Versatile, fast, good looking SUV

My model is a 2006 Nissan Xterra 4x4 S with all options.

Describe your experience using this product:

I've had this SUV now for a little over 3,000 miles. One 1,200 mile road trip was totally fine. I love this SUV overall! I purchased it because of it's exceptional value. I had 3 basic criteria for my next SUV:

1. It had to be a performance SUV: This SUV offers one of the highest HP/speed for the buck. It's 265hp V6 gets it going to 60 in about 7.5 seconds with a 5 speed automatic 4x4 - not bad. It definitely gets you out of the way in traffic. Also, it still gets 22-24mpg highway and 17 mixed city highway. I'm also the first to say, I drive "spirited" and don't putter around - hurts the mileage. That's nice, some other V8 makes I drove were just as fast, but got awful mileage. It also steers quickly and has outstanding brakes.

2. It had to be reliable/safe. My previous SUV was a Jeep Grand Cherokee; it was unreliable. I didn't want something I had to service all the time and worry about it breaking down. Nissan has an above average reliability rating according to leading consumer publications. Plus, mechanically with the VQ engine, a 10 best engine every year since it was invented, I felt confident. The Xterra is also simple in terms of features, no digital climate control, no silly automatic 4 wheel drive, nothing extra to break. The crash tests have been good on this SUV, 4 and 5 stars.

3. It had to look good. There are a few other SUVs out there that met the first two criteria, but look...like cars. I wasn't interested in a car based SUV. I have a roadster for a second car, no need for 2 cars. Plus, I like the concept of body on frame construction. I think it yields a more solid chassis with less 'squiggle'. The Xterra feels solid, actually very solid to drive.

Why did you buy this product?

Besides the facts above: I negotiated a very good price on this SUV (~$4,000 under sticker and got a good trade on my used Jeep). Right price, right time = sold. I test drove a number of used SUVs and was not happy with the quality, they looked abused, so I needed new that was the price I wanted to pay. The other New SUVs I drove were car chassis and/or I was unimpressed. The two strongest other ones I looked at were the Toyota 4Runner (just too expensive new and a rather dud to drive), and the Honda Pilot (just too much like a big minivan and too much front wheel drive car action for me). Frankly, the Xterra is a blast to drive and that sold me. I didn't look at the Pathfinder because it's too long and I don't care for the backend styling.

What do you love about this product?

It drives like a sports car for a SUV - except it's 6 foot 5 inches tall - so don't try and corner or do donuts in it. The plastic in back is great, I put my mountain bike inside on a regular basis. That always was a bad experience in the Jeep. It would get caught on the carpet and snag/rip. In the Xterra it slides right in and is easy to wipe out. It has these goofy storage containers everywhere. Roof, back end, dash - everything hides away. The driver seat has about 7 manual adjustments and is very comfortable for me. The passenger seats all fold flat. The heating controls are easy to use. The gauges are clear. The headlights are excellent.

What do you hate?

While the interior is very well built, it is big on hard plastic. It looks very 'utility', like a plastic tool box. That's really OK considering that's what I use my SUV for. The base radio isn't very impressive. Once again, it works well - but it's basic and is going to be replaced - another bonus - you CAN replace the radio in this car yet - it's a standard double din - not one of those made in the dash styles. When I first got this SUV and on the test drive it rode ROUGH. But, I'm happy to report after 3k of spirited driving some of the roughness has worn out. The shocks and bushings must have broken in some. Because the steering is precise - it is somewhat of a chore to keep the SUV going straight down the road. It requires some correction as you drive. Typical with tight rack and pinion type steering. Some people say the back doors openings are small. I agree, it's hard to get out. But, I don't sit in back and rarely have more than one passenger. So, if you have lots of people in and out - consider that before you buy.

Other than that, I'm very satisfied, it's quiet, fast, comfortable, good safety ratings, and I look forward to driving it each day.

Update Oct. 28, 2008 - 2+ years later and 22k miles.
The Xterra is still hanging in there.  No mechanical issues or reliability problems.  The only warranty issue I've had was a Hood Squeak that is common on these.  They made some 5 min adjustment and no more noise.
I found that the sensitivity on the highway was due to the OEM BF Goodrich Long Trail tires.  I replaced them at 19,000 and it was a totally different SUV.  I put on Bridgestone REVO all-terrain tires and am impressed.  It makes the steering firmer and takes out the majority of the odd highway behavior.  I highly recommend this change for any Xterra owner!  It will ride firmer over small bumps, but larger ones get absorbed better.  About the same noise level and no impact to fuel mileage.
I did replace the radio about a year ago with a DVD Nav system from Pioneer (AVIC-D3).  It was easy and I'm happy to report the stock speakers are not the issue, it was the radio.  The sound quality is much improved.
The interior has held up well.  The plastic does scratch somewhat easy.  I've put more than few nicks in the dash, back cargo area, etc.  The carpet and seat material is durable and nothing has ripped.  I am starting to get a few minor rattles from various areas.
I haven't crashed it - so I can't talk to the safety!   Good.