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New 2003 Nissan Xterra Review

Nissan Xterra is cool. It's cool to have a basket for your wetsuits on the roof rack. It's cool to have a mountain-bike rack inside the cargo bay. It's cool to be rugged. It's cool to be retro and a trendsetter at the same time. And it's especially cool to be supercharged.

There's even more cool for 2003. The naturally aspirated (non-supercharged) V6 is stronger this year. Stronger is cooler. Electronic brake distribution (EBD) is now standard. Traction control, skid control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are now available. Eye-catching new colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage.

With its unusual blend of style and function, Nissan Xterra has been a huge success ever since Nissan launched this compact sport-utility in 2000. Xterra has prevailed beyond Nissan's expectations and hopes. It's still cool.

2003 Nissan Xterra Lineup

Nissan Xterra comes in two trim levels: XE and SE. Three engines are available: a four-cylinder, a V6, and a supercharged V6. For V6 models, there's a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.

The base Nissan Xterra 4x2 XE ($17,999) comes with a 2.4-liter, double-overhead-cam inline-4 rated 143 horsepower and 154 pounds-feet of torque. Four-wheel drive is not available with the four-cylinder engine, nor is an automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes a tubular roof rack with removable gear basket, air conditioning, a 100-watt audio system with a CD player, anti-lock brakes and a full-size spare tire.

Nissan Xterra XE V6 ($20,399) comes with a 3.3-liter, single overhead-cam V6 that now produces 180 horsepower (10 more than last year) and 202 pounds-feet of torque. For 2003, XE V6 also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, tubular step rails, and a driver's seat that adjusts for height and lumbar support. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the V6 XE. A four-speed automatic is optional ($1000).

Nissan Xterra SE ($24,699) comes standard with the V6 engine, four-speed automatic, and a limited-slip rear differential. Also included are upgraded seats; fog lamps; cruise control; first aid kit; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; power windows, locks and mirrors; variable intermittent wipers; tilt steering wheel; remote keyless entry and, coolest of all, a 300-watt Rockford Fosgate eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer and in-dash 6-CD changer.

A supercharged V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque is available with SE trim only. Supercharged SE ($25,999) includes unique charcoal cloth upholstery and 17-inch wheels and tires.

Four-wheel drive ($2000) is available for Nissan Xterra XE V6 and SE. XE 4x4 buyers can add a limited-slip rear differential as part of a Sport Package ($399 ) that includes front tow hooks and fog lights. A new Rugged Leather Package ($999) for SE models includes leather seats and suede-like fabric inserts for the inner doors. A pop-up sunroof with sunshade ($349) is available on SE models. New for 2003 is the Dynamic Control Package ($549), which includes traction and skid control functions, plus a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Rockford-Fosgate stereo can be added to Nissan Xterra XE V6 ($799).

Side-curtain air bags are optional on the SE ($499) and XE and we recommend them highly as they can protect your skull in a side impact or rollover. Skull protection is cool.

Other 2003 Nissan Reviews

2003 Nissan Pathfinder
2003 Nissan Altima
2003 Nissan Frontier
2003 Nissan Xterra

2003 Nissan 350Z
2003 Nissan Murano
2003 Nissan Sentra