2001 Nissan Xterra Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A truck-based compact ute for those who actually plan to use it like it's featured in Nissan's TV commercials.
Pros
Rugged looks and capability to match, excellent brakes, lots of room inside, standard ABS, first-aid kit.
Cons
Uncomfortable front seats, cheap interior plastics and fabrics, useless sunroof on SE models, weak V6.
What's New for 2001
SE models come with titanium interior accents as well as a premium audio system boasting 100 watts of peak power and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. New steering wheel-mounted audio controls can be used to operate this system. The rumored 3.3-liter supercharged V6 is, at this point, MIA, but console yourself with a new color called Gold Rush and restyled 16-inch alloy wheels.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Incredible vehicle
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Nissan Xterra XE-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I've owned the Xterra for over 5 years at this point, bought it when it had 30,000mi. The odometer just passed the 130,000mi mark and the vehicle is still in outstanding shape. The only oddball thing I've had to replace is a bearing that supports the two-piece drive shaft, but I blame it on all the mud and water I've intentionally not avoided. I couldn't afford the insurance for 4WD when I bought it, but I certainly don't regret going with the 2WD- I've pushed this vehicle to the limit consistently on and off road, irresponsibly run the RPM's above 4K daily just to listen to the aftermarket parts work, and still, with typical maintenance (oil changes, trans flush), the X still runs strong.
Favorite Features
The "stadium seating" so those in the back can see the road, turning radius, 1st and 2nd gear acceleration, adjustable roof rack, torsion bars that give additional 2' of lift in the front upon adjustment (makes it easier to park in weird places at concerts and sporting events).
Suggested Improvements
For such a small V6 there sure isn't a lot of room under the hood, so garage mechanics with thick arms can expect some frustration. Highway power also lacks, especially up hills (I live >5000 feet above sea level and travel higher). Cold air intake/exhaust helped A LOT if you have the spare $.
A Note on Safety
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Nissan Xterra SE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Best vehicle my wife and I ever bought. Extremely versatile for trips, vacations, camping, light towing but still practical enough for everyday use. I even hauled lumber on the roof- rack with no probelms. UNFORTUNATELY my wife was rear-ended in our last week! She left the highway sideways, went airborne and flipped three times...completely crushing the front and rear, but the seating areas both front and back were not harmed and she walked away without...well, one tiny scuff on her leg from the steering wheel. It kept her safe and we are now looking for a replacement. We love the X-terra
Favorite Features
Looks, tough-adjustable racks, versatility, turn-radius (on a dime)
Suggested Improvements
Better air-conditioning, more leg room for driver, mileage (what doesn't need that?)
great buy
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Had the car for almost 3 years now. No problems (knock on wood). hauls great and good room for loading things which I wouldn't expect would fit in it!
Favorite Features
Look. Very unique style!
Suggested Improvements
my Ac/heat only works when on the highest level. Not under warranty, Needing to get that fixed.
WOW... 2001 Nissan Xterra
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I absolutely love my Xterra. It is comfy and stylish. I love how sporty it feels. I also love how well it is in the snow. (But then again when your used to a three quarter ton 99 ford ranger it doesn't take much to beat!)
Favorite Features
Even though it is slow, the running 4wd.
Suggested Improvements
Make the sun roof a slider. Mileage, and make things like oil filters and drain pan easier to get to. I have a hard time changing the oil on it because of the skid plate.
Very reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Very nice ride. I enjoy the sound system and the total perfomance of the SUV! I took my family on a camping trip at Patapsco Valley state park teaching my son to drive and he loved everything about it. The 4wd kicked you know what with no probs, beautiful handling and very user friendly - easy to learn, teach and drive in this beast. I would recomend this vehicle to everyone who wants to turn over to the SUV world, trust me youll never go back to a car! Nissan hit this one on the head! Thanks for a beautiful SUV, keep it up.
Favorite Features
4wd drive, sound system, towing capacity, handling and comfort. I'm an avid hunter and drive 300 miles to my hunting ground every Saturday and this truck does it all - towing 4 wheelers and campers, yes it's that strong with no probs. Beautiful. I will buy another.
Suggested Improvements
Sun roof, a little more leg room. When sitting in the back seat it seems that you sit way higher the the driver and front passenger the guys in the back complain about head room.
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