2000 Nissan Xterra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Priced against compact SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan's new Xterra is a midsize SUV based on the Frontier pickup truck. It's designed to appeal to young buyers who favor function and a rugged appearance over comfort amenities. The base Xterra XE has a 4-cylinder engine, manual transmission, and 2-wheel drive. XE V6 and top-line SE models get the 3.3-liter V6 used in Nissan's Frontier pickup. They come with manual or automatic transmission, 2WD or 4WD. Xterra's 4WD system is not for use on dry pavement. Standard features include antilock brakes, air conditioning, and engine/transmission skid plates. SEs add a manual sunroof.

COMPETITION

This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive. Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner. If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.