Thursday, February 10, 2011

Car Reviws

Car Reviws

2011 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X, an AW Drivers Log:

Posted: 09 Feb 2011 08:23 AM PST

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: Nissan certainly has improved the Xterra since it was first launched about a decade ago. The ride is a bit more refined, the handling a bit less vague, and it comes in a better overall package. Driving the Xterra in a snowstorm was a good test. The 4WD driveline is solid; the thing never wavered in the snow. It was solid and confidence-inspiring. While all the other commuters were slushing their way along at 25 mph, I could put the hammer down and go around them without breaking a sweat.

But, I do wonder whether engineers really take the time to figure out if wipers/defrosters will work to clear snow falling at the rate of about two inches per hour. My guess is that the Nissan engineers didn't think many Xterra drivers would encounter such conditions because, even with the defroster on high, the wiper blades continually froze up, wiping slush across the windshield with each pass. Granted, that's a pretty heavy rate of snowfall, but it easily overtaxed the system.

I like Nissan's 4.0-liter V6. It's plenty torquey in this application, with enough oomph to move things along.

I also liked the PRO-4X goodies, which added a nice, custom look to the vehicle. But heaters sure would have been appreciated in these cold leather seats.

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR CHERYL L. BLAHNIK: I've always liked the rugged external looks of the Xterra. It's an SUV that looks as if it would have no problem going up a mountain pass or getting to a destination that would be impossible in most other vehicles. I had the Xterra over the weekend, and sadly, I did not get to any mountain passes. But if I lived in Colorado, I would have been tempted to just toss my snowboard on the roof rack and look for some elevation.

On the inside, it also appears rugged, with a simple layout. I like the noncarpeted rear cargo area, which is great for stashing muddy or wet gear. And it makes for easy cleanup later. I had a few passengers in the back seats over the weekend, too, and they never complained about having enough room.

As far as drive, the Xterra certainly feels like an SUV. The ride was a little on the rough side, but power from the V6 is plentiful to get up and go quickly.

NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: With yet another snowy commute upon us, I was glad to have this formidable Xterra for a night. It's an absolute fortress, which was a nice demeanor to have when cutting through a bad neighborhood to get to the freeway.

Mostly, I liked this vehicle. But it could use a touch of refining. The V6 is strong. I would have guessed there were more than 261 ponies underhood, and the torque is evident early and remains plentiful. The transmission is also quite smooth. Opening it up on an open road, I was impressed by how smoothly the revs were summoned and channeled; building speed was no sweat. The chassis is a bit bouncy, but not overly so.

My biggest complaint was the heavy steering. Yes, this is a big SUV; the tires are huge, and I get it. And I do like the weighted steering feel, but this is a bit excessive. It feels like you're steering a steamship. Our long-term Ram 1500 is humongous as well, and the steering isn't even half this heavy. The Xterra does react to inputs, but this feel is just not for everyone.

I like the blocky, rugged styling of the Xterra, though it's looking a bit dated to me. The seats are comfortable, and some of the plastics look decent, though the door trim feels a bit inexpensive.

Overall, I liked the Xterra, but it wouldn't be at the top of my list in this segment.

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER TARA KLEIN: This thing is a beast, and I like it! The aggressive, tall stature is a tad intimidating at first glance, but once nestled into the driver's seat, I felt at ease. The Xterra has a clear off-road/outdoorsy identity that is carried throughout every feature and function. The body lines are squared-off, the interior vibe is utility-based, and the ride is a bit rougher but can conquer anything.

The Xterra is like a security blanket when it comes to winter driving; the driver feels comfortable, safe and at ease with it. Every road blemish is felt, but that's somewhat expected when driving an SUV of this kind.

The interior had a simple, easy-to-navigate design and comfy seats. You're going to be hard-pressed to find something that can't be hauled in this vehicle. Whether inside, on the roof rack or towed behind, the Xterra is built to handle everything you need.

COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO-WRIGHT: This Xterra is an interesting ride and drew lots of looks in my overnight with it. It's big and bulky and says, "Get out of my way." Which is good, except for the fact that getting this truck up to speed can be a bit of a chore, as can directing it. You really have to work your right foot to get going, and the steering felt overly taut and heavy. You can't be graceful in making sharp turns, but then again, the people to whom this truck is marketed likely don't care about that.

If you are an off-roader, camper, backpacker, etc., the Xterra would be right up your alley. The looks, the tires and the interior--everything screams off-road. The truck did handle well in some light snow, which was good, and I liked the higher driving position. There were times, though, that the Xterra felt top-heavy, which isn't a big surprise with all the ground clearance.

2011 Nissan Xterra PRO-4X

Base Price: $30,900

As-Tested Price: $32,725

Drivetrain: 4.0-liter V6; 4WD, five-speed automatic

Output: 261 hp @ 5,600 rpm, 281 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,432 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 17/15.9 mpg

Options: PRO-4X leather package including leather seating surfaces and driver's-seat back pocket ($1,000); Nevada tow package including tow receiver hitch, hitch ball mount class III, hitch cap, tow wiring harness ($460); iPod interface ($250); PRO-4X floormats ($115)

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