Description: Compact SUV
Base MSRP Range: $18,000 - $28,000
Invoice Price Range: $17,023 - $26,188

Consider Nissan's five-door Xterra SUV for the compact class a rugged wagon capable of serious off-road play as well as an affordable pavement cruiser.

It provides seats for five in a wagon's boxy format but can also haul lifestyle sports paraphernalia -- such as mountain bikes, camping gear, skis or kayaks strapped to a slick roof rack. Sports equipment kits and mounts both inside and out for bikes and boats and skis show up on the list of optional equipment, while the tubular aluminum roof rack has a removable mesh basket for cradling soft equipment like diving gear or soggy ski boots and suits.

Xterra uses either the four-cylinder or V6 engine out of Frontier -- including a supercharged V6 option -- and provides rear 2WD or 4WD traction. The 4WD mechanism has a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges for off-road trekking. Base engine -- a twin-cam 2.4-liter four-in-line -- reaches 143 hp and mates with manual or automatic shifters, while the optional 3.3-liter V6 runs to 180 hp. Then a supercharged variation on XE or SE surges to 210 hp.

For 2004, a Rockford Fosgate audio system at 300 watts is the new standard on SE but optional for XE V6. New gear clustered in optional packages include a Dynamic Control Package, SE Rugged Leather Package and Curtain Side Impact Supplemental Air Bag Package. Also, there are two unique new exterior color choices with Silver Lightning and Thermal Red.