2000 Xterra vs. 2001 4runner

[MuddyButt]

After owning my 4runner for the past 8 months I'd like to give my comparison of it to the 2000 nissan xterra I drove for 2 years.

I found that the xterra was a lot more rugged. And more fun to drive offroad. It seemed to be a lot more sturdy than the 4runner even when it had 250,000 miles. The xterra had been put through hell it's entire life since it was bought new by my dad. And even at 250,000 miles it refused to die. And this was with 0 serious repairs. That's right, no engine work, transmission work or anything. Not saying it didn't have its problems cause it had more than a few small ones (A/C, windows, sunroof leak, etc
) but all in all this car was extremely reliable. Besides my mom always having battery problems due to a loose terminal that i ended up fixing for her it never left us stranded. I beat the hell out of it when it was passed down to me i buried it in mud several times and it ended up getting me home every time. I had been saving up for another car the whole time I was driving the xterra in fear that it would soon die, I was specifically looking at 4x4 four door tacomas but never found one that met my budget so I started looking at 4runners because I liked them as well. I ended up selling my Xterra (nearly brought me to tears) to get a 4runner since I heard so much good stuff about them.

I really liked the 4runner for the first few weeks I drove it but I started noticing small things that just got on my nerves. For one the 4runner makes a lot of noise inside. Specifically plastic noises (as in plastic jiggling around). Another thing I didn't like was the fact that the steering column jiggles when on bumpy roads which I heard was due to a safety design; I wasn't a big fan of the very low hanging tow hitch; And didn't like that the rear sagged so much with people in it. That being said the 4runner is a lot more offroad capable (stock) than the xterra a lot more practical and seats 5 people better than the xterra. I'll make a list of the positives of each to summarize my experience of both

Xterra.
-more rugged, didn't have to worry about denting the bumpers or scratching paint off of them. And felt that front control arms were stronger.
-tow hitch and better departure angle
-rear bumper is solid as stock.
-roof rack is awesome
-interior made a little less noise.
-leaf springs carried load a lot better.
-bigger armrest than 4runner
-no interference from VSC when you want to have some fun.
-never had to replace a CV axle. (Need to replace one on my 4runner at 150,000 miles)
-better braking

4runner
-a lot better looking than the xterra
-more power
-better offroad capability.
-interior is nicer looking.
-way more safety features.
-maintenance is easier (especially the air filter)
-a lot more mods available
-holds its value A LOT better than the xterra.
-more room
-rear window is always cool.
-ride is slightly smoother in the rear but I also need new shocks soon.

 

[sn0wrunner]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I don't think you're going to receive much positive feedback posting how another vehicle is better than a 4runner if you're on a 4runner forum. Interesting that you find the X more fun to drive off road. If you start to do some more serious off roading you'll find that the 4runner with a basic 3" suspension lift is quite a bit more capable than the Xterra's torsion bar and leaf spring set up. But hey I might be just a little bit biased.

 

[white_n_slow]

I have pretty extensive experience with both vehicles. I've owned 2 3rd gen 4runners, and my buddy owned and wheeled a 2000 Xterra for about 8 years and I drove it frequently. My personal experience is exactly the opposite.

The Xterra is weak and underpowered in the mountains. It needs 2-3" of lift just to fit 265/75-16 tires. IFS is IFS, but IMO a strut suspension is way better and less prone to fatigue or trail damage than torsion bars. I will say that one advantage that goes to the Xterra IMO is the rear leaf suspension. Better manners and more predictable on the highway & simple to modify.

In terms of reliability: two broken TRE's on Fins & Things in Moab, which I consider a pretty mellow trail. Constantly plagued by overheating despite replacing the entire cooling system. Broke the timing belt prior to maintenance interval. It was still kicking at 200k but felt like it was on it's last leg. If I had to drive across the country, I would rather be in my 300k LX450 than a 100k Xterra.

They aren't bad little trucks and they have some character, but they can't take a beating like a Toyota, they've got no power and reliability isn't even on the same page.

 

[sn0wrunner]

I will say that one advantage that goes to the Xterra IMO is the rear leaf suspension. Better manners and more predictable on the highway & simple to modify.

All good points. But those shackles hang so low! It seems like every time I wheel with a first gen xterra they are always getting hung up on those.

 

[white_n_slow]

All good points. But those shackles hang so low! It seems like every time I wheel with a first gen xterra they are always getting hung up on those.

My first wheeling rig was a '84 mini truck which eventually got 63" chevy springs and double shackles. They flexed like the dickens and rode like a Cadillac. You just get used to dragging them on the ground I believe the Xterra overload leaf has a slight lip to it, which can get hung up on stuff, but that's easily fixed with a grinder or by just pulling the overload leaf out all together. Call me old school

 

[Frontier719]

I owned a frontier crew cab (basically the same as an xterra) for 6 years and sold it when it had 70,000 miles. The car was severely underpowered. Going up hills on the interstate would always force me into the right lane as a couldnt go the speed limit without revving the truck up to 6,000 rpm at which point it sounded like it was going to explode.

Nissan makes a very attractive 4x4, but i definitely don't regret selling it for a 4Runner with over 200k miles. My 4Runner today feels more solid and more capable on paved surfaces. Although the nissan was more agile on the road, definitely.

 

[TCMach]

1st gen Xterras are great if you enjoy a significant lack of flex, plenty of 3 wheel stands, the inability to get up a hill, lack of aftermarket support, washboard roads rattling your teeth out, and serious alignment issues past 2" of lift. One of my best friends has had one for the last 6 years or so and I've wheeled extensively with it. Both riding along and driving it.

I do think they have potential as a platform, but at the very least would need the front suspension reworked.

 

[Brique]

When i was shopping to replace my Tacoma, I looked seriously at 4runners and xterras. As I test drove a few, my impression was that the xterra wasn't bad, the lower price tag was nice, but ultimately the 4runner was a better truck. More spacious, smoother ride, and it felt much more solid. I would have been ok with an xterra, but it would have felt like i was settling.

 

[slides]

i really wanted and xterra 07+ due to the lower prices/miles than a 4runner. My dad has an 08 with 70k on it, blew the ball joints at 50k, is on his 3rd valve cover and other random things keep going. He doesn't drive it off road and has used 4x4 twice since he has had it for 3 years.

It seems as though the reliability of simply items is just not there.

 

[AZTOY]

TOYOTA....enough said.

 

[02SE]

I've owned a few Datsun and Nissan vehicles. As a Mechanic I worked on many more. In my experience Nissan's are generally a bit less expensive than a comparable Toyota model, and they are also generally less reliable.

According to friends that are still in the consumer car repair business, that still holds true.

 

[EatonKyleH]

Even the supercharged 1st gen Xterras make me wonder if it is doing anything other than whining.

Or maybe that's just the sound I'm making in my deep deep disappointment as I try to accelerate.

 

[Super-G]

2 years ago I decided to finally retire my 94 Wrangler as a daily driver. I bought the Jeep new in 1994 when I was on active duty in the Marines and I loved it so much that I just kept on rocking it for 18 years. I couldn't bring myself to sell it so I currently store it at my vacation home and use it up there in the summer. One day I'll re-do it for my son who is 9 and loves it.

Before I retired the Jeep, I wanted to test drive a few vehicles. I narrowed my search down to a Subaru WRX, an Xterra, a 4 door Tacoma, and a 4 Runner.

Here are my results: I love the power and handling of the WRX. My wife had an 02 wagon at the time as her daily driver and they truly are a blast to drive. However. I'm 6' tall and I always felt like I was falling down into the car. Also I couldn't see towing my small fishing boat with a WRX and since we already had one, I felt it would be silly to have 2.

The Xterra is a really cool looking truck. I love the look and the tubular roof rack was just cool. I drove an 04 and an 08. The 04 was severely underpowered. I mean what a frigging dog. I thought my 4cyl Jeep was underpowered but the Xterra was honestly worse. It really dogged up hills and that wasn't with the A/C on or anything. As cool as I thought it looked I had to pass. The 08 with the bigger 6cyl (4.0 I think) had more power but I had read some pretty bad reviews about transmission issues similar to the 4 Runner pink milkshake issue but it seemed more common in the Xterra so I passed.

I saved Toyota for last because I had heard about how good they were so I wanted to drive everything else first. A local Toyota dealer had both the Tacoma I wanted (06 crew cab, short bed with the TRD package) and an 02 4 Runner Sport for sale. So I went by on a Saturday afternoon. I drove the Tacoma first and really liked it but it was priced higher than the 4 Runner and I honestly couldn't convince my wife that a pick up%2

 

[blockhead]

I am befuddled. I cannot, for the life of me, determine the point of such a post at the beginning of the thread. Perhaps it would find a more positive reception on an xterra forum...

 

[masphx]

4Runners age better. All the plastic on the Xterra, bla.

 

[1985taylor1925]

4runners are stupid. I don't know why any of you meatheads drive them

 

[paddlenbike]

My buddy that I used to wheel with frequently has a 2000 Xterra and I think it compares very favorably to my 2000 4Runner. His Xterra has been very reliable, with no major mechanical issues. It's much easier to find an Xterra with a manual transmission too.

The 4Runner does have some advantages though. DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder versus the Xterra's SOHC 2 valve design, which has less power and torque and lower fuel economy, particularly at higher elevations. The 4Runner's suspension is much better front and rear--the rear under-axle leaf springs leave a lot to be desired compared to the 4Runner's 5-link coil rear. The 4Runner is also quieter and more luxurious, and I think no less capable than the Xterra. Mine is more capable than my friend's as his SE has a rear limited slip while I have a factory locker, more ground clearance and a tighter turning radius. But that's to be expected since the 2000 Xterra could be had to $25k new when my SR5 V6 was $31k.

 

[Unner]

4Runners age better. All the plastic on the Xterra, bla.

Yes, this. I can't stand how the plastic on them begins to get that old brittle look. I'm not a fan. I don't like the 03 and maybe 04 4Runners that came with all that plastic cladding too much either.

Even the supercharged 1st gen Xterras make me wonder if it is doing anything other than whining.

Or maybe that's just the sound I'm making in my deep deep disappointment as I try to accelerate.

Haha, this made me smile.

I've owned a few Datsun and Nissan vehicles. As a Mechanic I worked on many more. In my experience Nissan's are generally a bit less expensive than a comparable Toyota model, and they are also generally less reliable.

According to friends that are still in the consumer car repair business, that still holds true.

This is what I've kinda figured about Toyota's vs Nissans too. They are both very reliable, but Toyota has the edge, and I personally believe that the Toyota's just have better build quality all around with interior pieces and such. At least for the older ones, I'm not sure about the new ones.

My buddy that I used to wheel with frequently has a 2000 Xterra and I think it compares very favorably to my 2000 4Runner. His Xterra has been very reliable, with no major mechanical issues. It's much easier to find an Xterra with a manual transmission too.

The 4Runner does have some advantages though. DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder versus the Xterra's SOHC 2 valve design, which has less power and torque and lower fuel economy, particularly at higher elevations. The 4Runner's suspension is much better front and rear--the rear under-axle leaf springs leave a lot to be desired compared to the 4Runner's 5-link coil rear. The 4Runner is also quieter and more luxurious, and I think no less capable than the Xterra. Mine is more capable than my friend's as his SE has a rear limited slip while I have a factory locker, more ground clearance and a tighter turning radius. But that's to be expected since the 2000 Xterra could be had to $25k new when my SR5 V6 was $31k.

This is what I was thinking too. The 4Runner cost more, and therefore is a nicer all around vehicle. I'm super happy with mine, and wouldn't trade it for an Xterra. I'm sure they're nice but all that plastic, and everytime I hear someone mention an Xterra I always think of that bright yellow color they come in and I'm not too big on that color...

 

[chimpy]

They have a somewhat cool looking factory roof rack:shrug:

 

[Kanger328]

I had an '04 Xterra (same as '01 except cosmetics). I actually really liked it and would've kept it if it was 4wd. I will say, though, that I like my '96 4Runner better. Interior-wise, the fit and finish is better in the 4Runner. The seat materials and comfort is better also. Mine is a Limited, so may be an unfair comparison, but I have driven an SR5 quite a bit and I still feel the same way.

Suspension-wise, I feel like the 4Runner's coil setup is better. I recall that in the Xterra, when hitting bumps while cornering, the truck would wobble and shake quite a bit. Not as much in the 4Runner. Engine-wise, the 4Runner felt a bit more powerful even though they're rated similarly...not THAT big of a difference though IMHO. As far as aftermarket support, 4Runner hands down. Lastly, the 4Runner's sliding rear window...WHY DOESN'T EVERY SUV HAVE THIS FEATURE?!?!

Oh yeah, someone mentioned suspension flex. What is it about the 3rd gen that gives it SO MUCH flex? I love it.