Long-Term Test: 2000 Nissan Xterra SE

(Enlarge photo) During a snowy December in Detroit, the Xterra saw to it that our editor and his family never missed a hockey game or a holiday party.	(Enlarge photo) The cabin wasn't upscale, but everything felt solidly constructed and the layout of the controls was user-friendly. Especially the climate controls -- three dials, two buttons, that's it.
(Enlarge photo) Our sport-ute was most at home on off-road trails where its generous suspension travel and numb steering were advantages rather than irritations.	(Enlarge photo) The Xterra has more seats-up cargo capacity than any other mini-ute. The roomy cargo bay easily accommodated a 100-pound Labrador retriever.
(Enlarge photo) The Xterra's soft suspension allows for a comfortable highway ride, but its thinly padded seats really aren't supportive enough for long trips.	(Enlarge photo) Yes, it has a simple, honest-looking face, but keep in mind that it also has lousy around-town handling characteristics and a lethargic V6.
(Enlarge photo) We couldn't really find a use for the roof-mounted wet bin -- its carrying capability is limited to small, soft objects and it blocks the sunroof.