1997 Nissan D21 Pickup XE review from North America
"A truck that will stand up to the test of time"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Electrical: Alternator failed twice at 65,000 and 101,000 miles.
Brakes: Rear wheel cylinder failed (leakage) at 97,000 miles.
General comments?
No frills pickup; it does not possess a lot of creature comforts as a regular cab- basic truck for basic use.
Poor gas mileage for a four cylinder. As a 4x4, it yields 17 MPG city and ~19MPG highway (as indicated on the sales ticker when purchased)
Very reliable. The truck has always performed where/when required and is as reliable as my Timex watch.
Engine noise: The four cylinder engine offering (only engine offered in Nissan's line of pickups for 1997), the KA24E, is not known for being quiet. Even when it was new, the timing chain will rattle & slap for about 2 seconds until oil pressure builds up. I have heard from Nissan service mechanics that this is a chracteristivc of this particular engine.
Pour on the torque!: The KA24E motor is perhaps one of the most torque-blessed motors I have ever encountered in a four cylinder. It likes to run at no more than 4500 RPM, and will accelerate sufficiently at RPMs well below this in taller gears.
Alignment lover: Even though this is a 4x4 that is as stock as the day I bought it (same wheels, suspension, etc.), the truck seems to not hold alignments after moderate road encounters. 4 alignments in seven years, and I don't even take this truck off-road.
Other: As a 4x4 XE standard cab, the running gear (i.e.: powertrain) is fairly solid. No frills, manual hubs, bench seat. Transmission is starting to wear; shift pattern is somewhat finicky.
Recommended Reviews:
  | This truck is annoyingly dependable! |
| It's a good truck, but get a good mechanic |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4 Liter (KA24E) Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 4/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 28th July, 2004 |