The 2005 Nissan Xterra has been honored as our first project vehicle here at adventuracompany.com. On paper the truck (it is a truck with an SUV top) offers exciting features you might expect to see on vehicles costing 3 times as much. On paper isn't good enough for the Adventura Company, so we are taking it out to the proving grounds of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

  Our 'test vehicle' was purchased used with just under 13k miles on it and we put another 2 thousand miles onto the Xterra preparing our review. Having a slightly used subject will ideally give us a better better snapshot of the build quality of the Xterra. Any loose fittings or squeeks aren't likely to be noticed on a brand new lot vehicle and we are hoping a few thousand miles will expose any problems to us.

  Let's go over some specs and options for our Xterra...

Quick Stats:

Meet the '05 Xterra:

  Navigating traffic jams without giving up off road trail capability requires a versatile machine.  The adventura Company has had its Nissan Xterra for close to two months now and it is high time for our review. The extra 'butt in the seat time' (compared to a half day test drive) with our Xterra really helped us get an accurate feel for the vehicle. Thus far we are finding that we have our hands on a versatile machine indeed.

   The 2005 Xterra received a major design overhaul to address complaints about the successful line of SUV trucks in previous model years. Chief among these complaints was engine power. Nissan didn't fool around here and adopted is famous VQ series engines into the Xterra. This new engine offers an ample 265 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque to move the truck along. The extra power is put to use right away on the larger and heavier second generation Xterra. The extra interior space is nice but doesn't account for all of the vehicle weight.  The weight gain comes from the brand new frame at the base of the Xterra. This frame is a fully boxed rigid frame descended directly from the full-size Nissan Titan.

  Other improved areas can be found through out the redesigned vehicle; including the improved independent front suspension and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). Considering that a SUV is statistically 3 times more likely than a car to roll, the VDC system is a very welcome safety feature.

   I want to pause right here and emphasize the ability of Nissan's VDC. In a cross country trip to bring our just purchased Xterra back home to Colorado an antelope ran in front of me. In the moment it took me to swerve around that animal at 80 mph I was converted into a believer. My old Tacoma sporting a minor lift never could have pulled off a turn like that without a severe risk of a rollover.

   The new interior is easy on the eyes but not luxurious by any means. Functional, nice, and fairly conservative seems to be the best description. My advice is to look at one in person to get a feel for it. Tastes in interior designs for cars is so personal and I don't want to give any false impressions. I will say that the plastic takes minor scratches a bit easier than I would like but look decent enough. I have had several people comment to me about the material that covers the seats and would say that Nissan nailed that.

   A major interior feature that prompted us to select the Xterra as our Adventura Company project vehicle is the flat folding rear seats. I have already used the cargo spaces with seats folded flat several times in my short months with the Xterra. They allow more cargo flexibility and camping options - yes I have slept in the back already with plenty of room for my wife and I. Surprisingly this feature is not as standard as it should be in this vehicle segment.

Audio

   This particular Xterra touts the optional upgrade Rockford Fosgate sound system. Featuring an in Dash AM/FM tuner, 6 CD/MP3 player, and 9 speakers including the 8 inch powered subwoofer under the driver's seat. Audio enthusiasts have pointed out weakness in the clarity of the system. The fact of the matter is that you will have to search hard to find a better sounding sound system in an SUV direct from the factory. Along with a audio system that can get very loud, Xterras with this option have steering wheel controls on the left side of the steering wheel. These are nice buttons for those of us too lazy to reach for the stereo panel and offer greater driving safety.

Off Road Specific Options

The Off Road trim package offerings are really what drew us to the Xterra in the first place. Off Road Xterras with an automatic transmission sport Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Descent Control. Those that opt for a manual will find a clutch start/cancel button rather than Hill Start Assist. All Off Road outfitted Xterra's receive an upgraded seat material, skid plates on the under body, improved Bilstein shocks, larger 31.7 inch tires, and of course the rear electronic locking differential.

Performance:

  Part of the appeal of something like an Xterra is its diverse ability. Road driving is where most of these trucks will log their hours, but when it is time for an expedition you need the off road abilities available at all times.

On the Road In Comfort

  The Xterra handles itslef quite well on the open road and in traffic. There is more power than you will need in most circumstances availble at the pedals, allowing quick passes and a strong ability to pull into traffic. We have had no complaints about the transmission. It shifts smoothly and quitely across the power band and across the speedometer. I have never personally owned an automatic but I am finding myself being won over by this transmission. Even still, I often find myself manually changing gears with the handy shift lever. It makes me feel more powerful and in control to do this even though the computer would probably do a better job than I.

   As noted, the suspension system has seen some changes for 05 Xterra and it performs admirably for its class on the road. Cornering is solid for an upright SUV. Some people might even call the Xterra a smooth ride, provided the comparison isn't to a car. Although we did not run any slalom times there are other publications who have and found the Xterra to be as nimble and quick as most high priced luxury SUVs such as the VW Touareg. Cruising speed on the freeway feels great. A redesigned roof rack has reduced wind noise significantly over last generation Xterras. Our particular vehicle has developed a small squeek coming from one of our brake pads that can be heard at higher speeds. A brake pad service will hopefully fix this.

   Other notables we found are in the steering wheel mounted cruise control system and visiblity. The large unattractive looking buttons actually function quite well and get a nod of approval. We also found visibility to be good in comparison to other vehicles in the Xterra's class. Drivers getting a safer and more pleasant viewing experience is often overlooked but can be an important factor.

Off the Road In...Comfort

  We all know that off road ability counts for more than on road around these parts. As mentioned before the Xterra has great stuff on paper, and now we are putting those things to the test.