2000-2004 Nissan Xterra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
- Wind noise
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Ride/handling
Vehicle Highlights
Priced against compact models, Nissan's new midsize sport-utility vehicle was based on the Frontier pickup truck. Designed to appeal to young buyers, who favor function and a rugged appearance over comfort amenities, Xterras came with rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The Xterra lineup began with a base XE model, with a 4-cylinder engine, manual transmission, and 2-wheel drive. XE V6 and top-line SE models got a 3.3-liter V6, also used in Nissan's more upscale Pathfinder SUV. Those came with either a manual or automatic transmission, and 2WD or 4WD. Xterra's 4WD system was not for use on dry pavement. Standard features on all models included antilock brakes, air conditioning, and engine/transmission skid plates. SE models added a manual sunroof.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Xterra SE w/4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Nissan Xterra:
Only minor revisions were evident on Nissan's junior midsize SUV for 2001, especially at the instrument cluster. The SE got standard 16-inch wheels and tires, replacing 15-inch rubber, and its new sound system included an in-dash 5-disc CD changer as well as steering-wheel audio controls.
2002 Nissan Xterra:
New for 2002 was an available supercharged V6 engine and a 4WD XE V6 off-road Enthusiast Package that eliminated the side step rails and added a limited-slip differential, manual locking hubs, and front tow hooks. All '02 Xterras had a "power-bulge" hood and a revised dashboard.
2003 Nissan Xterra:
Curtain side airbags were newly available for any Xterra. An antiskid system was optional for automatic-transmission 4WD V6 models and included traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. Also for '03, V6s added standard driver-seat height and lumbar adjustments, and SE models offered a new "Rugged Leather" package option with suedelike interior accents.
2004 Nissan Xterra:
For 2004, certain Xterra models get larger wheels.
Our road test for the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Nissan intended the Xterra to be backpack-functional and contemporary cool, yet in some ways it's rather stodgy. Acceleration is plodding with the 4 cylinder, but adequate with the V6. The automatic transmission works well, as do the brakes. An automatic 2WD SE reached 60 mph in 9.6 seconds. Even in 2WD form, the suspension is stiff enough to cause notable jiggle on bumpy pavements, though it won't pummel a person's kidneys. Cornering grip is decent for a high, narrow SUV, but steering is vague on-center. Compared to the nimble Honda CR-V, an Xterra feels rather ponderous. Fuel economy is midsize-level, not compact-frugal. One new 2WD V6 averaged 17.2 mpg; another just 14.6 mpg in harder driving, while a 4WD SE S/C averaged just 13.4 mpg with the supercharged V6. While it doesn't match a CR-V or Toyota RAV4 in convenient all-surface 4WD, an Xterra--which has a Low range--is designed to lead those rivals in off-road capability. An Xterra eagerly tackles difficult mountain trails, but its V6 drones under hard throttle, and a nagging wind whistle from the roof rack adds to intrusive noise levels. Nissan's no-frills approach is evident in utilitarian cabin furnishings. Most interior trim panels are noticeably thin, as is the door glass, though seat fabrics look durable. The simple dashboard works well, though lanky drivers might crave more rearward seat travel and using the "umbrella handle" parking brake is an old-fashioned chore. Lowish front bucket seats promise good head room for tall occupants, but impel a slightly legs-out posture. Rear head room is terrific, because the kicked-up roofline allows the bench seat to stand higher. Sadly, three grownups won't fit easily in back. Rear leg room is minimal unless front seats are pushed forward, and the back bench is hard. Step-in is high, and rear door bottoms are so narrow that entry/exit is a real squeeze. Cargo space beats a CR-V or RAV4 with the rear seat up.
Value for the Money
Though less pleasant for everyday driving than the CR-V and RAV4, an Xterra offers truck toughness and off-road ability, along with V6 power. A V6 Xterra costs less than one of those less roomy 4-cylinder competitors.
Though less pleasant for everyday driving than the CR-V and RAV4, an Xterra offers truck toughness and off-road ability, along with V6 power. A V6 Xterra costs less than one of those less roomy 4-cylinder competitors.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Xterra SE w/4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Xterra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Xterra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Popping and crackling noises in the audio system are often due to cell phones plugged into the cigarette lighter. Using a different power source or moving the phone often helps. (2000)
Check-engine light:
Poor electrical ground on V6 might cause check-engine light and multiple trouble codes. (2000)
Check-engine light:
Rough idle and/or check-engine light illumination may be caused by water in the distributor. A replacement with a better drain is offered. (2000)
Dashboard lights:
The check-engine light comes on due to a poor electrical ground between the intake manifold and cylinder head on V 6 engines. (2000)
Engine knock:
Some vehicles with the V6 engine may have a knocking noise just above idle speed. It is not a mechanical problem, but is caused by a noisy purge valve in the emission control system and upgraded replacement parts are available. (1999-02)
Engine misfire:
Poor idle quality when coasting with the clutch depressed was being corrected by reprogramming the powertrain-control module. (2000)
Engine noise:
Ticking noise may be due to crack in exhaust manifold between cylinders 1 and 3. (2000)
Vehicle noise:
Clunking or hammering noise under the floor can be traced to a loose torsion bar anchor at the crossmember. Spacer washers were being installed under warranty. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $590 |
| Alternator | $290 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,490 |
| Brakes | $330 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $450 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $730 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $670 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $875 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Xterra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Xterra 2WD | $8,500-12,000 | $7,700-10,800 | $4,400-6,200 |
| Xterra 4WD | $11,000-13,500 | $9,900-12,200 | $5,900-7,300 |
| 2003 | |||
| Xterra 2WD | $6,800-10,000 | $6,100-8,900 | $3,200-4,700 |
| Xterra 4WD | $9,300-11,500 | $8,400-10,400 | $4,800-6,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| Xterra 2WD | $5,400-8,000 | $4,600-6,900 | $2,200-3,300 |
| Xterra 4WD | $7,500-9,500 | $6,800-8,600 | $3,800-4,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Xterra 2WD | $4,300-6,500 | $3,600-5,400 | $1,500-2,200 |
| Xterra 4WD | $6,300-7,300 | $5,500-6,400 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Xterra 2WD | $3,700-5,800 | $3,000-4,700 | $1,100-1,700 |
| Xterra 4WD | $5,500-6,500 | $4,700-5,600 | $2,300-2,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Xterra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.4 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.4 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3668 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 65.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.4 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.8 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base XE editions held a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that developed 143 horsepower, teamed only with a 5-speed manual transmission. XE V6 and SE versions held a 3.3-liter V6 rated at 170 hp, available with either the manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Only 2-wheel drive was available with the base XE, but others could be 2WD or 4WD. Xterras got an available supercharged V6 for 2002.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 143 | 154 | 5-speed manual: 19/24 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.3 / 200 | 170 | 200 | 5-speed manual: 16/18 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.6 |
| Supercharged ohc V6 | 3.3 / 201 | 210 | 246 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 15/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Xterra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Xterra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1999-2003:
6 cylinder vehicles may have a cracked fuel-sending unit, causing the fuel pump to break. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2000 w/automatic:
Shift-cable lock plate may be too brittle and could break, so transmission would not shift out of "Park" position and gear indicated may differ from gear that is actually engaged.
2000-03:
Fuel pump terminal on fuel-sending unit of vehicles in certain states may develop crack in plastic molding; if corrosion and breakage occur, fuel pump could stop operating, causing engine to stop running without warning or be unable to start.
2001:
Fuel-tank shutter valves may be faulty on certain vehicles, resulting in possible fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002 Supercharger:
Under certain conditions, on vehicles equipped with a supercharger, faulty airflow meters may have been installed, resulting in the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and decreased engine speed. Dealer will inspect and reprogram affected meters.
2002:
Certain cars may have faulty clock-spring connectors, resulting in airbag nondeployment. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004 w/tow hitch:
Attachment bolts may not have been tightened properly, which could cause hitch to loosen or separate from vehicle.
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