The review below is based on our 1st week of Ownership of our Nissan Xterra with the sport package (fog lights, 2 extra power outlets, cloth door inserts) Power package (Power windows, doors, remote keyless entry), and the Auto dimming mirror with compass and temperature.
Well we finally picked out our SUV after driving close to 10 different models. We chose the Xterra base on the price, quality, and styling. We chose the Xterra Xe over the SE only because the SE got a little pricey fast, and most of the important options were available on the XE. SE such as a sunroof or supercharged engine.
When you first sit in the vehicle you feel like the seats just are kinda meant for you, they feel like they almost hug your sides in the seats. There is adequate headroom in the front seat, but there is much more in the back seat. Leg room up from is very nice, the back seat however could use maybe a couple more inches of leg room. Can be a little tight on bigger adults. Plenty of space for storage throughout the vehicle. The roof rack gives you some extra space to haul larger item. The roof rack comes with a small tote area with a limited load rating of 30 lbs. The roof rack itself has a load limit of 150 lbs. The roof rack is adjustable and comes with a tool kit with all the tool required to adjust the rack.
The X-terra also comes with a full spare tire, and a emergency first aid kit for those rock climbing or white water rafting mishaps while on vacation.
The ride may be what some people call a "Truck like" ride, but we really disagreed on the reviews about that. The ride is a firm suspension ride and yes you do feel the bumps in the road, but nothing like a pick up truck ride. The handling of the vehicle was pretty impressive, and handled turns very well. The engine is not very powerful, but more than enough for the vehicle. The engine does make some noise while excellerating, but what vehicle doesn't. There is not very much road noise, as I would have though. Cruising at highway speeds is actually pretty quite.
The controls and accessory options are very easily reached and operated by the driver. Air conditioner controls and radio controls are easily withing arms reach. Going in an out of 4 wheel drive is pretty easy, but it is very similar to most makes and models available. There is very useful storage both in the dashboard, and the center console for cell phones, CD's, tapes garage door openers you name it. There are a total of 4 accessory outlets through out the vehicle (Dashboard, Center console, rear seat, and rear gate). The standard Cd-player option is pretty powerful, and has really good sound. The radio comes out sounding like a CD in some cases. The vehicle comes with an optional Rockford Fosgate 300 Watt stereo which is a bit more powerful, but a bit of overkill in my mind. The factory stereo really cranks out the music. The standard stereo does come with 6 speakers throughout the vehicle.
Seats are comfortable, however they are not very soft. They have a rugged type of cloth finish on them, and are not as plush as some vehicles. The rear seats fold down with ease, to allow for extra storage and hauling.
The Xterra is alot higher off the ground than most SUV's, and it has its pros and cons to go with it. Very nice for high snowfalls, you don't have to worry as much about snow hitting the underside of the vehicle. It does make it a bit harder for older passengers, and pets (dogs in particular) to gain access to the vehicle.
All in all we are very happy with our choice in this vehicle. It have a nice ride, and feels very sturdy.
If you are looking for a vehicle that is a little more plush check out my review of the 2003 Nissan Pathfinder at
http://www.epinions.com/content_110293323396 
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