2002 Nissan X-Terra XE from North America - Comments

I have had a rattle pinging noise coming out of the front end. I took it to the dealership and they said they tightened everything up and the noise seemed to go away. That was over 4,000 miles ago, and the noise has not come back. Overall, I think the Xterra is a great deal. When you compare it to other vehicles, and what you get for your money, it's an even better deal. I have had many Nissan's over the years, and none of them have let me down. Passengers in the back love the stadium style seating, the ride is firm yet comfortable (as opposed to that cushy motion sick ride of American vehicles). However, this is an agressive SUV, built on a Truck Frame. So, if you are looking for a Cadillac type ride, this is not the SUV. It's Heavy Duty, and feels like it.

I compared it to the Jeep Liberty extensively. True, the Liberty can handle the Rubicon Trail better than the Xterra, but I don't go there. There is far more storage than the Liberty, the back seats fold flat (easily), the seat pan is build for an adult (not a child), and above all, it looks better! The standard 6cyl is a little sluggish, but I have no problems with it. It runs consistent, and I haven't had any engine troubles. I average about 16mi/gal city.

How can the Jeep Liberty handle off-road conditions better than the Xterra when it too has IFS? Only the Wrangler can best the Xterra when it comes to rock crawling.

Because it's a Jeep, that's why it can handle off road. If it couldn't, it wouldn't be called a Jeep. Trust me, I have a Liberty. Almost bought the X-Terra SE-SC. Then I drove it and found out what a slug it is. It has a very weak engine for a 210HP SUPERCHARGED. The Liberty goes much faster and can take on many at stop lights.

I truly disagree that the X-Terra SE-SC is a dog. I own one and have surprised several vehicles (with my sheer power) trying to out run it. It might be slower then a sports car with a 210 supercharged engine but consider the weight difference. I mean come on it's over 4000 pounds. I one considered getting a Liberty but on passenger comfort alone it beats the Liberty. Not to mention how much better the X-Terra looks and rides. Due to the gear ratio my supercharged X-Terra could beat a Trans Am off the line (although it would not stay ahead very long).

Sorry, I have an exterra and it's a turd. Its not made for speed by any means so yours will definitely not beat a trans am off the line. anyone know if you can get after market super chargers for the non supercharged 6 cylinder in the 2003 exterra.??

I own an '02 Xterra and even though it won't out run other suv's, it'll outlast the competition due to superior quality. The engine has enough pull for my purposes and it does look great. The Jeep Liberty looks 'cute' while the Xterra looks 'tough'.

Hello, I own an 02 Exterra with a S/C also. I have enjoyed its power in the past. There is a problem with mine though... It seems the engine computer periodically confuses the noise frequency emitted from the valve train and/or the supercharger as engine knock, pre-ignition, or pinging. Once this condition is detected by the knock sensor, the discussion is made to dump the supercharger into bypass mode, leaving you with only 175Hp to attempt entering traffic. This destroys your ability to pass or merge with confidence.

Have your readers ever experienced this for themselves?

What was the correction they discovered?

The supercharged engine requires premium grade fuel. If you are running regular, or if your are mixing fuel grades, the computer will tune the engine down to prevent engine knock and you will greatly lose engine performance. To experience the full performance of this engine you will nee to always run premium fuel. If you are running premium fuel all the time then there is a much more serious problem and you will need to have this checked out.

I own a 2003 supercharged Frontier 4x4, and it's extremely underpowered for a supercharged engine. Considering the supercharger only adds 40 extra HP compared to the stock 6cyl engine, it's a joke.

I've had more mechanical problems with this vehicle than I can list here. I've got just over 100K and have had to have the ECM replaced, the power steering pump replaced, the supercharger replaced, the transmission replaced, and those are just the major things.

Given another opportunity, I would NEVER buy another Nissan if my life depended on it.

Some people are very quick to judge an automaker just because they have received a lemon. If you have purchased a couple of lemons, from the same automaker, then you have reason to move on. One lemon should not make your decision so easy. The choice is obviously yours, but give it another try before making a lemon the end of a possible better experience with Nissan.