2003 Nissan Xterra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Optional head-protecting curtain side airbags and an antiskid system headline 2003 additions to Nissan's youth-oriented SUV. Xterra's price-leader XE model has a 143-hp 4-cyl engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Mainstream XE V6 and SE versions use a 3.3-liter V6 that gains 10 hp for '03. A 210-hp supercharged 3.3 powers top-line SE S/C models. All V6 Xterras offer 2WD or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Automatic transmission is optional on the XE V6 and standard on other V6 Xterras. ABS and air conditioning are standard. SE S/Cs have 17-inch wheels, the others 16s or 15s. Curtain side airbags are newly available for any Xterra. The new antiskid system is optional for automatic-transmission 4WD V6 models and includes traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. Also for '03, V6s add standard driver-seat height and lumbar adjustments, and SE models offer a new "Rugged Leather" package option with suedelike interior accents.

Competition

New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.

Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.

News

This SUV was a trendy gotta-have in its first two seasons, but sales have lately tapered off, easing 2.1 percent in calendar 2001 and another 8 percent in '02. We blame a steady upward creep in sticker prices and an image that's no longer so way-cool.

Xterra is expected to mark time until a 2006 redesign; a clean-sheet Frontier pickup preceeds it by about a year. The two trucks should continue to share a basic platform, powertrains and other unseen components, but the platform will be new, while styling should be bolder and more "industrial". Nissan is said to want marked reductions in noise, vibration and harshness without compromising these rigs' "real truck" character--no easy task, that. It'll be interesting to see if they can pull it off.

2003 Nissan Xterra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Ride/handling

	Acceleration (4 cyl)

	Rear-seat entry/exit

	Wind noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	4	4.9

Sluggish with the 4 cyl. Merely adequate with base V6. Supercharged models livelier, but no stronger than rival midsize SUVs with larger, nonsupercharged V6s.

Fuel Economy

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	3	3.7

Test 170-hp V6 models averaged 14.6-17.2 mpg. Test 4WD SE S/C versions averaged 13.4-15.1 mpg--and supercharged V6 requires premium-grade fuel. We haven't yet measured a 4-cyl model.

Ride Quality

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.4

Really rough stuff won't pummel you in any Xterra, and the S/C SE's 17-inch tires absorb bumps surprisingly well.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	3.5

Cornering grip decent for a high, narrowish SUV, but steering is vague on-center, and Xterra is easily outmaneuvered by compact and car-based midsize SUVs.

Quietness

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4.1

V6s drone under hard throttle, and nagging wind whistle from available roof rack adds to intrusive highway noise levels.

Controls

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6.1

Main gauges reside in deep coves, so they're hard to read unless illuminated by turning on headlights. Control layout generally good. Except for new "Rugged Leather" trim, cabin decor relies on cheap-feeling plastic and drab, utilitarian fabrics, though that's in line with Xterra's nothing-you-don't-need image.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.3

Ample head room, but low-set seats force a legs-out posture some people find tiring. New height-adjustable driver seat should compensate some on V6 models, but taller drivers might still wish for more rearward seat travel. Visibility slightly obscured astern.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	5.4

Head room generous here, but leg and foot room tight. Seat is hard and too narrow for uncrowded 3-across adult seating. High step-up and narrow doors squeeze entry/exit.

Cargo Room

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7.8

Not expansive for a midsize, but usefully roomier than most compact SUVs, though load deck is rather high. Budget-conscious Xterra omits folding mechanism for seat cushions; they simply lift out so rear seatbacks can flop forward.

Value within Class

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	6	5	5

Xterra is priced only slightly higher than car-based compact SUVs like Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and offers more room. It's less civilized than those vehicles in everyday driving, but pays back with its truck toughness, off-road ability, and available curtain side airbags.

Total Score

XE 2WD, auto.	SE 4WD, man.	SE S/C 4WD, auto.	Class Average
42	44	44	51.2

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		35
Average Score		51
High Score		66

2003 Nissan Xterra Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/19/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD XE 4-door wagon, manual	$17,999	$16,740	$540

2WD XE V6 4-door wagon, manual	$20,399	$18,972	$540

2WD XE V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$21,399	$19,902	$540

4WD XE V6 4-door wagon, manual	$22,399	$20,832	$540

4WD XE V6 4-door wagon, automatic	$23,399	$21,762	$540

2WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic	$24,699	$22,713	$540

4WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic	$26,999	$24,552	$540

2WD SE S/C 4-door wagon, automatic	$25,999	$23,908	$540

4WD SE S/C 4-door wagon, automatic	$27,999	$25,748	$540

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Skid plates, full-size spare tire, 265/70R15 tires.

XE V6 adds to XE:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Side steps.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

SE adds to XE V6:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass, outside-temperature indicator, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hooks, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

SE S/C adds to SE:

Powertrain

Supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

265/65R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Utility Pkg.
XE	$899	$779
Tilt steering wheel, variable-intermittent wipers, cargo cover, first-aid kit, additional auxiliary power outlet, tubular side steps.

Power Pkg.
XE	$999	$866
XE V6	$1,299	$1,126
Power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, cruise control, map lights (XE V6), cloth door inserts, theft-deterrent system w/alarm (XE V6). XE requires Utility Pkg.

Sport Pkg.
XE V6	$399	$346
Limited-slip rear differential, additional auxiliary power outlets, fog lights, front tow hooks. Requires Power Pkg.

Premium Audio Pkg.
XE V6	$799	$693
Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls. Requires Power Pkg.

Rugged Leather Pkg.
SE, SE S/C	$999	$866
Leather upholstery, suedelike door inserts. Requires pop-up sunroof.

Protection Pkg.
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$129	$96
Airbag anti-theft bolt, wheel locks, floormats.

Safety
Curtain side airbags
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$499	$432
XE requires Power Pkg. XE V6 requires Sport Pkg.

Antiskid system
4WD w/automatic transmission	$549	$477
Includes traction control, tire-pressure monitor. SE and SE S/C delete limited-slip differential. Requires curtain side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Pop-up sunroof
SE, SE S/C	$349	$303


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
XE, XE V6	$219	$167


Interior air filter
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$49	$37


Floormats
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$79	$61


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Grille/taillight guards
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$619	$492


Mud guards
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$89	$53


Tow hitch
SE, SE S/C, XE, XE V6	$349	$254

2003 Nissan Xterra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Xterra 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	104.3

Overall Length, in.	178.0

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	74.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	4034

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.	37.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	sohc V6	Supercharged dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.4 /146	3.3 /201	3.3 /201

Horsepower @ rpm.	143 @ 5200	180 @ 4800	210 @ 4800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	154 @ 4000	202 @ 2000	246 @ 2800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/24	17/20	15/19

4-speed automatic	--/--	16/20	15/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Xterra 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	2

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	None/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2003 Nissan Xterra Photos

Also in the 2003 Nissan Xterra Review:

Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra Road Test

Nissan Xterra Prices & Equipment

Nissan Xterra Specs & Safety

Nissan Xterra Photos

Nissan Xterra Full Review

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