked tall and muscular, with a prominent roof rack and side step tubes, high-mounted rear door handles, and dark plastic grille and lower air dam, but it was a little more smoothly styled than the current version. The Original Xterra was offered with a base 143-hp, 2.4-liter four or available 170-hp, 3.3-liter V-6. Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions were offered. With this generation, the base four didn't have enough power for highway driving, and the optional V-6 could barely do better. Nissan introduced a supercharged version of the V-6 for 2002, but even that version, while stronger from a standing start or around town, felt a little winded on the highway. All of these first-generation Xterras have a very simple interior layout, which some will call cheap and plasticky, along with rather flat, unsupportive seats, but the emphasis is clearly on utility over comfort. Tie-down hooks were included on the ceiling, along with interior mountain-bike mounts, and a first-aid kit was included in back, while numerous accessories were offered for whatever the activity.

With a complete redesign, for 2005, Nissan presented an Xterra that looked much like the former version but was a little larger and more filled out, with flared fenders and a chunkier front-end appearance. Instead of the added-on rooftop airdam, the 2005 model added a unique two-step roof design, with the backseat positioned a bit higher. All concerns about power were addressed with the introduction of a 265-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6, which moves this truck well with the six-speed automatic or five-speed manual, and off-road ability was improved with even hardier underpinnings from the Frontier and Titan pickups.

The current Xterra isn't an ideal choice for those who plan to drive mostly on the road, as the solid axle and leaf springs in back aren't always the best for ride comfort, but overall the Xterra handles surprisingly well. Electronic aids including Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist work in concert with a serious truck-style part-time four-wheel-drive system (with high and low ranger) and help maintain poise in precarious situations. And altogether the Xterra does well with towing—the V-6 having plenty of torque to haul a small boat, for instance.

The Xterra received a slight refresh for 2008, only including new wheels, seat materials, and other appearance details, and side airbags were added. Electronic stability control has been offered since the 2005 redesign. Although Xterra equipment remained quite basic, top SE models include standard Bluetooth and upgraded Rockford-Fosgate sound.

2010 Nissan Xterra

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