Faults:

Top end ticking, but research on the internet indicates that, while annoying, it won't cause harm to the motor (anytime soon).

Water pump went out after I rear ended a Jeep and ruptured my radiator.

All my locks are broken.

The front end is loose and rattles, but I expect that with 221,000+ miles.

Really, no major problems with this vehicle in the 18 months I have been driving it.

General Comments:

This is an excellent vehicle.

The story is; this vehicle was originally purchased as a fleet vehicle and was used as a Forest Ranger utility vehicle (computer cables, GPS receiver, radio & light bar switches, and multiple antennae lend credibility). I expected this car to be completely trashed, and was afraid to ever put my foot into it.

Soon after purchase, it developed some electrical shorts (poor gas mileage & rough running when radio on, horn honking when turning, vehicle stalling when turning or braking). I decided on a complete tune up... (on the installment plan). The last two parts to replace were plug wires and coil; never got to the coil. Ran like a new truck!

I never drove it more than 20 miles from home and not on the freeway for the first 10-12 months I owned. In the last couple months I've taken it on a dozen trips of over 50 miles, the longest being 170 miles in the mountains on the Fourth of July, at 100+ degree F., up and down huge inclines at an average speed of 70 MPH with a short burst of up to 95 MPH. I tell you this truck just runs better every day.

If I had to choose something to complain about, it would be lack of power, and the intense revving just trying to get off the line to change lanes or merge on the freeway; it sounds like it's going to explode, until it hits overdrive. I'm guessing in an attempt to improve fuel economy and 0-60 acceleration they ran an unheard of axle ratio of 4.60-1 and incredibly low 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears, and countered with an equally excessive high overdrive of .66-1 (usually a number pretty much reserved for the 6th position in a manual), thus allowing less actual H.P. to reach the desired goal, and the reason we all get terrible mileage in town and feel like we can't get out of our own way.

All in all I would say this is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and this is coming from a guy who bought 5 brand new Fords in a five year period in the late 90s.

Faults:

Had to rebuild the automatic transmission.

Rear frame over axles rusted out really bad on both sides, not safe to drive and the truck runs very well. Nissan corp. office will not do anything, and there are lots of people that have talked to them about rusted frames.

Faults:

Starter failed.

A/C doesn't work.

Power windows slow to go up.

General Comments:

Great overall SUV. When I first purchased it (about 164k miles) it would have issues starting. Turns out the starter was going bad, and one day it didn't start and had to be towed. The starter is a bear to replace and takes a shop 3 hours, and if you do it yourself, 5-6 hours.

After replacing the starter I haven't had any issues. I've owned a couple Jeep Cherokees, and this far surpasses their ability when off-roading.

The engine runs smoother than just about any vehicle I have owned. They are a little underpowered, but during the winter that is a good thing as you don't get tire spin like you would with something with more get up and go.

They are rated at about 14 MPG city, but I average 16 MPG. Best being 16.7, worst being about 14.9 (city only).

As long as you find one that has been taken care of, you will have a vehicle that will get you through anything and start every time.