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2005 Nissan Xterra Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2005 Nissan Xterra Review:
2005 Nissan Xterra Review
Nissan redesigns the least-expensive of its three midsize SUVs for 2005. More powerful and slightly larger than the 2000-2004 Xterra, the '05 shares a platform with Nissan's Pathfinder, though with a solid rear axle vs. Pathfinder's independent rear suspension. Both are based on a smaller version of the company's Armada large-SUV platform. Xterra seats five; no 3rd-row seat is offered. The only engine is a 265-hp V6. The previous Xterra offered a 143-hp 4-cyl and 180- and 210-hp V6s. S, Off-Road, and SE models are offered. S and Off-Road versions are available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic; the SE comes with automatic only. All offer rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. An antiskid system is optional on S, standard on Off-Road and SE. Front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows are optional on all. Off-Road models have all-terrain tires, Bilstein-brand shock absorbers, and underbody skid plates. Four-wheel-drive Off-Roads have a locking rear differential. Versions with automatic transmission have Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. SEs have 17-inch wheels, the others have 16s. A roof rack is standard, and the rear bumper is stepped to provide access to the rack.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
The '05 redesign restarts Xterra's model-life clock, so the next couple of years should tick by with no major changes.
Nissan offers a compact 4-cyl SUV called X-Trail in Canada and other world markets. A U.S. version has been rumored, but not lately. However, one Detroit source thinks the X-Trail may come here for 2007 with electric power by fuel cell. That seems very far-fetched, as most experts say practical, affordable fuel-cell vehicles are at least 10 years away.
Nissan offers a compact 4-cyl SUV called X-Trail in Canada and other world markets. A U.S. version has been rumored, but not lately. However, one Detroit source thinks the X-Trail may come here for 2007 with electric power by fuel cell. That seems very far-fetched, as most experts say practical, affordable fuel-cell vehicles are at least 10 years away.
2005 Nissan Xterra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Passenger and cargo room | Interior materials |
| Steering feel | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Strong from a stop and around town. Automatic transmission reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Strong from a stop and around town. Automatic transmission reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Test 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving.
Ride Quality
Tall-sidewall tires help absorb small bumps. But sharp ridges register noticeably, and even moderate humps and ruts induce some trucklike bounding and jiggle. Little difference between models equipped with 16- and 17-inch tires.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
Tall-sidewall tires help absorb small bumps. But sharp ridges register noticeably, and even moderate humps and ruts induce some trucklike bounding and jiggle. Little difference between models equipped with 16- and 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Steering weighty, direct, but slow enough to frustrate in quick changes of direction, close-quarters maneuvering. Bumpy corners can prompt tail hop, an effect more pronounced in Off-Road model. Fast turns induce noseplow, plenty of body lean, though Xterra doesn't feel tippy. Credit to Nissan for standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, though stopping power, pedal modulation unexceptional.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering weighty, direct, but slow enough to frustrate in quick changes of direction, close-quarters maneuvering. Bumpy corners can prompt tail hop, an effect more pronounced in Off-Road model. Fast turns induce noseplow, plenty of body lean, though Xterra doesn't feel tippy. Credit to Nissan for standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, though stopping power, pedal modulation unexceptional.
Quietness
V6 growl during acceleration fits Xterra's young-buyer tastes, but manual-transmission models emit annoying engine bellow between shifts. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Off-Road's aggressive tire tread whines at highway speeds.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
V6 growl during acceleration fits Xterra's young-buyer tastes, but manual-transmission models emit annoying engine bellow between shifts. Wind rush pronounced over 55 mph. Off-Road's aggressive tire tread whines at highway speeds.
Controls
Simple, handy layout. All controls within easy reach, though they're light, plasticky in feel and movement. Interior materials reflect Xterra's utilitarian aims, though abundance of hard-plastic surfaces comes across as cost cutting.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Simple, handy layout. All controls within easy reach, though they're light, plasticky in feel and movement. Interior materials reflect Xterra's utilitarian aims, though abundance of hard-plastic surfaces comes across as cost cutting.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head, leg room. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Wide base of front roof pillars reduces visibility to corners. Good rear visibility. Tall step-in.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Good head, leg room. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Wide base of front roof pillars reduces visibility to corners. Good rear visibility. Tall step-in.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of head room. Adequate toe space under front seats. Leg room tight for tall riders with front seats more than halfway back. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow footwells tax entry/exit.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Plenty of head room. Adequate toe space under front seats. Leg room tight for tall riders with front seats more than halfway back. Seat cushions too flat for best comfort. Tall ride height, narrow footwells tax entry/exit.
Cargo Room
Good cargo space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available folding front-passenger seat permits loading of 9-ft-long objects, though intrusion from folded rear-seat cushions means load channel isn't flat. Utility enhanced by low liftover, 12 standard cargo hooks, but rear glass does not open independently of the hatch. Useful small-item storage in cabin, though center console's shallow tray lacks rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
Good cargo space becomes generous with rear seats folded. Available folding front-passenger seat permits loading of 9-ft-long objects, though intrusion from folded rear-seat cushions means load channel isn't flat. Utility enhanced by low liftover, 12 standard cargo hooks, but rear glass does not open independently of the hatch. Useful small-item storage in cabin, though center console's shallow tray lacks rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
Value within Class
Xterra's traditional virtues of rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal are enhanced for '05 by a more-powerful V6 and thoughtful utility updates. That, and attractive pricing, merit a Recommended tag. What's less laudatory is that ride and handling remain reminiscent of an old-school, truck-type SUV.
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 5.6 |
Xterra's traditional virtues of rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal are enhanced for '05 by a more-powerful V6 and thoughtful utility updates. That, and attractive pricing, merit a Recommended tag. What's less laudatory is that ride and handling remain reminiscent of an old-school, truck-type SUV.
Total Score
| 4WD Off-Road, man. | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 49 | 50 | 52 | 55.1 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 67 |
2005 Nissan Xterra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/16/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $20,850 | $19,718 | $580 |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,650 | $20,475 | $580 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $22,950 | $21,705 | $580 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,750 | $22,461 | $580 |
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| 2WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, manual | $23,450 | $21,933 | $580 |
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| 2WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,250 | $22,681 | $580 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, manual | $25,750 | $24,083 | $580 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, automatic | $26,750 | $25,018 | $580 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,350 | $23,709 | $580 |
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| 4WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $27,350 | $25,579 | $580 |
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
S
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side height and lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hook, full-size spare tire, 265/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
Off-Road adds to S:
Powertrain
Rear traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, fold-flat passenger seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, locking rear differential, hill ascent control (automatic), hill descent control (automatic).
SE adds to Off-Road:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tubular side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: skid plates, off-road suspension.
265/65R17 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Utility Pkg.
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||
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2WD S
|
$650
|
$564
|
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4WD S
|
$550
|
$478
|
|
Rear traction control (2WD), antiskid system, fold-flat passenger seat, driver-side seatback pocket, visor mirrors, first-aid kit, cargo net, step rails. Requires Power Pkg.
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Power Pkg.
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S
|
$900
|
$780
|
|
Cruise control, power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Airbag Pkg.
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$700
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$607
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Front side airbags, curtain side airbags. S w/automatic transmission requires Utility Pkg.
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Airbag w/VDC Pkg.
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2WD S
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$1,100
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$954
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4WD S
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$1,000
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$867
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Rear traction control (2WD), front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system. NA w/Utility Pkg.
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Rockford Fosgate Audio Pkg.
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Off-Road
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$900
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$780
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Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering-wheel radio controls, satellite pre-wiring.
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Protection Pkg.
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$170
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$130
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Emergency road kit, rubber floormats, wheel locks.
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Nevada Tow Kit
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$430
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$345
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Class III tow-hitch receiver and hitch, wiring harness.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Satellite radio
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Off-Road, SE
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$400
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$347
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Off-Road requires Rockford Fosgate Audio Pkg.
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$230
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$171
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Includes compass.
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Interior air filter
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S, SE
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$60
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$44
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Cargo organizer
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$150
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$111
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Cargo cover
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$80
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$60
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Floormats
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$110
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$74
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bodyside moldings
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S, SE
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$110
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$77
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Std. Off-Road.
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2005 Nissan Xterra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Xterra 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4290 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 65.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /241 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 265 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 284 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 17/21 |
| 5-speed automatic | 16/21 |
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 |
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 | Optional/-- | Extra charge Security Plus plan. |
| 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
Also in the 2005 Nissan Xterra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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