Nissan Xterra boasts rugged, distinctive styling. It doesn't look like a girly girl SUV, though that doesn't mean women won't find it appealing. Men and women find it appealing. Its front end received a major facelift last year (2002), including round headlights (in place of square square ones), a new front fascia that gives it a more muscular look, and a raised hood with a power bulge.The rugged aura is carried through with a thick tubular aluminum roof rack terminating in a black airfoil. Step rails match the roof rack, and stout fender flares frame handsome alloy wheels. The beefy grille and front bumper house big radiator vents and recessed halogen fog lights. Vertical handles on the trailing edge of the rear doors add to Xterra's functional appearance, though functionally they're not the best. The two-tiered roof and a tall, square back add to the rugged, utilitarian look. A bulge in the tailgate contains a first aid kit. Crawl underneath, and you'll find skid plates under the engine and fuel tank. The tall, flat rear bumper has a gripped surface and would make a perfect step for reaching the roof rack, but it's difficult to get up on it, because there is no grab handle. (If you're tall enough, you can hang on to the rear corner of the roof rack from the side of the vehicle and swing yourself up, but only rock climbers will enjoy doing it that way.) Considering the Xterra's hype about function, this is small but significant oversight. Nissan says the Pathfinder is similar, and nobody ever complained. Maybe not, but Pathfinder owners carry groceries more often than kayaks. In the same vein, the optional removable plastic gear basket at the front of the rack is an excellent idea (think of sloppy ski or hiking boots), but you'll need to order the accessory net to cover it. New for 2003 are a pair of 12-volt power outlets inside the engine compartment, and a heavy-duty alternator to keep them powered.
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