Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Nissan Xterra

We’ve been so busy around here lately we’ve neglected our favorite no-prize-attached award, the Reader Review of the Week. This week we found an interesting report from EA in Anaheim, Calif., about a new 2007 Nissan Xterra. While it may not be the newest design on the block, it’s one of those vehicles from whose owners we’re constantly hearing loyal expressions of love. It seems like EA is a new one of those.

“I had driven a fab little Geo Tracker, plain-Jane four-cylinder, stick, 4X4 for 10 years and wanted to go bigger to tow a camping trailer. I am an avid offroad driver, desert adventurer and rock hound, so true 4X4 is necessary. I considered the other four similarly equipped competitors all competent offroad vehicles. I decided on the Xterra because there are no blind spots, a little extra cargo length, easy operation of things like door handles, seat movement, a level cargo deck and excellent agility.

I have had it on long freeway trips and, yes, it rides like a truck: Hello, it is a truck! And a comfortable one. I have put maybe 300 various offroad rocky, steep and sandy miles on it, and it performs exactly like I want it to. I like the auto tranny — didn’t expect to, as I have had stick all my driving life (40-plus years). She has maybe only 2,500 miles since mid-February, but I see no reason why time would diminish my enjoyment.

It is easy to pack, unpack, load rocks into and doesn’t notice the extra weight. I have no complaints and will recommend it to anyone AS LONG AS THEY REALLY NEED A 4X4. I see no point in city slickers having a vehicle that is more than they need — one woman’s opinion.

The thing I love best about my X is the attitude. It makes me happy to be behind the wheel. All the extras are good — sound system, electric door locks, windows, cruise, steering-wheel control buttons. It is fun to get there, easy on the highway and fun when I am there!

One note: So far my gas has averaged 17-plus, no higher, but then I may push over the optimum, which may be 55 mph? Don’t know, but she likes to go at competitive highway speeds, which may not be optimum.”