2001 Nissan Xterra: Road Test
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2001 Nissan Xterra ▼
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- MSRP: $17,999 -$26,199
- Invoice: $16,740 -$24,093
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Our road test for the 2001 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Nissan Xterra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Nissan Xterra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Nissan Xterra help you decide if a 2001 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Sluggish with the 4-cyl., adequate with V6. Our test automatic 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
Typical midsize SUV. Our test V6 models averaged 14.6-17.2 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Rough stuff won't pummel you in any model, but this truck-based SUV isn't comfortably on bumpy surfaces, and even with 2WD, Xterra's suspension is stiff enough to cause noticeable jiggle.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Cornering grip is decent for a high, narrowish SUV, but steering is vague on-center, and Xterra is easily outmaneuvered by compact SUVs and car-based midsizers.
QUIETNESS
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
V6 drones under hard throttle, and nagging wind whistle from the available roof rack adds to intrusive highway noise levels.
CONTROLS
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
Dated "umbrella handle" parking brake is a chore (and will be killed for '02), but no other complaints. Xterra's nothing-you-don't-need approach is evident in utilitarian cabin furnishings and in interior trim panels and even door glass that's visibly thin. Seat fabrics seem durable.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Ample head room, but low-set seats force a slightly tiring legs-out posture. Taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Good visibility, if slightly obscured dead astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Head room is generous but there's minimal leg and foot room. Hard bench is too narrow for uncrowded 3-across adult seating. Also, high step-up and narrow doors make entry/exit a squeeze.
CARGO ROOM
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.5 |
Usefully more than in compact SUVs, though load deck is rather high. To keep prices down, Nissan omits folding mechanism for rear seat cushions. They simply lift out so rear seatbacks can flop forward.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 4.2 |
Though less pleasant in everyday driving than the car-based CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Xterra charges little more for its greater size, truck toughness, and superior off-road ability, plus V6 power that CR-V and RAV4 lack.
Total Score
| SE 4WD, man. | SE 2WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | 48 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 48
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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