2001 Nissan Xterra Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Even though the Xterra is no longer a novelty on the road, it still draws comments. Our test model came in one of the new 2001 colors, called Mineral Blue, an attractive grayish teal unanimously appreciated by spectators. Our test took place in the heart of Xterra territory: around Hood River, Oregon, a small town offering so much environment that it that draws kayakers, windsurfers, hikers, climbers, Alpine and Nordic skiers, mountain bikers, fishermen and horse people. The name Xterra signifies connection to the earth, which these pursuits certainly do. Sometimes face first.

The Xterra has visual distinction that says rugged. The thick tubular aluminum roof rack with black airfoil; matching step rails; stout fender flares; handsome alloy wheels; beefy charcoal grille and wraparound front bumper with big radiator vents and recessed halogen fog lights; vertical handles on the trailing edge of the rear doors; a two-tiered roof with a tall square back having a bulge in the tailgate for the first aid kit; and, if you crawl under the vehicle, you'll see skid plates under the engine and fuel tank.

Our own walkaround included a step up-and fall back. The tall, flat rear bumper with gripped surface makes a perfect stand for reaching the roof rack, but it's difficult to get up on, because there is no grab handle. If you're tall enough, you can hang onto the rear corner of the rack from the side of the vehicle and swing yourself up, but only rock climbers will love it. Considering the vehicle's hype about function, this is a significant if small oversight. Nissan says the Pathfinder is similar, and nobody ever complained. Maybe not, but Pathfinder owners carry groceries more often than kayaks.

In the same vein, the optional removable plastic gear basket at the front of the rack is an excellent idea (think of sloppy ski or hiking boots), but there's no net to cover it-that's another accessory you have to buy.

Interior Features

A new instrument panel is the most significant change in 2001. It is stylish, but ironically it's less functional than the old panel. And its style is a matter of individual taste. The instrument background is a striking shade of gunmetal, two shades actually, and looks slick. At night the numbers illuminate, but because they're outlined in white instead of being bold, they're difficult to read. The tachometer is new for 2001, stretching to 8000 rpm despite a power peak that comes at 4800; the redline begins at 6000, which makes you wonder if the big eight-grand tachometer is just an excuse to have a touch of flair on the panel, in the form of thick fluorescent red line.

The digital clock is positioned so it's virtually impossible to read in the sunlight, which is annoying, and little green lights indicating the air conditioning is on are so dim and tiny you simply don't know by looking, although the AC itself is very good.

The console layout is very tidy and handsome, appropriately spartan. A new CD changer holds six CDs, which can be selected with the six radio station buttons. There are two cool buttons for the four-way flashers and rear window defogger, rectangular and totally flat on the face of the aluminum-looking panel. The heater controls are three big switches with wings. There are front and rear auxiliary DC outlets in addition to the cigarette lighter, and big fixed cupholders front and rear. Cruise control and radio controls are located on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with wide spokes located at 3, 9, 5 and 7 o'clock. The whole padded center is the horn, the best and safest operation because of quick access. The horn is tinny but strong, a no-frills statement.

The bucket seats fit well and provide good lumbar support; we made one five-hour freeway run with no aches. We also took the Xterra windsurfing, and missed the cool accessory seat covers made of wetsuit material. Other nice available cabin details include the side window demisters and rear heat ducts, smart storage crannies, as many as 10 cargo hooks on floor and ceiling, and a strap on the tailgate to close it from the inside.

The roof is raised over the rear seats to allow for their elevation, which is good because with a nice view through the windshield, back-seat passengers might not notice how little legroom exists-an inch less than the smaller Toyota RAV 4. Because it's built on the Frontier pickup truck platform, Xterra's engineers must have been challenged to squeeze everything in, while providing the good 65.6 cubic feet of cargo space. When the 50-50 rear seatbacks are folded down, the seat bottoms must be removed, or else the front seats must be jammed impossibly close to the dash. So, depending on circumstance, you either leave them in your garage or they become loose cargo of their own. At least they're featherweight.