2000 Nissan Xterra

As straightforward as its appeal, the Xterra's development is based on Nissan's Frontier pickup, using the same body-on-frame design, independent double-wishbone front/leaf-spring rear suspension, as well as headlights, front bumper, hood, A-pillars, and front doors. This shared-platform approach and the fact that it's been designed, engineered and is being assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee, are at the heart of the SUV's value story.

The Xterra is available either in two- or four-wheel drive and in either XE or upgraded SE trim levels. However, unlike other SUVs introduced in the lower price ranges over the past few years, the Xterra is not a mini-ute. It's comparable in size to mainstream compact SUVs, which pays big dividends in interior room. In addition, this Nissan is fully off-road-ready with a low-range transfer case, plenty of ground clearance, and beefy 265/70SR15 tires (standard on SE, optional on XE).

Beyond its functional capabilities, the Xterra's muscular, angular styling is drawing positive reaction from a wide range of buyers, and its distinctive stepped roof helps it stand out from the sea of boxy SUVs populating mall parking lots. Other key styling features are the ultra-modern powder-coated tubular aluminum roof rack and step rails. Although optional on XE models (standard on SE versions), you're not likely see many without these stylish items. The rack, in particular, is a signature feature that seems to define the adventurous spirit of this go-anywhere Nissan. The versatile rack will hold up to 125 pounds and is designed to accept a range of custom attachments for carrying everything from bikes to kayaks to skis and snowboards. In addition, a handy removable storage basket attaches to the rack to hold up to 30 pounds of extra gear.

This approach is typical of the Xterra's packaging; Nissan clearly wanted to tailor its newest SUV to fit the needs of the young active lifestyle crowd. For instance, besides the roof rack, there are two other accessory bike racks available, one for the rear hitch and another for inside the rear cargo compartment. Used together, you can carry six bikes at once. Proving this is a vehicle designed to be "rode hard and put away wet," Nissan offers optional water resistant neoprene seat covers to protect upholstery. A hidden storage compartment in the rear door makes a good hideaway for the optional first-aid kit or other small item. The generous cargo area can be outfitted with as many as 10 tie-down hooks in the floor and ceiling to secure gear. Plus, extra 12-volt power outlets can be obtained in both the dash and rear cargo area.

Mild complaint: Despite being cleanly styled, ergonomic, and functional, the Xterra's interior does but lack a bit of the fresh edginess seen in the sheetmetal. Standard features are amazingly plentiful though, as even the entry-level ($17,349) XE 4x2 comes with dual airbags, air conditioning, 50/50 split rear seat, comfortable multi-adjustable driver's seat, cupholders in both front and rear, and either a four-speaker, 60-watt AM/FM/cassette audio system (with four-cylinder engine) or similar AM/FM/CD system with the V-6. The SE adds a flip-up skyroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Nissan's well-equipped Utility and Sport Packages, plus it upgrades the audio system to a premium six-speaker 100-watt AM/FM/cassette/CD system, capable of controlling an optional six-disc CD changer. In short, it's loaded.

Comfortable and quite liveable for adults, the rear bench seat features a stadium-style raised offset that ensures improved visibility, good legroom, and plenty of headroom, thanks to its similarly stepped roof. The rear cargo area provides 44.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seat up, which expands to 65.6 cubic feet with the seat folded down.