2002 Nissan Xterra

Hold the frills--the rawboned Nissan Xterra is one of the bad boys of the sport-utility crowd. And the new version's supercharged V-6--first offered for a compact sport-ute--gives this truck the acceleration it has always deserved. Derived from Nissan's rugged Frontier pickup, the Xterra is aimed mostly at younger drivers who want a no-nonsense sport-utility. It was introduced as an early 2000 model and described by Nissan as a "toolbox'' to help owners "attack active lifestyles.'' There are no less than 17 versions with rear- or four-wheel drive and various engines, transmissions and trim levels. Off-roading is a strong point of the four-wheel-drive versions, with the Xterra's rugged body-on-frame construction and low-range gearing. However, the four-wheel drive must be disengaged on dry pavement.

New for 2002 is a $699 Enthusiast Package that contains such off-road-oriented items as a limited-slip rear differential and tow hooks. New front styling makes the Xterra look smoother without causing it to lose its edgy appearance. A new hood with a "power bulge'' center area clears the way for the supercharged V-6. The Xterra retains such items as deftly designed outside rear door handles, but inside door handles are too small. Entering the rather tall Xterra requires extra effort, although large, easily reached front grab handles can make the job easier. However, rear door openings are too narrow--as are available running boards. But there's good room for four adults, who sit high.

The revised interior has a new instrument panel with commendably large controls. The front bucket seats offer good support, but deeply recessed gauges are hard to read quickly unless illuminated by turning on the headlights. Moreover, climate controls are notchy. A new foot-operated parking brake replaces an awkward pull-handle, but the parking brake release is oddly located under the dashboard. A folding rear seat enlarges the decent cargo area. But rear seat cushions--held in place by cheap-looking plastic tabs--must be removed and stowed before the rear seatbacks can be flipped forward. It's time Nissan got rid of that drawback.

The nicely assembled Xterra is fun to drive and easy to maneuver with quick steering and deft handling, which is helped by available 16- and 17-inch wheels. Some buck and jiggle reminds you that you're in a tough truck. But the supple suspension provides a firm but comfortable ride, even with the 17-inch wheels. However, the brake pedal needs a more linear feel. The base 2.4-liter, 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine is fine for zipping around town, but provides lazy acceleration above 50 mph. The 3.3-liter, 170-horsepower V-6 is a big improvement, but provides only average 65-75 mph passing times. Coming to the rescue is the new supercharged version of the V-6.

It has 210 horsepower, far more torque and much stronger overall performance. As is characteristic of supercharged engines, plenty of power is available at low engine speeds and there's no acceleration lag, as is the case with a turbocharger. The lowest-priced supercharged V-6 model is $22,699. That's hardly outlandish, but it is some distance from the regular V-6 models, which start at $19,199. Even the base four-cylinder model is fairly well equipped, with items such as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, anti-lock brakes, folding rear seat and rear wiper.

The top-line $27,499 SE S/C automatic transmission model features as standard equipment items such as steering-wheel radio controls. The supercharged V-6 delivers only an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 18-19 on highways, and the regular V-6 doesn't do much better. The fuel champ is the four-cylinder model with rear-wheel drive and a decent five-speed manual transmission--at 19 city, 24 highway. The V-6 models come with the manual or a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. The Xterra is less comfortable in regular driving than car-based sport-utes, but has plenty of gut-level appeal.

NISSAN XTERRA

Prices
$17,999-$27,499
Likes
Potent new supercharged V-6. Smoother looking. Comfortable. Big controls. Handy size.
Dislikes
Low fuel economy with supercharger. Brake pedal feel. Narrow rear door openings.