>>Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra

Nissan Xterra
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	2000–present
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee São José dos Pinhais, Brazil
Class	Compact SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV based on the Nissan F-Alpha platform as of the 2005 model year, and shares many similarities with the Nissan Frontier pickup. The Xterra is slotted below the Pathfinder in Nissan's lineup. All Xterras are currently built in Smyrna, Tennessee and São José dos Pinhais, Brazil. It is called the Nissan Roniz in Iran where it is also built under licence by Pars Khodro, and is built and sold in China as the Paladin. The Xterra was named after the XTERRA series of off-road triathlon races. Nissan was the race series' primary sponsor until the end of 2006.

The Xterra was originally introduced in North America in the 2000 model year and was marketed as a simple, but capable SUV with the slogan Everything you need, nothing you don't. Although accepted by a wide range of ages, incomes, lifestyles and genders, Nissan marketed the Xterra primarily to the adventurous and outdoor consumer. Many commercials feature one driving the vehicle though mud, unloading mountain bikes out of the back, or packing up surfing equipment. Two design cues have remained constant through the vehicle's life, its raised rear roofline and the 'Hump' on the back lift gate. The raised roof allows for stadium seating and the hump allowed the inclusion of a first aid kit in the liftgate. Originally, it was added for functional reasons. The Xterra was not sold in Europe or Japan, where the smaller X-Trail and now Qashqai are Nissan's entries in the compact SUV segment. In the United States, the Xterra was Nissan's entry-level SUV until the arrival of the 2008 Nissan Rogue.

First generation

First Generation
Production	2000–2004
Engine(s)	2.4L 143 hp I4 3.3L 170 hp V6 3.3L 180 hp V6 3.3L 210 hp V6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	104.3 in (2650 mm)
Length	178.0 in (4522 mm)
Width	70.4 in (1788 mm)
Height	2002-04 XE: 73.7 in (1872 mm) 2002-04 SE 4WD: 74.2 in (1884 mm) 2002-04 SE 2WD: 74.4 in (1889 mm) 2002-04 S/C 4WD: 73.8 in (1834 mm) 2002-04 SC 2WD: 73.9 in (1877 mm) 2000-01 XE: 69.4 in (1672 mm) 2000-01 SE 4WD: 74 in (1879 mm) 2000-01 SE 2WD: 73.6 in (1869 mm)
Fuel capacity	19.4 US gal.
Related	Nissan Frontier

2000–2001

During its first two years, there were three Xterra models. The two base models were designated XE, though those letters did not appear on the exterier name plate. The Xterra was mounted on a truck frame, as contrasted with the unibody Pathfinder.

The lowest-price model came with the 4 cylinder KA24DE motor similar to the ones found in the Nissan Altima and 240SX, manual transmission only, steel wheels, and lacked accessories such as the step rails and a roof rack.

The most popular XE Xterras were configured with several option packages, combining the 3.3-litre V6 with other features such as the roof rack, side step-rails, and carpeted floormats. The XE proved to be the most popular of the trim levels, with more flexibility on equipment options. A fully loaded XE had almost all the practical features of the top-of-the-line SE model, while costing an average of $2,000 less.

The SE was the premium trim level for the Xterra. Everything which was an option on the XE came standard on the SE. Nissan, to set apart a fully-optioned XE and the SE added a flip-up sunroof and special badging to the back of the truck ("Xterra SE" rather than just "Xterra"). Other SE-only otions included the fuzzy upholstery, and 6-CD changer.

Several "minor" options were available from the dealer, such as mudflaps, cargo liners, and in-cabin ventilation microfilters.

2002–2004

Xterra was freshened for 2002. The interior received a redesigned dash and center console, while the biggest changes were to the top-of-the-line powerplant and the front end. In 2001 Nissan restyled the front end of the Frontier aggressively and added overhead clearance in the engine bay. In 2002 Nissan brought similar changes to the Xterra, including Nissan's new 210 hp 3.3-liter Roots Type Supercharger V6.

Color was also revised in 2002. Aztec Red and Kaki were dropped, while Shock Blue, Sedona, and Molten Lava were introduced. Atomic Orange was later added, but proved short lived. In addition, the audio systems were upgraded. The premium audio system, a 6-disk AM/FM/CD with 6 speaker setup, was replaced with a 300W Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/CD system with 8 speakers and a large subwoofer that took up a portion of the rear storage area.

Second generation

Second generation
Production	2005–present
Platform	Nissan F-Alpha platform
Engine(s)	4.0L 261 hp V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	178.7 in (4539 mm)
Width	72.8 in (1849 mm)
Height	74.9 in (1902 mm)
Fuel capacity	21.1 US gal.=79 liters
Related	Infiniti QX56 Nissan Armada Nissan Frontier Nissan Pathfinder Nissan Titan

2005–present

2007 Nissan Xterra Off-Road Model

In 2005, the Xterra was redesigned on a new platform shared by the Nissan Titan and Nissan Frontier. The new model is larger in all dimensions than its predecessor. Utilizing Nissan's 4.0L VQ40DE engine, it produces 265 hp. The new engine is an improvement upon Xterra's previous powerplant, more refined and incorporating variable valve timing. Available with a rear differential locker on the off-road model, the Xterra competes with other SUVs of its size. The Xterra is due for a refresh of the 2nd Generation in 'the 2009 or 2010 model year.

Awards

• 2000 Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year
• 2000 North American Truck of the Year
• 2000 New England Motor Press Association's Winter Vehicle Award of New England for Best in Class - Mini Sport Utility
• 2006 Nominated as North American Truck of the Year
• 2006 Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year
• 2006 Motor Trend's Truck Trend's Best Little-Guy SUV Award
• 2006 Car and Driver Rock-Hopper SUV Winner.