December 5. 2007 Page B6 ® e v ie w News and reviews on new motor vehicles R P o rtla n d O b se rv e r A u to 2008 Nissan Xterra 0R-V6 4X4 Prove Nothing. Accomplish Everything. BY K M i n u s C arr Nissan's truck-based Xterra is geared toward the young and/or active buyer — or those who want to appear that way. The midsize Nissan Xterra is a lough guy SUV, with a rugged design and solid off­ road abilities. Il leaves the more comfortable car-based SUVs for "softies." The game plan for the Xterra never has been to make it softer to grab more buyers. It's no car-based SUV or crossover ve­ hicle. but a genuine truck for rough use and rugged off-road driving. The Xterra has a decent amount of standard equipment, despite its go-any where nature. Even the base trim level has airconditioning, atilt wheel, an AM/FM/CD player, a rear wiper and a full-size spare tire. There's also anti-lock brakes and an anti-skid system. The Xterra OR included such items as: a leather-wrapped steer­ ing wheel with audio controls, an upscale audio system and tubular side steps. Additional options also included side-curtain airbags, sat­ ellite radio andatow kit. Forget frills such as leather upholstery or a sunroof because Nissan feels that such items would be out of place for the Xterra. Nissan's 4.0-liter V-6 develops 261 horsepower and 281 pounds- feet of torque. The engine teams with either a crisp-shifting live- speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Available part- time four-wheel drive includes; Au­ tomatic, 4-High and 4-Low modes. The Xterra has a double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid axle in back. But there’s no stinting on perfor­ mance: The Xterra has a sophisti­ cated engine with plenty of torque. The engine sounds gruff during hard acceleration but propels the Xterra to 60m ph in 7.3 seconds and allows quick merging, safe high­ way passing and easy high-speed cruising. The quick steering is rather heavy, and a wide turning circle doesn't help close-quarters maneu­ verability. Handling is good if the Xterra isn't driven too hard, and the brakes provide short stops. Al­ though improved, the ride is pre­ dictably truck-like despite the longer wheelbase and gets choppy over some roads. Standard all-disc antilock brakes have electronic brake-force distri­ bution and brake assist. Seat- mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are optional. An electronic stability system is also optional. The Xterra hasn't been crash- tested by our preferred source but has earned four out of five stars in the government's frontal crash test. It carries a three-star rollover rat­ ing, which is as poor as you'll find among SUVs. But there's good room for four tall adults in the utility-oriented interior. Gauges can be quickly read, and controls are easy to reach and use. The rear seats elevated to Specifications: 4.0-Liter 261-hp @ 281 Ib-ft. torque V6 Engine: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission: give rear occupants a better view of 14-City 20-Highway MPG; $30,590. MSRP surroundings. Nissan knows all about the im ­ in N issa n 's lin e u p . R unning sort of a sports locker on wheels, cessories or gear. with such items as cubbies, nets Straight out of the box, the Nissan p a c t o f d a rin g sty lin g . T he boards are optional. All 4W D models have mud­ and a roof-mounted storage com ­ X terra w ill be the W eekend X terra's styling is an evolution of the original’s, introduced in 2000, guards. and the highest, SE, trim partment for wet, dirty clothes. Rear Athlete’s best bud. The X terra is an honest ve­ and is defined by its standard level adds bodyside moldings. side bumper steps allow easier ac­ tubular roof rack and stepped Wheel sizes are limited to 16 or 17 cess to that compartment. There hicle because it doesn't pretend roofline. The roof rack features a inches in diameter. New paint col­ also are such outdoor-oriented fea­ to be som ething it's not. That's latchable box for gear. Between ors for 2(X)8 include Red Alert and tures as 10 cargo area utility hooks com forting when its driver con­ and an adjustable channel system fronts challenging conditions; the large hood and the integrated Sandstone. Extreme active lifestyle people in the cargo floor that makes it easier while dem anding more to meet an front bumper is agrilie with angled bars that's sim ilar to other SUVs single out the Xterra because it's to secure bike racks and other ac­ active lifestyle. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BUSINESS d ir e c t o r y Car insurance with PERSONAL SERVICE. Charles McCleoud No extra charge. CEO At State Farm you get a competitive rate and an agent dedicated to helping you get the coverage that’s right lor you and the discounts you deserve. 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