Building on its predecessor's rugged looks, the 2005 Nissan Xterra has more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems. Bulkier, silver colored materials and the more angular structure to the grill and bumper give the Xterra a more aggressive stance. "The changes in the new Xterra are evolutionary, though with a capital E," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in the areas customers want most - power, drivability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."

The most significant changes to the new Xterra are the use of a version of the new "F-Alpha" platform, which was created for use on the new Nissan Titan full-size pickup and Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and the utilization of a new 4.0-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V6 engine. Various improvements to the powertrain include increased displacement as well as micro finished engine internals, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS) and a high capacity muffler. Electronic Throttle Control makes better responsiveness.

Available transmissions are a 5-speed automatic and, even more impressive, a 6-speed manual. A 4WD option is available to replace the base 2WD configuration. Four wheel disc brakes assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) keep the Xterra in check. The 2005 Xterra was designed utilizing a truck-based body-on-frame chassis. A double wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf suspension in the rear gives these trucks the durability and ride that one expects from a truck-based SUV. High performance shocks are available on the Xterra Off-Road model.

Safety features and equipment includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and 3-point front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. "We expect the new Xterra to offer best-in-class horsepower and torque, with exceptional acceleration and drivability, such as acceleration coming out of a corner," "We've given it the hardware to get the job done, on highways and any paths that lead to adventure." Nissan has showed that good things happen when you focus on meeting customers' unmet needs, rather than following the competition. With this new generation design, Xterra still has no equals," said McNabb.

The 2005 Nissan Xterra stands out in its adventure positioning. Like many of Nissan's famous cars, all of Parts train's excellently crafted Nissan auto body parts can preserve Nissan Xterra's high off road performance best.

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Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.