"Let's put this into the perspective of a new X buyer..."

Well, I just happen to be one, so I'll give you mine. My particular need in a vehicle is for paragliding, which involves transporting 4-6 people (6 *very* friendly people, but hey, if there's a ride going up, you take it, never know if there'll be another one) and 300-400 pounds of wings up forest service roads at 9000+' ASL which are very steep, very muddy, completely washed out, or all of the above at once. The first gen Xterra never tempted me even a little bit, but this one did. The sufficient power for the above use and the stock locking differential were key.

As for all the other concerns I've read here ... get a grip, you whiny bitch. Not to mince my words or anything.