Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Associate editor Erin Mahoney got to baby-sit the Xterra once again this month. It's funny; well aware as she is of all of this vehicle's shortcomings, she still regards it with a great deal of affection. Although it's hard for her to admit, Erin knows she's been wooed by this vehicle's good looks and lollipop-red paint.

Of course, the Xterra Xperience is enhanced in other ways as well. The simple, no-frills interior design is decidedly hospitable, save for the unsupportive seats. From the logically placed stereo and climate controls to the perfectly sized center console cubby, this vehicle really does offer everything you need and nothing you don't. Erin's only major gripe in that area remains the stinky air that issues from the vents after the air conditioning has been turned off.

The driver's vantage point in this cute ute continues to be a pleasure for all who sit behind its lofty wheel. The Xterra feels like a compact SUV in that it's relatively easy to maneuver and doesn't feel excessively heavy, but it still delivers in terms of ride height and interior space. Tippiness around corners, however, is unnerving for most occupants.

Xterra's engine refinement and tranny performance were also called into question during the past month. Research editor Erin Riches had a few choice comments on these subjects:

"I'm amazed that Nissan actually offers an inline four as the standard engine in the Xterra (though I suppose the lower weight and the manual transmission would help), because the V6 feels so weak in hilly areas. Maybe it's the transmission. When faced with a steep hill, the Xterra's transmission drops harshly into a low gear and revs and revs — I almost redlined it today just trying to maintain 70-75 mph on a hill on the freeway. And the noise, not pleasant at all. I know that trucks do this, and that this is a more economy-oriented truck, but I can't stand these awful, sick sounds... I want smooth and fun, and I want it now."

Riches determined that this Nissan would benefit immensely from more cabin insulation. She also pointed out that, based on the screeches that ensue and lack of traction when this sport-ute is driven in the Edmunds.com parking garage, she would be hesitant to drive it on icy roads without a good set of snow tires.

She did find a few nice things to say about the Xterra, however, "In spite of my complaints, I will still acknowledge that the Xterra offers abundant space in the front and rear seats, and in the cargo bay, for not very much money." But she was quick to counter her praise with scathing remarks, "I like riding high in the Xterra and I like tossing my belongings into it, but the truck's irritating powertrain, clumsy driving demeanor and prominent place in pop culture are more than I can stomach."

One thing has definitely impressed us after putting the Xterra through its paces for a year: This vehicle has had no major problems. Aside from a blown front speaker in February and a frontal assault by a Chrysler Cirrus in March, the latter of which was certainly not the fault of the innocent ute, this vehicle had given us virtually no trouble. So we find the Xterra's thus far proven reliability worth noting.

It's true that Nissan seems to be capitalizing on the attractive countenance and hip image of a sport utility that doesn't seem to excel in any particular area, but life inside the Xterra could be decidedly worse. Its on-road demeanor may be a little rough around the edges, but that should be expected of a truck-based SUV. If you're looking for car-like handling and a coddling interior, go buy a Subaru Forester. But if you want a relatively inexpensive utility vehicle that makes you feel young (in the sense that the harsh ride over highway irregularities doesn't upset your kidneys too much), the Xterra just might be the right ute for you.


Current Odometer: 24,139
Best Fuel Economy: 19.6 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 14.7 mpg
Average Fuel Economy (over the life of the vehicle): 16.1 mpg
Body Repair Costs: None
Maintenance Costs: None
Problems: None