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2008 Nissan Xterra Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
Also in the 2008 Nissan Xterra Review:
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6.
Nissan Xterra Full Review
7.
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2008 Nissan Xterra Review
The 2008 Nissan Xterra adds a few new available features to its lineup. This off-road-themed midsize SUV is smaller and less costly than Nissan's Pathfinder. Xterra seats five versus Pathfinder's seven. X, S, Off-Road, and SE trim levels are offered. All have a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on X, S, and Off-Road. A 5-speed automatic is optional on those models and standard on SE. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb. X, S, and SE offer rear-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD system includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Off-Road models are 4WD only. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Off-Road models have all-terrain tires, skid plates, locking rear differential, and, with automatic transmission, hill ascent and descent control. A wireless cell phone link is newly available on the 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Redesigned two seasons ago, Xterra will get a freshening for model-year 2009-10, or so our sources say. Its next clean-sheet makeover would probably come 2-3 years later.
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2008 Nissan Xterra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Fuel economy |
| Interior materials | |
| Steering feel | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Strong from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds in our test. The automatic reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.5 |
Strong from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds in our test. The automatic reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Xterra models with automatic transmission averaged 15.8-16.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 18.2 with more highway work. A 2WD SE averaged 16.8 in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. No opportunity to measure with the manual transmission. Xterra uses regular-grade gas.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD Xterra models with automatic transmission averaged 15.8-16.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 18.2 with more highway work. A 2WD SE averaged 16.8 in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. No opportunity to measure with the manual transmission. Xterra uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Xterra's off-road-ready suspension and short wheelbase make the ride choppy except on the smoothest roads. Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some truck-like bounding over even moderate humps and ruts.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Xterra's off-road-ready suspension and short wheelbase make the ride choppy except on the smoothest roads. Some patches and sharp bumps register more as body shudder than thumpy harshness, and there's some truck-like bounding over even moderate humps and ruts.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps; Off-Road's stiff suspension bounces even more. The steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, but Xterra has a relatively tidy turning circle for easy close-quarters maneuvering. Stopping control is unexceptional.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Fast cornering induces marked body lean, plus some tail hop over bumps; Off-Road's stiff suspension bounces even more. The steering feels slow in parking and quick direction changes, but Xterra has a relatively tidy turning circle for easy close-quarters maneuvering. Stopping control is unexceptional.
Quietness
Noise levels are fairly modest in 60-mph cruising. The V6 has a gruff, fairly loud growl at full throttle, plus an annoying bellow between shifts with the manual transmission. Wind rush and road rumble sometimes annoy.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Noise levels are fairly modest in 60-mph cruising. The V6 has a gruff, fairly loud growl at full throttle, plus an annoying bellow between shifts with the manual transmission. Wind rush and road rumble sometimes annoy.
Controls
Though high-set, the audio controls are easy to reach. The climate controls are slightly recessed into the center dashboard stack but aren't difficult to decipher. The steering wheel cruise and radio controls have tiny black markings on a gray background, rendering them nearly unreadable in most lighting conditions. They have no nighttime backlighting either, so the controls are practically useless unless you've memorized their functions.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Though high-set, the audio controls are easy to reach. The climate controls are slightly recessed into the center dashboard stack but aren't difficult to decipher. The steering wheel cruise and radio controls have tiny black markings on a gray background, rendering them nearly unreadable in most lighting conditions. They have no nighttime backlighting either, so the controls are practically useless unless you've memorized their functions.
Details
The interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, perhaps too much. The dashboard is awash in hard plastic panels that look especially cut-rate. One test model suffered rattling front-door windows and an irritating squeak from the cargo area.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
The interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, perhaps too much. The dashboard is awash in hard plastic panels that look especially cut-rate. One test model suffered rattling front-door windows and an irritating squeak from the cargo area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, though some tall drivers may feel too close to the steering wheel. The seats need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. They could also use a bit more padding for optimal long-distance comfort. Visibility is hampered by the rear roof styling and wide-base windshield pillars. Step-in is high without the available running boards.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
Good headroom and legroom, though some tall drivers may feel too close to the steering wheel. The seats need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. They could also use a bit more padding for optimal long-distance comfort. Visibility is hampered by the rear roof styling and wide-base windshield pillars. Step-in is high without the available running boards.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Plenty of headroom and adequate foot space, but legroom is tight with the front seats set far back. The seat cushions are too flat for best comfort. Xterra's tall ride height and narrow door bottoms make entry and exit particularly difficult.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Plenty of headroom and adequate foot space, but legroom is tight with the front seats set far back. The seat cushions are too flat for best comfort. Xterra's tall ride height and narrow door bottoms make entry and exit particularly difficult.
Cargo Room
Good space becomes generous with the rear seats folded. Available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9 feet long. The lack of opening tailgate glass is a minus, but a low load lip and 12 cargo-bay hooks enhance utility. The plastic load floor is good for accepting dirty cargo, but items tend to shift rather easily back there. A stepped rear bumper provides access to the standard roof rack. The cabin has useful small-item storage.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Good space becomes generous with the rear seats folded. Available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9 feet long. The lack of opening tailgate glass is a minus, but a low load lip and 12 cargo-bay hooks enhance utility. The plastic load floor is good for accepting dirty cargo, but items tend to shift rather easily back there. A stepped rear bumper provides access to the standard roof rack. The cabin has useful small-item storage.
Value within Class
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize-SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, its main appeal is that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful attitude.
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5.8 |
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize-SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for subpar ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready avoidance of luxury touches makes it seem relatively unrefined. Indeed, its main appeal is that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful attitude.
Total Score
| Off-Road, manual | Off-Road, automatic | 2WD SE | 4WD SE | Class Average |
| 53 | 53 | 54 | 53 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Nissan Xterra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD X 4-door wagon, manual | $21,240 | $20,137 | $745 |
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| 2WD X 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,040 | $20,893 | $745 |
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| 4WD X 4-door wagon, manual | $23,290 | $22,075 | $745 |
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| 4WD X 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,090 | $22,832 | $745 |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $22,990 | $21,792 | $745 |
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| 2WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,790 | $22,549 | $745 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, manual | $24,990 | $23,683 | $745 |
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| 4WD S 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,790 | $24,440 | $745 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, manual | $26,440 | $24,779 | $745 |
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| 4WD Off-Road 4-door wagon, automatic | $27,440 | $25,714 | $745 |
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| 2WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $26,740 | $25,059 | $745 |
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| 4WD SE 4-door wagon, automatic | $28,740 | $26,930 | $745 |
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
X
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, rear traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rack, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 265/70R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.
S adds to X:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, interior air filter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hook, 265/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front rear traction control.
Off-Road adds to S:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, locking rear differential, hill ascent control (automatic), hill descent control (automatic).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, fold-flat passenger seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.
SE adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, fold-flat passenger seat, Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
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 |
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Technology Pkg.
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Off-Road manual
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$1,300
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$1,127
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Off-Road automatic
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$1,450
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$1,258
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Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio steering wheel radio controls, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
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Protection Pkg.
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Off-Road, S, SE
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$185
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$143
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Emergency road kit, rubber floormats, wheel locks. NA X.
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Tow Kit
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$455
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$360
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$700
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$607
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Includes rollover deployment, front side airbags.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Portable navigation system
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$745
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$606
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DVD entertainment system
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$1,250
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$1,047
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iPod adapter
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Off-Road, SE
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$290
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$243
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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S, Off-Road
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$245
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$182
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Includes compass.
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Cargo organizer
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$145
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$114
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Cargo cover
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Off-Road, SE, X
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$85
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$63
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Floormats
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Off-Road, S, SE, X
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$115
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$83
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 4347 |
| 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. | 261 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 281 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 16/20 |
| 5-speed automatic | 14/20 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| 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 | 3/36,000 | -- |
| 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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Interface System, Floor Mats, Air Bag Package, Technology Package Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.5 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Jack Stewart Although the sport utility market is going crossover, the Xterra remains defiantly truck-like. That is good for buyers who use their sport utes for towing or off-road, but most would be better served by car-like sport utilities. John Biel With starting prices under $28,000 for even the top-rung SE version (the automatic-equipped Off-Road model in this test began at $27,200), SUV shoppers might smell something of a bargain here. They'll have to be the rugged, outdoorsy type to fully appreciate that bargain, however, because the Xterra is not the smooth-riding, comfort-and-luxury-laden SU some buyers might want their V to be. It's more likely to impress mountain goats than country club parking valets. Sikora Don Xterra is a rugged off-road truck. The interior is roomy, visibility is good, and the V6 generates plenty of power. But the high step-in and bouncy ride will mark this as a truck that will only appeal to certain people. If your major off-road adventures are limited to grass parking lots at county fairs, there are other alternatives that are better suited to daily commuting. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Nissan Xterra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Xterra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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