The Latest 4WD Truck and 4x4 SUV Reviews:

More great 4WD truck, SUV, and car sites:

© 2008 4WD4X4Reviews.com All rights reserved.

Vehicle: Nissan Xterra 4x4
Type: 4 door wagon
Years: 2000-present
Toughness: 8.3/10
Availability: 8.9/10
Capability: 8.0/10
Price: 7.3/10

"About a rough and ready as a modern SUV can get"

The Nissan Xterra

Nissan should be congratulated for creating the Xterra. In this era of soft-roaders, crossovers, and lightweight all wheel drive cars masquerading as trucks and SUVs, along comes the Nissan Xterra and reveals all poseurs for what they really are. For all its imperfections, the Nissan Xterra is one truck that means business..and delivers.

The Nissan Xterra has much going for it. Power, in the form of a 3.3, 3.5, or 4.0 litre (depending on year) V6 engine, a powerplant that has been one of Ward's 10 best engines in the world for about 10 years now. These engines are a joy to drive and listen to...they pull hard, produce oodles of torque, and growl with authority.

The drive train on the Xterra is just as proven. Xterras have always borrowed components from the venerable Nissan Pathfinder, and continue to today. But this is a good thing: the more refined Pathfinder has always had all the right stuff.

The Xterra just delivers it in a more off-road focused package. More ground clearance, less electronic gadgetry, a little more trail cred. And this is what the Xterra has going for it: a solid engine, a solid drive rain, and an off road, active lifestyle focus. In this sense, the Xterra is almost the perfect SUV.

Almost. Unlike the new Pathfinder, the Xterra retains its solid axle rear end, but it does utilize a similar independent front suspension. This means obtaining greater ground clearance isn't easy.

Where the Xterra looses fans is in the style department. It is clearly a love it or hate it vehicle. Tall, boxy, and designed to appeal to those who like their 4x4s to look young, aggressive, and pushy, the Nissan Xterra turns off as many potential buyers as it turns on.

For some, the Xterras looks are enough to keep them away from an otherwise excellent SUV. Fortunately, enough people find the looks appealing enough to keep buying the Xterra. Which is a good thing. Nissan should keep making them.

Without a doubt, the Nissan Xterra is a refreshingly different from most other SUVs by simply being remarkably similar to how SUVs used to be: solid, capable, and best used off road. This too is a good thing.

Searching for more?

If you're looking for more 4WD truck, van, SUV, or mini truck information, look no further: simply type in whatever 4x4 vehicle you're interested in and click search.  

 Custom Search

Return to 4WD 4X4 Reviews Home

 
 

The Nissan Xterra is without a doubt one of the best SUVs on the market today. While the Xterras styling doesn't appeal to everyone, this is one very capable SUV--those who like it, like it a lot. And for good reason.