2001 Nissan X-Terra SE review from North America

Shifter got 'stuck' in park... Fixed by pulling like heck on it.. never had it stick again. (???)

Check engine light came on 2nd day I had it, filled gas tank with new fuel and its never come on again. (truck sat on a dealer lot for a few months with very little fuel in it)

Brake light came on recently, topped up brake fluid and it's off now. (Not leaking, truck just needs rear brakes soon)

Drivers door pins wearing out, door sags a bit when open and 'clunks' when closing. Typical Nissan truck thing, weak hinge/pin design that is/has been a problem caried over from the 'hardbody' trucks (pathfinders, reg and king cab trucks)

Built on a truck frame, therefore rides like a truck for the most part. A little better than the old pathys/pick ups, but still a little rough sometimes and the body rolls/bounces around somewhat.

I notice a lot of people complain about the 'sluggish' acceleration, lack of power, and 'bad' mileage, but I'm OK with it. My previous vehicle was a 91 GMC 1 tonne dually, 4x4, with a 454 V8 and although it had SLIGHTLY better acceleration (and yes, insane towing/hauling capabilites) it was awefull on fuel. The Exterra is easily TWICE as good on fuel, and will handle 99% of my daily needs/uses. I don't really need/want gobs of power in my daily driver anyway, as my 'other' car is an 85 mazda RX7 with a V8 conversion... (the only time I feel the Exterra is 'dog slow' is when I drive it immediatly after driving my car) Most of my driving is short trips/in town, so really, no mater what I drive, it won't be great on fuel anyway.

The interior is a little drab/utilitarian, but I don't mind it.. It's well thought out, has THREE 12v outlets, lots of spaces, pockets, etc to put things, and the roof rack/basket system is actually VERY usefull! EX; My girlfriend and I went camping recently, and took her 17 y/o brother and his friend; We piled ALL our gear/food in the rear of the truck up to the roof, and tents/bags/gear on the roof racks about 2 feet tall... and the truck drove the same as when it was empty!

Factory cd player/speakers are not too bad (this is the first original stereo I've ever found to be decent enough to actually leave in, instead of replacing with aftermarket!) although I've added a 'base box' in the back for a little more low end and kick drum sound.

I have owned lots of Nissans over the years, and if my old 93 king cab 4x4 is any indication, (370km, box rotting off, frame cracked, still started and ran and worked perfect!) I think the Extera will be a good long lasting 4wd. I've 'played' a bit in the mud with the Exterra, and it seams to be a very sure footed truck with a nice tight turning radius. Apears to have decent ground clearance, and very good angles of approach front and rear (short bumper overhang) although I'm not a hardcore off road guy, sometimes... things happen. :)