I mentioned it a few times above, here's the future of the Xterra starting in 2005. All vehicles will be required to have side impact airbags soon; too many SUV's t-boning cars and killing car drivers. The rule is expected to be issued by 2005.
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Bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, the second-generation Xterra is looking to bolster its image as a rugged no-nonsense SUV. (It used to be the good, inexpensive SUV. Expect price increases.)

It maintains body-on-frame construction but it now rides on a modified version of the F-Alpha platform found underneath the full-size Titan truck and Armada SUV. Although the overall length is nearly identical to the previous model, the wheelbase is up by two inches for more interior room and a less choppy ride. It's also 2.5 inches wider and nearly two inches taller than its predecessor making it one of the larger SUVs in the compact class. (The XTerra received the lowest rating issued for SUV's in rollover tests; 2 stars. By making it taller, they also had to make it wider to keep it stable)

While the previous model was plagued by a lack of power, the 2005 Xterra gets a major boost of power in the way of a 4.0-liter V6 that will produce more than 250 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions will be offered: a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual.

Four-wheel-drive versions will use a multimode transfer case that offers 2Hi/Auto/4Hi/4Lo modes for maximum flexibility in varying conditions.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard while an electronic stability control system is offered as an option. Interior space is up thanks to the stretched exterior dimensions. Nissan claims that front seat leg- and headroom are up by nearly an inch while rear-seat passengers enjoy over 3.5 inches of additional legroom and more than two inches of extra headroom (due to lower rear seats?).

New interior features include adjustable tie-down hooks in the cargo area, increased storage up front and an optional 300-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. Safety conscious buyers will be happy to note than in addition to the optional stability control system, the Xterra also offers optional front-seat side-impact airbags as well as side curtain airbags that protect both rows of seats.

No pricing information is available yet.
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Engine Specific Info
The engine is a new variation on Nissan's VQ engine family. The VQ series makes use of variable valve timing, variable intake control, electronic throttle and an aluminum block and heads.

The 4.0-liter, double-overhead-camshaft V-6 will be rated at more than 260 hp and more than 280 pounds-feet of torque, Nissan said, but specifications won't be set production begins.

A 3.5-liter version of the VQ, which Nissan builds both in Decherd and Japan, is used in the Altima and Maxima sedans, Murano sport wagon, Quest minivan, 350Z roadster, Infiniti G35 sedan and coupe and Infiniti FX35 sport wagon.

I agree about the front skid plates, but the skid plates under the middle of the car (the important ones) were actually somewhat tolerable. The transfer case/ tranny were reasonably well protected as was the gas tank.

The front end, Well I have never really ever seen a skid plate on the front end of a vehicle that wasnt all for show anyway. I dont count those as skid plates anyway .

Well as for the liberty, I noticed as well I didnt much like the suspension system, but I didnt get as good a look as I did at the xterra.

Been too long to ressurect this post, but I thought I would try to clear up what I said.

Wayne, here's what you do.

Realizing that Australia has now not only signed a new free trade agreement with the United States, you note that Australia has now also signed a new free trade agreement with Thailand.

In anticipation that you will soon be running your own Isuzu private-import company, you source a brand-spanking new left-hand-drive D-MAX diesel pick up from your supply partner in Thailand, send it 'tariff-free' to your Australian holding company (that adds the seat covers and floor mates, ARB suspension and lockers...therefore satisfying the 'Made in Australia' content to the vehicle), and have it delivered from Australia 'tariff-free' to your business address in the United States.

Since it is the demo model required to promote and sell further imported models in the future, you write it off on tax and live happily everafter.

Will the wife buy into that?

--Bighorn--

Here's a professional car reviewer. He mentions the same problem I did earlier--if he writes anything negative, he is harrassed when he turns in his next car, and it's hard to get another one to review from the company. He switched tactics....by renting. Good idea.

http://slate.msn.com/id/2103009/

I'm closing the loop. This is the post I made when test driving vehicles and convincing the wife the Isuzu really was the best deal out there at the time. And mine lasted for 13 years. Of course, I commute to work on a motorcycle a lot, and I deploy overseas every now and then, but still. I also banged up the Rodeo offroading in the Grand Canyon park the first month I had it, took it airborn "Dukes of Hazzard" style, and more. The just sucked up abuse. A great, truck-based body vehicle at a fair price.

But she couldn't handle a blown oil seal. 1400 miles with little-to-no oil will destroy any engine. I found a new engine with 90k-ish miles on it, but then the electrical problems surfaced. If I only had an oil gauge on the dash.

The end to my Rodeo is listed here: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=119857
It even features a PDF of this post, that I found with embedded pictures still working.
Also, the black trim on a gray interior (what I purchased) looked much nicer that Isuzu's promotional pictures of black on brown.

Hopefully I'll get her sold soon. I live in AZ and she's dead at a mechanics in Fort Worth, Texas. As soon as he buttons her up, I'll put her on the block.

I was here from the both of this (and prior) boards to today. Isuzu people are good people. I'll save the bookmark and check in every now and then.