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2003 Nissan Xterra Review
Supercharged performance and so much cool.
2003 Xterra Review Summary & Specifications
Nissan Xterra is a good choice for someone who wants a capable, no frills utility. This is not a luxury vehicle, and lacks the refinement of, say, a Toyota Highlander. Built on a truck frame, Xterra does not offer the carlike handling of a Mazda Tribute or Ford Escape. It does, however, offer lots of cargo space, reasonably good off-road capability, and it's attractively priced. Styling and interior were upgraded last year and a supercharged V6 engine is available. These features separate the 2003 Nissan Xterra from other compact sport-utility vehicles.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | XE ($17,999); XE V6 ($20,399); SE ($24,699); SE S/C ($25,999) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.3-liter SOHC 12-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 143-hp 2.4-liter DOHC 16v inline-4; 180-hp 3.3-liter SOHC 12v V6; 210-hp supercharged 3.3-liter SOHC 12v V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | 4-wheel ABS and EBD, dual-stage front airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, side-door beams, child-safety rear door locks |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Traction control, skid control, tire-pressure monitoring system, side-curtain airbags, limited-slip differential |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Smyrna, Tennessee |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-335-3592 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.nissandriven.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 17999 |
| Model Tested MSRP | XE V6 4x4 automatic ($21,399) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic transmission, air conditioning, assist grips, cargo tie-down hooks, full carpeting, center console, electric rear window defroster, black rear privacy glass, cargo area light, luggage rack with cross bars, dual manual mirrors, AM/FM/CD with six speakers, front bucket seats, rear 50/50 split fold down bench seat, skid plates (fuel tank and engine), tubular step rails, front and rear stabilizer bars, power steering, cargo area storage bins, tachometer, dual tripmeters, cloth upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels |
| Destination Charge | 540 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Utility Package ($899) includes additional power outlet, ceiling tie-down hooks, first aid kit, cargo cover, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers; Power Package ($1299) includes speed control, map light, dual power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless remote entry, cloth trim door panels, alarm system |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 24137 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 180 @ 4800 |
| Torque | 202 @ 2800 |
| Fuel Economy | 15/19 |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 178.0/70.4/73.7 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.0/52.0/41.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.8/51.9/32.8 |
| Trunk Volume | 65.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 5000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, double-wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | live axle, leaf springs |
| Ground Clearance | 9.6 |
| Curb Weight | 4046 |
| Stock Tires | 265/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/drum, with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.4 |
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