2005 Nissan Xterra Production Begins

Nissan North America, Inc. reported that the first 2005 Nissan Xterra has rolled off the assembly line, the latest in a series of three truck-based Nissan products that have been significantly redesigned for the 2005 model year. "Our company's product revival began with our 1999 launch of this innovative SUV," stated Dan Gaudette, senior VP of North American Manufacturing and Quality Assurance for Nissan North America, Inc. "With this second generation, we've added more power, room and utility, something our consumers have said they wanted. Nissan Xterra customers - be they on-road or off-road enthusiasts - will not be disappointed in the evolution of this product."

Company spokesmen revealed the 2005 Xterra SUV will be offered in both 4WD and 2WD options and an optional enhanced off-road system. The vehicle is built on Nissan's new "F-Alpha" platform, a modified platform design used in the Titan pick-up truck and Frontier midsize trucks, the Nissan Armada and the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicles.

With enhanced ground clearance, the 2005 Xterra comes in a fully boxed, all-steel clad ladder frame, a steel double-wishbone front suspension that includes a stabilizer bar and rigid leaf spring rear suspension. Features of the interior include more room in front and rear seating areas with added head room. It also has a cargo box system that is similar to the Nissan Titan and Nissan Frontier trucks, which is an adjustable channel Utili-track System making it easier to secure bike racks, gear and other accessories. The prominent over-sized bars of the Nissa Xterra roof rack have been included in this year's redesign as well.

Under the hood of the 2005 Nissan Xterra runs is a 4.0 liter DOHC V6 engine, rated at 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft torque. The engine is standard in all three models offered; the S, Off-road and SE. The 2005 Xterra's powertrain features a longer stroke specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications. The powertrain is based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series, which is also in the Nissan Maxima, Nissan 350Z and Altima sedans, and the Nissan Murano crossover vehicle.

Nissan is reported to have invested more than $4.2 billion in its three U.S. manufacturing facilities, which assemble the Xterra, Maxima, Altima, Frontier pickup truck, Pathfinder SUV, Nissan Quest minivan, Armada full-size SUV, Nissan Titan truck and the Infiniti QX56 luxury SUV.