I'm quite disappointed with my wife's 2003 Xterra. It is seriously underpowered and gets terrible mileage. Shoot, my 4,400-pound Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon with a LT1 V-8 in it gets better mileage than her Xterra! That's sad.

For a 3.3L V-6, I expected better, especially since it's very close to the engine used in Nissan's more prestigious vehicles. It takes serious pressure on the gas to get the car moving to roadway speeds, and that only kills the mileage even worse.

I know what you're going to say -- why didn't we get a different vehicle, especially since it's used for urban use, not for off-roading excitement??? *shrugs* Talk to her, y'all -- she wanted a friggin' Xterra, and she wouldn't take "How 'bout a sedan?" for an answer!

EDIT: Sorry, forgot to say: Just bitchin', I guess. Nothing I can do about it now.

Did you not test drive or check the MPG on the sticker?

...or get on XOC, before you got the X...

What kind of mileage are you getting? I always felt my X accelerated up to speed just fine! Have you though about a trip to the dealer to have it checked out?

Mike

I love the X. I could give a rats ass about the gas mileage.

Gas Mileage, BLAHHH

I have a Supercharged X, I barely get 17MPG, I say that is pretty good, and also It is fun to drive. With a Supercharged X, I have no pick up problems, when I have the overdrive off..

Must be nice.

You guys must be doing it wrong.

2001 V6. No S/C. Automatic.

I have never been unable to keep up with traffic. Ever. I get walked away from by Mustangs and BMWs, sure, but those guys are standing on the throttle, and there's no keeping up with them in almost any SUV . . .

Little hint: Turn off the O/D, and do not stomp on the gas. That bogs the Xterra down.

Give the throttle increasing pressure, and the engine will respond. Just don't mash it!

The Xterra is not a hot rod, but is not a sluggish pig. Learn how to drive your truck . . .

I get 13 so

I'm sure its because of the MT's

I agree. I have a 5-speed, none SC, normal v6, 2001. When I mash the gas, it does nothing. When I gradually apply pressure, then it picks up just fine. The Xterra is easily one of the slowest vehicles I have ever driven, but its definetly manageable in SF Bay Area traffic, and I have no complaints. It is what it should be - a slow SUV.

Is your Xterra your wifes primary vehicle? does she complain about the sluggishness, or is it just you? If she doesn't complain, and it sounds like she chose the vehicle, then she should otherwise be pretty happy with it - right?

I second that notion! I've never read so many post on MPG for the X as I have the last week or so. For crying out loud , if MPG is so important avoid all SUV's period.

hey someone voted for me!! My first little trucks! I hope they get better MPG

17 MPG? You lucky bugga. I only get 13-14 tops with ny S/C X. No whining here though. I expected to get worse mileage than I got with my 2000 X and it has remained the same. Gas prices do keep going up though. I just paid $2.23 per gallon for Super Unleaded

If you bought the truck brand new...there is always a break in period, after which you can expect your mileage to improve. Dont know how many miles are on yours now, but I've found this to be true. Give it a little time and at least your mileage will get better.
-cbx

Take it back, get a Camry and be done with the bitching.
I love my X despite the gas and power.
Then again I didnt by an SUV to win the Gand Prix.

so you have top secret clearance and hang with Zakk Wilde?
Cool.

"...and she wouldn't take "How 'bout a sedan?" for an answer!"

I don't blame her.

Just to make you feel better, I hate my wife's car as well....but...She likes it and that is all that matters at my house. I got the X and she has the crap (my opinion)...A happy woman in one's home is worth a whole lot to some I guess.

I average 15 mpg in my Xterra, and my wifes 2003 Ford Explorer (XLT 4x4, 4.0 L V6) gets 17 mpg.

I don't know why you think that's scary, but you're uninformed opinion is worthless to me unless you car to comment further. :rolleyes:

Fellas, believe me, I tried to get her to test drive it first, and she didn't. I don't know why. If you think you can uinderstand the female brain any better, you're welcome to give it a shot. I wish she had test driven it.

But, no, she doesn't complain. I DO!!! I still have to drive it occaisionally, even though she is the primary driver. And when I do drive it, I'm always grumbling about it's lack of power. I guess that's what happens when you're used to a Corvette engine under your hood.

Thanks for the easy throttle advice. I'll try it next time. I've never been one for mashing on the gas in any vehicle I drive, but maybe I need to baby this one even more than I'm used to when it comes to accelleration. I'll give it a try and see if I have better results. THANKS!

Zakk Wylde. And no, it's not a secret society or anything like that. Anyone who dig's Zakk's work is an SDMF and get's to hang.

True, true.

Get the family in the Vista Cruiser and head to Wally World!

Well if you're letting her make the decision then she should be the one on the board bitchin'. If she's happy with it then it doesn't matter.

Maybe you'd be better off riding in this:

When we bought the Xterra, we bought it for the styling, utility and ruggedness of the vehicle. If you want sportscar speed and handling, might I suggest a Nissan 350 Z. Oh, wait, I forgot, you're used to having a Corvette engine under your hood. (yeah, right) :rolleyes:

Maybe you should take her Xterra and trade it in on a Porche Cayanne. I think you'd be happier with that.

I'd be happier with an Xterra, a Z, and about 10 grand in my pocket.