2004 Nissan Xterra: Road Test
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2004 Nissan Xterra ▼
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- MSRP: $18,000 -$28,000
- Invoice: $17,023 -$26,188
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan Xterra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan Xterra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan Xterra help you decide if a 2004 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 4.8 |
Sluggish with the 4-cyl. Merely adequate with base V6; test V6 4WD with automatic transmission did 11.5 sec 0-60 mph. Supercharged models cut about 2 sec from that, making them no stronger than rival midsize SUVs with larger, nonsupercharged V6s.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 3.8 |
Test 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. No 4-cyl model made available for testing.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Really rough stuff won't pummel you in any Xterra, and models with 17-inch tires absorb bumps surprisingly well.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3.7 |
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
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
V6s drone under full throttle, and nagging wind whistle from roof rack adds to intrusive highway noise levels.
CONTROLS
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Main gauges reside in deep coves, so they're hard to read unless illuminated by engaging headlights. Control layout generally good. Except for available "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)
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Ample head room, but low-set seats force a legs-out posture some people find tiring. V6 models have seat-height adjustment that helps here. Taller drivers may want more rearward seat travel. Visibility slightly obscured astern.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
Head room generous, 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
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | 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 flip forward.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
Xterra is priced only slightly higher than car-based compact SUVs such as the 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
| 2WD XE, 4-cyl man. | 4WD SE | 4WD SE S/C | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 44 | 44 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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