2002 Nissan X-Terra SE 4X4 review from North America

Check engine light would come on because gas cap wasn't fully seated (clicked). Cost $0.00.

Dealer serviced for recall of axle seal and EGR sensor before problem. Cost $0.00.

Faulty rear defrost switch back ordered and replaced under warranty. Cost $0.00.

Driver side rear shock broke off mounting eye on bottom of shock. (Out of Warranty) Replaced with Rancho's on rear with good results. I took the broken one to the dealer and the parts manager (finally) said he would help with the cost of new front shocks when I was ready and he would show the Nissan engineers. I really hope that this (rare) issue is addressed because if it had rotated it would have struck the rear brake lines.

Fuel mileage has remained at around 15MPG. I have replaced air filter with a K&N without much improvement. I will try a different exhaust next. We bought the truck to make sure we got to work since we both are in the medical field and it has performed this task without fail. I offset the fuel cost with a motorcycle and a 4cyl car for the summer.

The front seats could use some more adjustability. They are fine for my wife 5'2" but they don't support me 5'11" or my thighs and put too much pressure on my backside on long trips resulting in a lot of squirming and a sore back.

The paint (silver ice) chips easily on the front lip of the hood.

The neat basket that sits above the cab is useless with a sunroof due to lack of clearance as is the interior sunroof cover. Both have sat in garage since new.

There needs to be an access hatch in the front skidplate. 7 screws to access the oil filter?

Tore off the plastic front lower bumper cover during some light 4 wheeling. $34 for plastic trim tabs to re-attach it.

Tires need replacing at 45000 but worked great in all weather conditions when many others got to see the ditch.

Poor corrosion control. Many milled surfaces left bare, suspension coatings easily chipped, under hood hardware doesn't like salt.

This truck has towed quite a bit from 2 yards of moist topsoil to a 16' aluminum boat full of camping gear, drinks, fuel, and firewood 6hrs each way. It tows well and doesn't appear to use much more gas 13-14MPG.

The sound system Rocks!

After having old jeep 4x4's the transfer case is what I'm used to. Clunky, but with positive engagement.

The engine has plenty of torque down low for towing and around town stuff, but it could use a bigger engine for pulling up hills at freeway speeds.

The handling is very good for a high profile vehicle.

We have actually used the First aid kit!

The dogs love it and the hair cleans up easily.

The best factory headlights I've seen, but you may need to adjust the driver's side down slightly to keep from getting flashed. Use the torx screwdriver in the rear tool kit.

Get the rubber floor mats trust me on this one.

With the step rails you can wash the whole roof without touching the ground. Also handy for launching a boat.

Rescued a stuck 2wd Jeep Grand Cherokee from a wet field entrance that was nearly level. Still haven't figured that one out.

The limited slip rear end makes cool power slides on wet pavement.

12volt plug ins for a cooler, inverter, TV/DVD combo, and cell phone for those boring road trips.

If you want a 4 wheel drive SUV that gets average mileage and is able to haul a bunch of stuff at the same time with relative comfort and safety this could be the vehicle for you.

Xterra owners club, aftermarket parts, great dealership experiences.