User Reviews:

Nissan Xterra Continues In 2004 With Superior Off-Road Capabilities and An Array of Adventure Amenities

Coming off a year that saw an increase in horsepower and torque to Xterra's V6 engine, as well as the addition of the Dynamic Control Package, the Nissan Xterra receives minor changes for 2004. Xterra maintains its highly usable and spacious interior, rugged and muscular exterior and go-anywhere, do-anything attitude. For 2004, Xterra again offers three engine models "2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 143 horsepower, 3.3-liter SOHC V6 producing 180-horsepower and the supercharged 3.3-liter V6 producing 210 horsepower. Two new exterior colors are available" Thermal Red and Silver Lightning.

"Xterra defined the compact SUV segment with its launch in 2000 and every year with added amenities and increased performance, the Xterra continues to raise the bar", said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. The 2004 Xterra again features a user-focused interior and powerful exterior that exude the signature no-limit mentality of its owners.

Off-Road Persona With Exceptional On-Road Performance
Again for 2004, the Nissan Xterra offers three engine types. Leading the charge is a factory-installed supercharged 3.3-liter V6 producing 210-horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. This engine, shared with the Frontier SC compact truck, uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporate and is warranted under Nissans Powertrain Coverage (see actual warranty and dealer for details). Supercharged models come standard with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and are available in 2-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive configurations.

Next is the 180-horsepower SOHC 3.3-liter V6, which comes with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and like the supercharged model is available in 2-wheel drive or part-time 4-wheel drive configurations. Rounding out Xterras line of engines is the popular 143-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, which is available with a 2-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual transmission.

All models come standard with a front double-wishbone and rear leaf spring suspension with stabilizer bars as well as a power-assisted recirculating ball type steering and 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). Available through the Dynamic Control Package is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System, which increases vehicle stability in a variety of road conditions and Tire Pressure Monitor System.

Rugged Exterior and Highly Functional Interior
The 2004 Xterra preserves the rugged and active exterior from 2003. Xterra maintains its flying V grille, large round headlights and fog lights and its raised power bulge hood design. Xterras strong treatments on surface edges and corners gives off a muscular and from some angles a mechanical appearance. Angled fender flares create a broad shoulder form, which adds to the off-road and tough attitude of the Xterra. A large tubular-style roof rack with gear basket gives onlookers a brief look into the high utility of the vehicle. The raised roof line in the rear passenger and cargo area has become a distinctive characteristic for the Xterra. From behind, the Xterra conveys a fresh and contemporary appearance with its angular back glass, hatch door bulge, smoked-style taillights and sleek sporty stance. Adding even more flare to the Xterras exterior are 17-inch charcoal aluminum-alloy wheels (standard on SE models) and 16-inch silver-colored alloy wheels (optional on XE V6 models).

Xterras interior has a clean design that communicates functionality. A three-gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster, large console with map pocket, four interior power ports, roof headliner net and luggage side net, metal ceiling tie-down clips, first aid kit, a map light with compass (SE), pullout rear cup holders, an available interior bike rack and sunroof, and 12-volt outlets located in the engine compartment are some of the interior amenities on Xterras purposeful and spacious interior.

Xterra again has seating for five passengers with front bucket seats and stadium-style 50/50 split fold down rear bench seat with removable cushions. Drivers seats in V6 models come with a height and lumbar support adjuster. An enhanced Rockford Fosgate-powered 300 watt 8 speaker audio system with subwoofer is standard on SE models and optional on XE V6 models.

Interior fabrics differ between models; XE models feature flat woven cloth with tone-on-tone contemporary appearance, SE models feature moquette cloth with door fabric inserts for a warm interior environment, and SC models feature charcoal cloth with door fabric inserts. Leather-appointed seats and suede-like door fabric inserts can be added with the Rugged Leather Package.

Safety Features
Safety features include standard driver and passenger dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system, child safety rear door locks and power window lock down button. Curtain side-impact supplemental air bags are available as a stand-alone option.

Models and Options
The 2004 Xterra is offered in three 4x2 Models XE, XE-V6 and SE-V6, and two 4x4 Models XE-V6 and SE-V6. The Supercharged V6 is available with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive SE Models.

A number of optional packages and equipment are available, including a Utility Package which includes a rear 12-volt power outlet, first aid kit, retractable cargo cover, tilt steering wheel, tubular step rails and variable intermittent wipers; Power Package which includes cruise control, power windows, door locks, remote mirrors, remote keyless entry, door fabric inserts, map lights and Vehicle Security System; Sport Packages including fog lights, front tow hook, dual 12-volt power outlets, heavy-duty alternator and limited-slip differential (LSD); SE Sunroof Package which includes pop-up glass sunroof with removable sunshade; XE Audio Package including a 300-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel audio controls and subwoofer; Dynamic Control Package which includes Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS); SE Rugged Leather Package including leather-appointed seats with suede-like door fabric inserts; and Curtain Side-Impact Supplemental Air Bags.