Value

Everybody gets the V6 beast.
And that news is what's most exciting about the 2005 Nissan Xterra, as it is certainly not a dull vehicle. Attach that 4.0-liter, V6 powertrain to a beach chair and it would still hold some value, such is the upgrade over the previous Xterra and the power difference it holds over most of its competition. In fact, though its size and weight remain competitive with vehicles such as the Jeep Liberty, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Equinox, the Xterra offers more power and better off-road capability. The 4.0-liter V6 almost puts the Xterra in a new class of SUV - somewhere above traditional smaller utilities and below the bigger mammas of the group, like the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Consider, in fact, that the engine in the Dodge Durango SLT is a 3.7-liter V6 that makes around 210 horsepower. Gas mileage is a concern, as the Xterra ranges from a high of 17 city and 22 highway to a low of 16/21, depending on what type of transmission you choose. Of course, those are EPA numbers, so expect real-world gas mileage to be less, especially with a more powerful engine to rev and a very capable off-road system.

For 2005, three models are offered: the base S, the Off-Road, and the SE. The Xterra S 2WD is priced at $20,800 with the six-speed manual transmission, and $21,600 for the five-speed automatic transmission. With 4WD, the S is priced at $22,900 for the manual tranny and $23,700 for the automatic. The S comes standard with 16-inch wheels, cloth interior materials, and a CD player. Many of the Xterra's new improvements for 2005 are included in the S, such as the engine and the interior upgrades, except for the fold-flat front seat and, more importantly, Nissan's stability control system called Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Both are available as options. Factory-installed options for the Xterra S include a $900 Power Package, which includes power windows, power door locks, outside power mirrors, cruise control, a vehicle security system and remote keyless entry. Other option packages include a series of side-impact airbag packages and a Utility Package ($650) that includes VDC and the fold-flat front seat.

The SE, meanwhile, will sell for $25,300 in 2WD format and up to $26,700 for the 4WD version. Standard equipment on the Xterra SE includes an automatic transmission, VDC, 17-inch wheels, power interior controls and the 380-watt Rockford Fosgate Audio system. Side-impact airbags are also standard, and unlike the S, optional side-curtain airbags can be added to the SE.

Xterra Off-Road models add the off-road mechanical package of Vehicle Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, an electronic locking rear differential, high performance Bilstein shocks, and VDC. Exterior changes for the Xterra Off Road include standard skid plates and an "off-road" badge. The Off-Road model also gets a unique blue cloth for the interior. Strange as it seems, there is a 2WD Off-Road model available - for those who want the look but not the insurance payment - which has a sticker price of $23,200 for the manual transmission and $24,200 for the automatic. The real thing, the Off-Road 4WD model, is priced at $25,500 and $26,700.

A little math shows that an S model, with the Utility Package and the Power Package, costs about $1,500 less than the SE - though the SE has larger wheels and a better sound system. Clearly, the S - with option packages - is a good value, as it comes with the Xterra's most significant innovations and improvements. The SE model is also a good value with its available side-curtain airbags, and all buyers should consider stability control as a must-have because it greatly enhances on-road safety. Against the competition, the 2005 Nissan Xterra simply stands up tall. It provides value in that it is an aggressively priced SUV with more power and off-road capability than similar SUVs - and one that now drives nicely on pavement. However, it does make a strong statement with its design, and some people appreciate a more quiet and polite vehicle.