- suv 194,302
- 6,995 overpriced
- Lancaster, CA
-
- autoshopper.com
- suv 194,302 gasoline silver automatic
2001 nissan xterra review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Why mess with a winner?. introductionnissan's xterra was a huge success when it was launched last year. It's not so much the engineering, but rather the style and the function-or maybe it's the marketing of that function. regardless, the xterra is cool. Xterra is retro at the same time it's a trendsetter: its foundation is ruggedness, the foundation for the original suv. This isn't a sedan in suv cladding. the xterra concept has prevailed beyond nissan's expectations and hopes; heck, it's still just catching on. Three option packages are available: utility 699), power 1299) and sport $849). se models come standard with the v6 and the equipment included in the xe's option packages. 2001 se models also come standard with 16-inch (instead of 15-inch) alloy wheels and p255/65r16 all-season radials. with the base xterra xe, don't expect much of what nissan is so actively marketing-those outdoorsy options. While the ruggedness is inherent in the xterra, all the really neat stuff is in the packages, and in extra-cost accessories beyond the packages: neoprene seat covers, interior two-bike rack, and a tow hitch. The name xterra signifies connection to the earth, which these pursuits certainly do. Sometimes face first. the xterra has visual distinction that says rugged. The tall, flat rear bumper with gripped surface makes a perfect stand for reaching the roof rack, but it's difficult to get up on, because there is no grab handle. Considering the vehicle's hype about function, this is a significant if small oversight. Nissan says the pathfinder is similar, and nobody ever complained. It is stylish, but ironically it's less functional than the old panel. And its style is a matter of individual taste. The instrument background is a striking shade of gunmetal, two shades actually, and looks slick. At night the numbers illuminate, but because they're outlined in white instead of being bold, they're difficult to read. A new cd changer holds six cds, which can be selected with the six radio station buttons. The heater controls are three big switches with wings. There are front and rear auxiliary dc outlets in addition to the cigarette lighter, and big fixed cupholders front and rear. Cruise control and radio controls are located on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with wide spokes located at 3, 9, 5 and 7 o'clock. The whole padded center is the horn, the best and safest operation because of quick access. We also took the xterra windsurfing, and missed the cool accessory seat covers made of wetsuit material. Other nice available cabin details include the side window demisters and rear heat ducts, smart storage crannies, as many as 10 cargo hooks on floor and ceiling, and a strap on the tailgate to close it from the inside. the roof is raised over the rear seats to allow for their elevation, which is good because with a nice view through the windshield, back-seat passengers might not notice how little legroom exists-an inch less than the smaller toyota rav 4. Because it's built on the frontier pickup truck platform, xterra's engineers must have been challenged to squeeze everything in, while providing the good 65. 6 cubic feet of cargo space. When the 50-50 rear seatbacks are folded down, the seat bottoms must be removed, or else the front seats must be jammed impossibly close to the dash. At least they're featherweight. driving impressionthanks to high-tech sound insulation in places not normally insulated, xterra is very quiet at freeway speeds. However, floor the throttle and the single-cam v6 gets pretty loud. And the luggage rack hisses in the wind. The xterra sways at gusts and leans in curves, not surprising given its height and boxy shape; it is taller and longer than a jeep cherokee. That big vertical rear window provides excellent visibility, but it gathers dust and dirt like crazy. The optional rear wiper/washer is optional, but should be considered standard equipment for anyone who drives in anything less than perfect conditions on a dry road. (it comes standard on se, but is part of a $599 utility package on xe.) the front suspension is double wishbone; the rear is leaf springs with a solid axle. Power steering is by recirculating ball. The xterra is nimble at slower speeds, feeling lighter than its 4130 pounds, and it actually steers more easily than the 2001 frontier pickup, which comes with lower profile tires. At higher speeds there is a slight lag in the steering from the on-center position, but the straight-line ride is very nice. The chassis rides on the backs of 10 individually tuned dual-rate rubber chassis mounts, so there's no harshness there at all. At the same time, the frontier's ladder chassis is certainly strong. The suspension does a great job on washboard gravel roads. The drums are understandable, however, because the xterra is built on the frontier platform, and the pickup is perfectly fine with rear drums. summarythe nissan xterra is a solid contender in the nut. Anti-lock Brakes✔ Tachometer✔ Bucket Seats✔ Cruise Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ CD Changer✔ Alloy Wheels
6,995 Lancaster, CALancaster, CA at autoshopper.com