2000 Nissan Xterra

The Xterra always seems to draw road-trip duty. Whether it's to act as camera car for a photo shoot, haul test gear to the track, or carry the spares and rations on a multicar comparo, our not-so-mellow-yellow Xterra is up to the task. The Xterra's 15K-mile service came and went without fanfare: $82 covered an oil and oil-filter change, a new air filter, and an overall inspection. We'd previously noticed the rear lift gate wasn't happy staying in the up position; a new pair of rear gate stays solved the problem, and that job was covered under warranty. Otherwise, "she works like a dog," issuing no complaints in the process. All interior materials are wearing well, though outside, the plastic fascias and bumpers like to be kept clean and treated or they start looking shabby. If we owned this Xterra, we'd be itching for the standard 15-in. tires to wear out so we could replace them with a better-performing +1 wheel/tire combo. And who wouldn't like more power? But that's coming for '02. Otherwise, we're still happy with choosing the Xterra as our 2000 Sport/Utility of the Year. And apparently, so are you, as sales are extremely brisk.

SPECIFICATIONS
Base price: $25,799
Price as tested: $26,398
Vehicle layout: Front engine, 4WD, 4-door, 5-pass
Engine: 3.3L V-6, SOHC, 2 valves/cyl
Hp @ rpm: 170 @ 4800
Torque @ rpm: 200 @ 2800
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
0-60 mph, sec: 10.9
EPA mpg: 15 city/19 highway
Total mileage: 16,197
Avg test mpg: 15.7
Problem areas: Faulty rear deck stays
Non-warr cost: $82