By ANN M. JOB, Associated Press
Published July 15, 2005
Buyers of Nissan's Xterra make no excuses for driving a sport utility vehicle. They revel in their vehicle's rugged looks and capability.
For 2005, they have even more genuine SUV character to enjoy.
The second-generation Xterra that debuted early this year is a bit roomier than its predecessor. The only engine now is a V6 with more power than the Xterra ever had before.
A new platform and updated suspension provide a smoother ride. And there are new features, including an easy-to-clean cargo area that the company says is a big hit with dog owners.
Yet, the five-passenger Xterra remains Nissan's lowest-priced SUV.
Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $21,430 for a base, two-wheel-drive model with V6 and manual transmission.
Competitors in the compact SUV segment include the 2005 Jeep Liberty, which starts at $20,140 for a two-wheel-drive Sport model with four-cylinder engine and manual transmission, and the 2005 Kia Sorento, which starts at $19,664 for a two-wheel-drive LX with V6 and manual transmission.
The Xterra, which debuted in 1999 as a "no fluff" authentic SUV, won't be confused with a softer-riding, car-based crossover.
In the test Xterra, which was an Off-Road model with high-performance gas shock absorbers, there was some bounciness on rough roads, exemplifying the fact that the Xterra's new platform is a modified version of the one used by Nissan's Titan pickup truck.
There also was some back-and-forth swaying as the Xterra moved over roadway potholes and off-road swales, and the Xterra could feel a bit tippy in aggressive curves.
But the ride was not punishing. Passengers mostly felt vibrations and got a sense that the updated suspension, with double wishbone at the front and solid axle leaf spring at the back, was doing its job.
Styling is still distinctly Xterra, with bulging fenders over the sizable wheels and tires.
The storage basket atop the roof rack at the front of the SUV that became an Xterra hallmark on the first Xterra is still there - and improved with a hinged cover that is shaped for aerodynamics.
And there's a nifty new step built into the side of the rear bumper to help owners climb up high enough to get things into and out of the roof rack.
There's only one Xterra engine now. The four cylinder and under-200-horsepower V6 from last year are gone.
Now, a new, 4-liter, double overhead cam V6 produces 265 horsepower and 284 foot-pounds at 4,000 rpm, and it does so eagerly.
I scarcely touched the accelerator on the test four-wheel-drive Xterra and the vehicle was moving forward. Power to pass other vehicles came quickly, and with confident engine sounds.
Fuel economy isn't the best in the Xterra. The best fuel economy rating, according to government figures, is 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway for a two-wheel-drive Xterra with six-speed manual transmission.
A five-speed automatic also is offered.
Inside, the Xterra uses a lot of plastic on the dashboard and doors. But the quality of the grain on the plastic and the use of mixed shapes - rectangular vents and round interior door handles, for example - help add to the Xterra's image as a fun, kicky vehicle. I also liked the creative mix of fabric and a netting-like cover for the seats in the Off-Road model.
The Xterra's rear cargo space has a flat floor with hard plastic on it that washes down quickly with a damp rag - not with a hose, though. There are tie-downs and elasticized netting to secure cargo.
Large side windows give an airy feel. It's too bad, though, that windows for the back seats go down just over halfway. There's also a wind buffeting sound that comes if you drive the Xterra at more than 35 mph with those windows down.
Intriguingly, women accounted for some 55 percent of Xterra buyers last year, compared to only 25 percent when the Xterra launched in 1999, said Orth Hedrick, Nissan product planner.
Xterra buyers are predominantly young singles or couples, with no kids. Many are active in outdoor sports and use their vehicles for treks to their favorite sport sites.
Xterra sales peaked in calendar 2000 at 88,578, spokesman Kyle Bazemore said. He added that there were fewer than 40 SUV nameplates when the Xterra came to market in 1999, while today there are more than 70.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the 2005 Xterra received four out of five stars in frontal crash testing and five out of five stars in side crash testing. NHTSA does not yet have a rollover rating for the new Xterra.
- Next car reviews, in this order: 2005 Buick Terraza, 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
WHEELS OF THE WEEK 2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road
BASE PRICE: $20,850 for manual 2WD S model; $21,650 for automatic 2WD S model; $22,950 for manual 4WD S model; $23,450 for 2WD manual Off-Road model; $23,750 for automatic 4WD S model; $24,250 for 2WD automatic Off-Road model; $25,750 for 4WD manual Off-Road model; $26,750 for automatic 4WD Off-Road model.
AS TESTED: $28,930.
TYPE: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive, five-passenger, compact sport utility vehicle.
