I popped into my dealer yesterday, I'm the guy looking to move up from my '88 4Runner to an X, and they had the 2002's on the lot so I was able to compare the new front end to a 2001 model side-by-side and I have to say that by first impressions anyway, I don't think I like it as much. With the round headlights and the bump in the hood, the look reminds me very much of the first Dodge Neon...

I also think I like the dash of the first gen better as well.

Cheers.

J\

For me, I think it's just a matter of perspective. If the Xterra came out with the 2002 look from the beginning, we'd all be used to it and love it like we do our "classic" 00's and 01's. I like the square lights of the non-02's, but haven't seen the dash yet to form a better opinion. I love my 01 and wouldn't trade up unless I was forced to!

It looked slightly cutsier.

I noticed that the option package now includes an Enthusiasts Package...and it's not that much moola either...so, overall...the 2002 might be an improvement in a practical way....it shows they are noticing that we are actually using them off road...

...otherwise...we'd be getting "A more advanced" traction control system...as on the Mitsubishi Montero, etc...

(Brakes the slipping wheels...but adds no more power to the other wheel...so you can actually get stuck on a sloping wet road.)

The EP is actually a great deal, if you can live without the stuff you would get with the power package. It's bascially the Sport ($300) and Utility ($1000) packages minus the 16" wheels, step rails, fender moldings, and cargo cover, adding the map lights and manual hubs, all for $700. That's $600 less, and the stuff you lose isn't worth nearly that much. I know it will be tough not having the power package goodies available for some. Cruise control is nice...

Brent

The new front end looks okay I suppose I'M kinda partial to the ARB look now. 40 ponies more is a plus, but I was hoping for about 300 with the supercharger and all. I should have been an engineer! EVERYTHING NEEDS MORE POWER.:devil:

Originally posted by superjens
If the Xterra came out with the 2002 look from the beginning, we'd all be used to it and love it like we do our "classic" 00's and 01's.

I most likely wouldn't be driving an Xterra if it originally came with the round head lights.

-Michael

Like most, I would take the good with the bad. The supercharger should be giving more than 30-40hp, but I'd take it. The hood/front end/wheels will not make me want an '02, but the supercharger might.

They want $3,500 for the supercharger option...that's around $100/HP?

You may be able to duplicate the performance gains for less than that with typical throttle body spacers/ exhaust/chip improvements, etc...

Or just keep the 170 HP...and use the $3,500 for lockers and gears, boggers, bumpers, winch...etc.

Depending upon your performance objectives...either scenario can work. ;)

:D

I'd rather spend my money on something else. With what it would cost to upgrade to the new ugly X I could buy a lot of new toys for my cool classic X, maybe even look into dropping in a 3.5l engine. yeah baby! :D Not to mention the thousands of dollars I have already spent on upgrades for the one I have.

Of course, I'm officially out of mod money now so I should stop thinking about it!

http://www.nissandriven.com/vehicles/MediaGallery/0,9441,20460,00.html


http://www.nissandriven.com/vehicles/MediaGallery/0,9441,20460,00.html




I don't think the '02's look bad...I wouldn't trade in an earlier one to get one per se, albeit if I was in the market for a new one...I'd get one.

:)