2002 Nissan Xterra Review
2002 Nissan Xterra Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.
Cons
- Uncomfortable front seats, poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.
What’s new
Nissan's popular Xterra SUV receives a variety of updates for the 2002 model year. Front-end styling is updated, and the bulged hood hides a newly optional supercharged V6. Inside, there are revised gauges, seat fabrics, climate controls, two additional power points and a bigger glovebox. Also standard are dual-stage front airbags, rear child-seat anchors, variable intermittent front windshield wipers, a rear window wiper and a foot-operated parking brake. In terms of options, a new in-dash six-disc CD changer is available on XE Xterras and standard on SE models. Nissan has also made the sunroof optional instead of standard. Finally, as a tribute to dedicated Xterra owners, an Enthusiast Package is available only on XE V6 four-wheel-drive models. It includes ceiling tie clamps, a first aid kit, a tilt steering wheel, foglights, front tow hooks, map lights, a limited-slip differential, manually locking hubs and rubber floor mats.
Edmunds says
A truck-based compact 'ute for those who actually plan to use it like it's featured in Nissan's TV commercials.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Nissan Xterra XE 2WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$227/mo for Xterra XE
Xterra XE
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
A so-called mini-SUV doesn't have to be a hybrid compromise, and for proof, look no further than the 2002 Xterra (terra for the land it crosses and X for the generation it intends to target). Although it sits squarely on the large side of the mini-SUV scale, don't be alarmed by the truck's physical size; the price is small by comparison.
The Xterra competes in a market brimming with new models, including the all-new 2002 Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty and Suzuki XL-7, as well as the already established mini-ute crowd like the Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute and Toyota RAV4. In this increasingly crowded segment, the Xterra must rely less upon its unique niche appeal and more on its value and rugged good looks.
Designed at Nissan Design International (NDI), the Xterra's muscular styling is what sells it. For 2002, Nissan has updated the previously bland nose to include black-framed round headlights, a new front fascia with the Nissan flying "V" grille and round foglights. A new hood, with a 48mm raised "power bulge" center section, lends a powerful look echoed by the signature Xterra flared front fenders. Additional changes can be found inside the cabin, including updated gauges and climate controls, new seat fabrics and a relocated parking brake.
Unlike many of its small SUV competitors, the Xterra is based on a real truck: Nissan's Frontier compact pickup. The result is a mini SUV with numb-steering and sloppy handling -- a rarity in this class and something consumers might not like after the novelty of the tough styling wears off. Big, knobby tires are great for off-roading, but if you spend most of your time on pavement, you'll notice that they grip poorly and squeal plenty.
Offered in two trim levels, the Xterra can be purchased as a base XE or upscale SE model with two- or four-wheel drive, a four-cylinder or V6 engine, and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system and two-speed transfer case is engaged using a floor-mounted lever.
The Xterra's standard motivation comes from a 2.4-liter inline four that makes 143 horsepower. XEs and SEs can be ordered with a 170-hp 3.3-liter V6 or a new supercharged version of this engine that produces 210 hp. Outdoor enthusiasts can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the V6 and an automatic transmission, and antilock brakes are standard on all models.
The Xterra is being marketed as a bare-bones mini-SUV to avoid treading on the toes of its bigger and more upscale brother, the Pathfinder. How well it succeeds at this task is questionable. The Xterra is nearly as long as the Pathfinder and offers an inch more legroom for rear passengers. But the well-equipped 250-horsepower Pathfinder, marketed to a wealthier clientele that wants prodigious power and luxury amenities, serves to make the Xterra the better bargain for those looking for basic transportation. We deem their mission to be a success, even if the definition of a "mini-SUV" gets murkier all the time.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Nissan Xterra.
5 star(58%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
141 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
Best thing since wrestling
sanwich, 06/16/2014
2002 Nissan Xterra XE-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Traded my Cobalt for one of these little over 4 months ago, I love it!, gas could be better but 145 miles to a half a tank of gas isnt too bad considering in my cobalt I got 205 or 225 to a half.
The bad,
Headliners are famous for coming loose.
All the grey plastics on the bumpers, headlights, grill, roof rack, side step fade with time which is expected
Stock radio unit eats CDs … when too hot.
The good,
Engine runs strong (Had a rebuild to the cooling/air systems at 103k I bought it with 111k (I do believe this is a gremlin with these too)
It looks weird which makes it awesome, This rig goes Everywhere I take it, rocks, steep hill, mud, river beds NO problems =D
4.88 out of 5 stars
Tough Rig!
hobosix, 09/27/2013
2002 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
We bought our 2002 Xterra SE (4x4) new in 2002. So far we have logged 150k on it and outside of normal maintenance, the only thing we have had to replace was a O2 sensor. This little rig has been an absolute joy to own/drive. To say it was "Over Built" is absolutely correct. Built with the same transmission used in European 3/4 ton trucks as well as the rigid frame under it makes it as … tough as you'll need. I will not hesitate to drive this vehicle on to the 200K mark. Well done Nissan.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Still happy 4 years later
Chip, 05/20/2009
2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)
I bought my XT used in 05. Had 24K on it at the time, and I've since added another 70K. It has been very dependable, and I've only has to deal with general maintenance issues so far. I also find it funny that people are complaining about the fuel mileage. What did you expect? It's a big box sitting on a truck chassis. If you're worried about fuel economy, buy a sedan. I've actually found … it to get decent mileage for what it is. There's a ton of space, it tows well, and looks good.
4.5 out of 5 stars
11 Years old and Still Squeek Free
cgrueber, 05/03/2013
2002 Nissan Xterra SE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Just bought this car Feb. with 105K miles on it.
Had to change the timming belt and water pump as the previous owner had not changed these items.
I could not ask for a better small SUV.
It is a live axle 2wd truck, so the ride is rough but not a single piece of plastic in the vehicle makes noise.
The cost to purchase these is fairly low due to most people not wanting to change the … timming belt.
Don't be affraid if you can do minor car repairs, this one is a breeze.
Great car i would buy another in a heart beat.
Uses a little more gas then expected for a V6 but it is still not bad
2002 Xterra Highlights
XE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,999 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $227/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 44.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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