February 9, 2001
Nissan debuts 2002 Xterra, Frontier Crew Cab long bed
Two years after introducing the compact Xterra SUV, Nissan has unveiled a 2002 Xterra with some noteworthy changes, including revised front end styling, a supercharged V6 engine option, and a totally redesigned interior with a new audio system. As well, Nissan unveiled a Frontier pickup with a supercharged V6, the first in the compact truck class, an upgraded interior with an available 400-watt audio system (Crew Cab only), and a new Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, with the longest bed in the compact crew cab truck class.
All 2002 Xterras feature new front-end styling. Styling changes include round headlights with a thick surrounding frame, a new front fascia with the Nissan flying "V" grille, round fog lamps, and a new hood with a 48 mm raised "power bulge". New 17-inch wheels with off-road 265/65R17 tires complete the look of supercharged SE Xterras, while 16-inch wheels with 265/70R16 tires are available on XE and SE Xterras.
Optional on both XE and SE Xterras is a factory-installed supercharged 3.3-litre V6 engine. This engine, shared with the Frontier S/C compact truck, produces 210 horsepower and 246 (A/T), 231 (M/T) ft-lbs of torque. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporate and is fully warranted by Nissan. Xterra is the first compact SUV to receive a factory-installed supercharged engine.
Another major change is the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system.
From a safety standpoint, the 2002 Xterra comes standard with driver's and passenger's side supplemental air bags. These new air bags feature dual-stage inflators with radial deployment design. Also standard on all Xterras are new rear child seat anchors, called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
"When we tested Xterra in focus groups, we were told that it was definitely not a 'grocery getter,' like some of the smaller SUVs currently on the marketplace," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America. "In fact, it's got a cult off-road following that was previously only seen among Jeep owners. We're feeding that cult with a new Enthusiast Package - a 2002 Xterra that provides the perfect foundation for a hard core off-road enthusiast to make the vehicle of their dreams."
The Enthusiast Package is available only on XE V6 4-wheel drive models and includes ceiling tie clamps, a first aid kit, tilt wheel, fog lights, front tow hooks, map lights, a limited slip differential, manual locking hubs and rubber floor mats.
The 2002 Nissan Xterra is expected to go on sale in August, 2001.
Perhaps the biggest difference between 2001 and 2002 Xterras is the revised interior. A new instrument panel, with three "cockpit-style" round gauges give a sporty look while adding ergonomic efficiency. SE gauges are a blue gradient colour, while XE is a grey gradient. New HVAC controls and a new console with side map pocket add style and practicality. A 25 percent larger glove box, a map lamp with integrated compass (SE), new pull-out rear cup holders and four interior power points are all new. There's also new seat fabrics, with a new darker grey and special charcoal for supercharged SE models. Also standard are variable intermittent front windshield wipers and rear wiper.
Optional on XE Xterras and standard in SE is an eight speaker, 300-watt (peak) audio system with an in-dash 6 CD player. This system has been designed by world renowned high-performance audio system innovator Rockford Fosgate.
2002 Frontier
The Frontier's interior enhancements, which are shared with the improved 2002 Xterra sport utility vehicle, include a new instrument panel with three "cockpit-style" round gauges, new HVAC controls and a new console with side map pocket. A 25 percent larger glove box and up to three interior power points make Frontier more practical than before.
Another major change and ergonomic improvement is the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system.
Optional on Frontier Crew Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed is a nine-speaker, 400-watt (peak) audio system with an in-dash 6 CD player. This system has been designed by world renowned high-performance audio system innovator Rockford Fosgate. "We've been told that to recreate the Rockford Fosgate-powered sound system in the aftermarket would cost well over $1000," said Kirrane. "We're planning on offering it to the Frontier Crew Cab customer for less than $600."
The "biggest" improvement made to the 2002 Frontier lineup is the introduction of the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, which adds a 74.6-inch full-size bed to the four forward-hinged full-size door cabin. The standard Frontier Crew Cab offers a 56.3-inch bed.
2002 Frontier pickups will be available in August, 2001.
Following the 2001 Frontier's restyling and addition of the factory-installed supercharged V6, the 2002 model adds two major enhancements - a completely upgraded interior with an available 400-watt Rockford Fosgateā -powered audio system (Crew Cab only) and the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, with the longest bed in the compact crew cab truck class.
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