User Reviews:

2008 Nissan Xterra Continues to Set Standard As Tough and Essential Gear For Serious Adventure

The 2008 Nissan Xterra, continues the traditional set down by the original Xterra, offering drivers ?everything you need, and nothing you don?t.? It provides unique styling and an abundance of useable space, storage and available convenience features, including 10 cargo hooks, an Easy Clean cargo area, a tie-down channel system similar to the Utili-track system on the Titan and Frontier and a built-in first-aid kit.

Xterra also offers outstanding performance, set by its combination of rugged ?F-Alpha? platform and its advanced 261-horsepower 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine ? enabling Xterra to live up to its reputation as the ultimate off-road adventure vehicle.

For 2008, enhancements include standard power windows, power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry and cruise control on X grade models; standard step rails, first aid kit and cargo net on S grade models; and a new Technology Package featuring Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone system, XM? Satellite Radio pre-wiring (automatic transmission models only), auto-dimming mirror with compass and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate? audio system with subwoofer (standard on SE, optional on Off-Road models).

One new exterior color is available for 2008 ? Red Alert, along with a new interior color ? Sandstone. ?Xterra has carved out a unique position in the marketplace as the no-frills off-road adventure vehicle,? said Bill Bosley, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. ?Xterra features a strong driveline, functional interior and available advanced off-road technologies that make it perfect adventure companion to tackle almost any terrain, including city asphalt.?

Distinguished Exterior Features, Practical Interior Touches

Xterra signature exterior styling features include large flared fenders, a versatile roof rack with latchable lid and a rear bumper design with side steps for easy access to the roof rack. It also offers a large, powerful hood and headlights and Nissan SUV-style angled strut grille.

Xterra features a long wheelbase for a smooth ride and ample interior room, yet overall length is highly manageable due to short front overhang ? enhancing maneuverability in off-road hill climbing and trail situations.

Xterra?s flexible interior is spacious enough for four adults and their gear, with ample leg room, head room and cargo room. A standard 60/40 split folding stadium-style rear seat with removable seat bottom cushions and an available fold-down front passenger seat SE and Off-Road models) create added utility for hauling long recreational gear. Additional storage is provided by a double-deck glove compartment with a lock, lamp and damper. The Xterra Off-Road model includes unique blue or charcoal seat fabric and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The cargo area is highlighted by an available Easy Clean cargo area surface and a total of 10 cargo area utility hooks ? six on the floor/sides and four on the ceiling (floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds). There?s also an available built-in first-aid kit and space to securely carry jugs up to a one-gallon size.

Securing bike racks and other accessories or gear is made easier with an available adjustable channel system in the cargo floor, similar in design to the Utili-track system offered on the Nissan Titan and Frontier pickups. The 2008 Xterra, while remaining true to its off-road adventure authenticity, also offers a few necessary amenities, including an available premium 300-watt Rockford Fosgate?-powered audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, mp3 capability plus mp3 player-capable aux-in jack and available XM? Satellite Radio (requires XM? subscription, sold separately) ? offered in the new Technology Package (Off-Road grade only, standard on SE).

A Rugged, Truck-Based Platform

The 2008 Xterra features a modified version of the F-Alpha platform developed for use with the full-size Nissan Titan and Armada SUV ? a credential that adds to Xterra?s proven off-road capabilities. Every Xterra starts with a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and adds a steel double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and solid axle leaf spring rear suspension. Xterra Off-Road models feature Bilstein high-performance gas shocks, a rear tire deflector and skids plats covering the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case (4WD only).

Powering Xterra is a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft torque. The engine is an increased displacement version of Nissan's VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima and Altima. It features a longer stroke (than the 3.5-liter version) and has been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications. Like others in the VQ family, the 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads, Continuous Valve Timing Control (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain and microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces.

Other engine features include Teflon?-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, 105,000-mile spark plugs and high capacity muffler. The engines? Electronic Throttle Control system includes secondary mapping in 4LO (4WD models). Two advanced transmissions are offered with the 2008 Xterra. An available electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission, based on the transmission used in the both the Titan and Armada (with an emphasis on acceleration, fuel economy and shift quality), or a 6-speed manual transmission based on the 350Z design but tuned for driving performance and fuel economy. Again in 2008, Xterra is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations, both with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Xterra 4x4 models feature a part-time 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. Xterra Off-Road models include two advanced off-road technologies ? Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) ? as well as an electronic locking rear differential.

Other driveline components include engine speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

Wheel and tire packages include 16-inch wheels on the X and S models with 265/70R16 tires, special off-road grad 16-inch wheels and rugged 265/75R16 tires on Off-Road models, and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires on SE models.

Advanced Safety Systems

Xterra?s list of safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor, and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, load limiters and Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones. Other standard equipment includes 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the center rear position, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.

Also available are supplemental front-seat side-impact air bags, and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for all outboard passengers.

Available 2008 Models and Packages

The 2008 Xterra is offered in four models ? X, S, Off-Road and SE. The Off-Road model is available in 4-wheel drive, while the X, S and SE are offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Xterra SE comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission only, with X, S, and Off Road offering a choice of 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed automatic.

The entry-level Xterra X grade offers a long list of standard features, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), power windows, locks and mirrors, Remote Keyless Entry, cruise control, engine speed sensitive power-assisted rack and pinion steering, 60/40 split fold-flat 2nd row seats and Nissan Advanced Airbag System (AABS).

Standard features for Xterra S include step rails, first aid kit, cargo net aluminum alloy wheels, driver?s seat lumbar support, roof rack cross bars, gear basket, unique seat fabric, Easy Clean Cargo surface and C-Channel cargo floor with four moveable hooks.

Xterra Off-Road models feature fog lamps, black bodyside molding, fold-flat front passenger seat, unique blue cloth seat fabric, sunglass holder and leather steering wheel. Unique Xterra Off-Road model performance equipment includes 265/75R16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A off road tires, rugged 16-inch wheels, Hill Descent Control and Hill Assist, electronic locking rear differential, high performance Bilstein gas-filled shocks and oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case skid plates.

The top-line Xterra SE features standard 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/65R17 BF Goodrich Long Trail tires, trip computer, step rails, body-colored outside mirrors, fog lamps, Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately) and a Rockford Fosgate audio system featuring a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 8 speakers plus subwoofer, steering wheel audio controls, speed-sensitive volume, and mp3 playback capability plus aux-in jack for iPod accessory.

Two optional packages are available for 2008 ? a Side/Curtain Air Bag Package and a Technology Package (Xterra Off-Road model only) with Rockford Fosgate?-powered audio system with an in-dash 6 CD changer, 8 speakers, steering wheel audio controls, XM? Satellite Radio pre-wiring (manual transmission models) or XM? Satellite Radio receiver and black antenna (automatic transmission models) (XM? subscription required, sold separately), auxiliary input, Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System and auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with compass.