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2003 Nissan Xterra Press Kit

2003 Nissan Xterra Press Kit: Overview

When Xterra debuted as a 2000 model, it rewrote the book on compact sport utility vehicles, with its "everything you need, nothing you don't" approach offering an all thrills, no frills alternative to the traditional vehicles in class. In 2002, Xterra added a supercharged version of its powerful V6 engine and refined front end styling – raising the bar yet again against the competition. For 2003, all 3.3-liter normally aspirated V6 engine-equipped Xterra models receive an additional 10 horsepower (an increase to 180 hp) and two additional lb-ft of torque (now 202 lb-ft). In addition, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System is available on Xterra for the first time, helping keep Xterra fresh and its reputation for innovation in class firmly intact.

Also for 2003, all Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available: Canteen, Granite, Atomic Orange (limited availability) and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Other refinements include an enhanced 300-watt maximum rating for the Rockford Fosgate®-powered 8-speaker audio system with subwoofer, available tire pressure monitor system and standard Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system.

“Simply stated, Xterra just keeps getting stronger,” said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “The 2003 model is still a pure go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle, especially if there's excitement and adventure involved.”

Active Style
All 2003 Xterras feature a tough, rugged front end styling and large round headlights with a thick surrounding frame and a front fascia with the Nissan flying “V” grille and round fog lights. The raised “power bulge” hood center section clears the way for the supercharged V6 and lends a muscular, powerful look echoed by the signature Xterra front fenders with large flares. Supercharged SE models offer 17-inch wheels with off-road 265/65R17 tires, while 16-inch wheels with beefy 265/70R16 tires are available on XE and SE Xterras.

XE models feature black trim around the headlights and grille, with a silver roof rack, step rails, wheels and front lower fascia. SE models come with a dark titanium-colored finish on all exterior trim, accessories and wheels.

Active Power
Optional on the SE Model is a factory-installed supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine. This engine, shared with the Frontier S/C compact truck, produces 210 horsepower and 246 of torque. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporate and is warranted by Nissan.

Supercharged Xterras are available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive with 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Final drive ratios on supercharged Xterras are optimized to correspond with tire and engine changes.

Two other engine choices are offered again in 2003: the popular 180-horsepower (an increase of 10 horsepower) SOHC 3.3-liter V6 and a 143-horsepower DOHC 2.4-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is available in 4-cylinder and V6 models, with a 4-speed automatic transmission available on V6 models. Xterras equipped with the 4-cylinder are 2-wheel drive only, while V6 Xterras are available in 2- or 4-wheel drive.

For 2003, a heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are standard on SE and added to the Sport Package.

Xterra continues to feature a double-wishbone front suspension and dual leaf-spring rear, with stabilizer bars front and rear. Power-assisted recirculating ball type steering and 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are also standard on all models.

New Interior Features and Amenities
The Xterra interior, revised in 2002, receives a number of further enhancements for 2003. Driver's seat height and lumbar support adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on non-sunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A new Rugged Leather Package adds suede-like door fabric inserts (SE model only).

The redesigned instrument panel with three “cockpit-style” round gauges continues in 2003, along with other enhancements added last year: a new console with side map pocket, a 25-percent larger glove compartment, a map light with integrated compass (SE), pullout rear cup holders and four interior power points. The optional Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with subwoofer (8 speakers total) has been boosted to 300 watts from 210 watts in 2002.

Safety
Enhanced safety features include curtain side-impact supplemental air bags, available as a stand-alone option. Other safety features include standard dual stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and rear child seat anchors, called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).

Models and Options
The 2003 Xterra is offered in three 4x2 models – XE, XE-V6 and SE-V6, in two 4x4 models – XE-V6 and SE-V6. The Supercharged V6 is available with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive SE models.

A number of optional packages and equipment are available, including Utility, Power and Sport Packages, SE Sunroof Package, XE Audio, Dynamic Control Package and Rugged Leather Package. Also offered are the curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.


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Issued by Nissan

2003 Nissan Xterra Press Kit: At a Glance

Following last model year's addition of a supercharged V6 and refined front end styling, all 2003 3.3-liter normally aspirated V6-equipped Xterra models receive an additional 10 horsepower (an increase to 180 hp) and two additional lb-ft of torque (now 202 lb-ft) for 2003. In addition, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System is available on Xterra for the first time. All Xterra XE V6 models now come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and side step rails. Four new exterior colors are available for 2003. Highlights of the 2003 Nissan Xterra sport utility vehicle include:

Body

  • Rugged, muscular styling with angular stamped fender flares, raised roofline
  • 104.3-inch wheelbase, 178.0-inch overall length
  • Standard tubular-style roof rack with gear basket, tubular step rails (SE, available on XE)
  • All-steel body-on-frame construction, standard engine and fuel tank skid plates on all models
  • 4x4 ride height on 4x2 models
  • Four new exterior colors – Canteen, Granite, Atomic Orange (limited availability) and Camouflage (limited and late availability)

Engine and Driveline

  • Supercharged 3.3-liter SOHC V6 producing 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque
  • Available 180-horsepower (an increase of 10 hp) 3.3-liter SOHC V6 producing 202 lb-ft of torque at a low 2,800 rpm or a 143-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 154 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
  • Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
  • Choice of part-time 4-wheel drive with 2-speed transfer case or rear-wheel drive
  • Up to 5,000-lbs towing capacity
  • New heavy duty alternator

Suspension, Steering and Braking

  • Double wishbone front/dual leaf-spring rear suspension
  • Standard power-assisted recirculating ball type steering
  • Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with 265/65R17 BF Goodrich truck tires on SE with supercharged engine
  • 16-inch alloy wheels with 265/70R16 tires (standard on SE, optional on XE)
  • Available tire pressure monitoring system
  • Standard Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system
  • New available Dynamic Control Package with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System and tire pressure monitor system (4x4 only)

Interior Features

  • Three-gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster, large console with map pocket, power ports and push-out cup holders
  • 8-speaker premium AM/FM/ in-dash 6-disc CD player with steering wheel audio controls (standard on SE, optional on XE)
  • 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system (standard on XE)
  • Enhanced Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with subwoofer (8 speakers total), raising maximum wattage rating to 300 watts (from 210 watts)
  • New standard driver's seat height and lumbar support adjuster for V6 models
  • New roof headliner net (on non-sunroof models) and luggage side net, new metal ceiling tie-down clips in cargo area
  • Available Rugged Leather Package with suede-like door fabric inserts (SE model only)
  • Seating for five, with front bucket seats and stadium-style 50/50 split fold-down rear bench seat with removable bottom cushions
  • Available interior bike rack, sunroof and first aid kit
  • New dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment

Safety

  • Dual stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors
  • Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
  • ALR/ELR 3-point front passenger and rear outboard passenger seat belts
  • Pipe-style steel side-door guard beams in front and rear doors
  • LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat safety system
  • Curtain side-impact supplemental air bags available as a stand-alone option

Models and Manufacturing

  • Offered in five well-equipped models: 2-wheel drive XE 4-cylinder, XE V6 and SE V6 and 4-wheel drive XE V6 and SE V6
  • Assembled at the award-winning Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plant


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Issued by Nissan