Nissan - XTERRA SE - Owners Manual - 2002 - 2002

2002 NISSAN XTERRA SE-SC Introduced as a 2000 model, the 2002 XTERRA arrives with a few changes to the front end and to the interior. It can now be ordered with the same supercharged V-6 engine offered as an option on the Frontier, with which it shares most of its other components. The Xterra is available only with 4WD and a V-6. Interior and cargo area Like other 4X4 vehicles, the Xterra is a high step up, and you have to be careful not to get your clothes dirty on the running boards on the way in and out. The front buckets are very comfortable, even on long trips. Short people may find that the seat cushion is a bit too long, and unless you are of above-average height, you’ll probably be seated too low and won’t be able to see over the hood. In the rear, the narrow doors are another impediment to getting in and out. The recesses of the doors also accumulate dirt and grime, much to the chagrin of passengers. The bench is a bit higher than the front seats and though the outboard positions are very comfortable, the middle section is barely acceptable. The seatback folds 45 degrees, and by removing the seat cushion, which is easy to do, the seat can be folded flat to the floor. The cargo area is roomy even with the 60/40 split bench in place. The only problem is the high sill. A first-aid kit is fitted into the rear hatch, which opens high and out of the way. Safety and convenience The interior is quiet, except in heavy acceleration, and at highway speeds, when the wind whistles around the roof rack. The combination luggage/roof rack can accept weights of 13.6 kg and 57 kg respectively. The front part of the roof rack, a removable basket, has to be taken off to open the sunroof. So you have to choose before you leave—the sunroof or the basket. The Xterra offers a higher level of fit and finish than some cars do. Nissan has provided lots of storage compartments in the cabin as well as five cup holders that adjust to accommodate a variety of beverage containers. As the audio system is tuned more often than the climate control system, its controls should be located above, not below, the climate controls. The heating system directs little or no heat to the driver’s left foot. The instrument panel’s new dials are hard to read in the daytime because they are so deeply recessed and because the grey background provides little in the way of contrast. The Xterra has a panoply of accessories to gear it to specific tasks, including waterproof seat covers, bicycle, ski, snowboard and surfboard racks, and more. Safetywise, the Xterra comes with dual air bags, big outside mirrors, locking head restraints, good headlights and anti-lock brakes. The windshield wipers do not have an intermittent cycle. Rear visibility is diminished by the rear bench’s integrated head restraints and by the height of the rear window frame. Drivers of average height or less have to compose with big blind zones on both sides of the vehicle. Engine and transmission The 3.3-liter supercharged V-6 produces 210 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque (231 lb.-ft. with the manual transmission). But despite the 40 additional horses, and compared to the normally aspirated engine, acceleration is still modest and pickup is still anaemic. The engine has to work really hard to reach the red line, and it takes time. This engine’s best quality is its generous torque, which for instance lets you drive in fourth at 1,200 rpm without the risk having the engine stall or hesitate. The well-geared manual transmission has a progressive clutch and is easy to shift though the throws are a bit long. The manual transmission allows the driver to make better use of engine capacity. According to the builder, the front wheels can be engaged in the 4H position up to 40 km/h, but in fact, the system gets a bit balky at speeds above 20 km/h. On the road The Xterra delivers a surprisingly smooth ride on practically all types of roads. The suspension easily absorbs most rough patches, but some bumps make the wheels bounce, especially when the vehicle is not loaded. Though Xterra was not designed to shine in a slalom contest, it corners well with relatively little lean. However, it is sensitive to side winds. The Xterra is sturdy and small enough to let you tackle some fairly difficult terrain. Though a bit heavy at low speed, the well-tuned steering is precise and reasonably quick with a short turning circle for a 4X4. Braking is satisfactory in all situations. On the lift at the CAA-Quebec inspection centre, the Xterra appeared sturdily built and designed underneath, with most elements well protected from splash and spatters. Conclusion The Xterra has no lack of features to attract the outdoorsman or woman, including a full complement of versatile accessories, comfortable seats and a sturdy frame. On the other hand, its stiff suspension and relatively short wheelbase may not endear it to people looking for a citified 4WD rather than a nimble off-roader. Nissan should definitely have included a more fuel-efficient and more powerful engine in this makeover of the Xterra. FOR Comfortable seating Layout Sturdy build Roadability Standard features Manoeuvrability AGAINST Rear accessibility Perfectible visibility Modest performance High fuel consumption Low radio position Sensitive to cross-winds 2000 NISSAN XTERRA Engine: 12 valve, 3.3-liter V-6; supercharged Torque: 200 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm; 246 lb.-ft. @ 2,800 rpm (231 h.p. with manual gearbox) Suspension: independent/rigid axle Length: 452.1 cm Height: 188.5 cm Weight: 1,841 to 1,918 kg Towing capacity: 1,588 kg (auto.: 2,269 kg) Horsepower: 170 h.p. @ 4,800 rpm; 210 h.p. @ 4,800 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic Brakes: disc/drum Width: 178.8 cm Wheelbase: 264.9 cm Air bags: standard front Tires: P265/70R15; P265/65R17 P265/70R16; Fuel consumption with manual gearbox and supercharged engine: - Transport Canada rating: city: 15.9 L/100 km (18 mpg); highway: 11.9 L/100 km (24 mpg) - Test result: 19.5 L/100 (14.5 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 73 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 11 seconds 60-100 km/h : 8.4 seconds Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Rodeo, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute, Saturn VUE, Suzuki XL-7 Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/6,000 km; total cost fo 100,000 km: $1,571 Warranty: - Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km - Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km - Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 - Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited mileage - Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and on-board diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $308 Brake pads: $134 Front fender: $212 Front brake disk: $105 Muffler: $298 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,077 to $1,521 Price according to trim line: XE: $29,498 SE: $33,298 (automatic) Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,200 Price as tested: $33,298 Freight and preparation: $968 Dealerships: Quebec: 53; Canada: 146 Ó CAA-Quebec, December 2001 SE SC: $33,298