i mostly agree with you nhk8e!

seems the new xterra is being marketed more and more towards the weekend warrior city folk. they even mentioned in their website how cool it is "to rush past people on the 4 lane freeway on the way to the mountains".

the new xterra really has lost a lot of its original flare. it doesnt seem as rugged and simple as it was. everything got computerized too, with the 4x4 engagement, variable valve timing, electronic throttle, VDC, UDC, BCC, idiot controls yada yada yada...

the original xterra was made (or seemed to be) for people who just want the classic style sturdy built bare bones suv. it definitely aint that anymore! the price more than shows it.

once and awhile, i watch the promo video tape they gave out with the 2000 xterra brochures when they first came out (that cardboard thing) and realize how much things have changed...

What really gets me is that they have an OFF ROAD 2wd versioN of the new xterra!!!