Why no other sport ute compares to the QX4?

[reckless1]

Can someone help explain something to me? I have seen a number of sport ute's but none of them compare to my QX4 in my opinion. It has taken me years to decipher what it is about the QX4 that makes me love her soo much. Recently I came to the conclusion it has something to do with a few factors: Ground clearance, big tires, small wheelbase, peppy engine (motor is small but QX4 moves reasonably well), suspension, great handling.

When I say ground clearance what I may be referring to is the car lifted from the factory? I don't see to many SUVs that are as tall with as much ground clearance that have a short frame. The car is able to lift off the ground easy which I like. It doesn't seem to hurt the car when hitting bumps, pot holes, medians, etc. To me it feels like a monster truck in a cars body.

Can someone help me understand what makes the QX4 different than any other sport ute on the market? I feel strange paying so much for a 10 year old car.

[THatfield]

-Looks like an SUV
-Cladding/flares ads a rugged style cue
-Everyone loves HID's
-VQ Power! the 3.5L is a rocketship!
-All Mode 4WD!

It looks so high because now SUV's are based off cars and are basically hatchback sedans. The QX4 was made to be able to go off the road a bit if you needed too and to do well in the snow, thus the ground clearance.

[reckless1]

Great points. I still am not able to figure out why 10 years later there is no SUV I can consider buying to replace my QX4. The closest is the QX56 but I prefer a smaller SUV for daily driving. I think manufacturers assume that people want larger monster SUVs instead of a small one. Forgive me I am losing my mind over this and been browsing used old vehicles for a third time. I can't live without my QX4. I got rid of two older Mercedes G-Wagons and replacing them with QX4's.

[zach7685]

The new 4 runners have my eye a proper SUV

[THatfield]

Great points. I still am not able to figure out why 10 years later there is no SUV I can consider buying to replace my QX4. The closest is the QX56 but I prefer a smaller SUV for daily driving. I think manufacturers assume that people want larger monster SUVs instead of a small one. Forgive me I am losing my mind over this and been browsing used old vehicles for a third time. I can't live without my QX4. I got rid of two older Mercedes G-Wagons and replacing them with QX4's.

My theory is the modern SUV (QX56, Armada, Seqouia, etc.) are made for the sole reason of hauling all the kids, gear and a trailer/etc. Similar to a pickup but with more space.

Unlike the Midsize/Compact Sport Utes of the late 90's early 00's (Isuzu Rodeo, Pathfinder/QX4, 4Runner etc.) were equipped with V6's (usually) and were much smaller, not big enough for the 5 person family AND all the gear, plus the power to tow the boat. As fuel economy became more of a selling point, SUV's either disappeared or adapted. T

he Pathfinder and the 4Runner survived (until now at least) by adding available V8's and third row seating, but eventually fell due to the market more and more turning to SUV/CUV's as 4x4 minivans instead of the family trip vehicle that they once were. So now you have the V8 SUV's and crossover utlity vehicles, based off a sedan car equipped with 4x4 and a third row and marketed toward previous SUV buyers.

[Jack44]

It is the ideal size...

We have a 2001 QX4...Was at dealer to pick up some parts and the guy there said that if I ever wanted to sell it, he's got a long list of folks that want one...Folks spending big dough to keep them up...

[yngw13]

It is the ideal size...

We have a 2001 QX4...Was at dealer to pick up some parts and the guy there said that if I ever wanted to sell it, he's got a long list of folks that want one...Folks spending big dough to keep them up...

I believe you (r50) ...I got a mailing from the dealer that inspected mine for corrosion (pathfinder) and wanted to have me trade in mine...

[Towncivilian]

I believe you (r50) ...I got a mailing from the dealer that inspected mine for corrosion (pathfinder) and wanted to have me trade in mine...

Same here.

[reckless1]

I'm searching for my backup QX4 so I have one when I have to put mine to rest. It is my understanding that in 2003 they added side air bags so I am looking for one of those.

[Towncivilian]

Actually, side air bags within the seat were options for earlier models. I believe they are only in models with leather seats, though. I also am unsure of with which year it became an option. 2003 - 2004 R50s have side curtain airbags as options, yes. QX4 ends at 2003, though.

Theoretically, you can retrofit seat airbags if you find a donor Pathfinder / QX4 of the same year. Transplant the seats, airbag module (below the center console I believe) and satellite sensors (found in the B-pillars under the seat belt assemblies) and hope that all the wiring is present in your vehicle and it should work - no guarantee though.

[reckless1]

I currently have a 2002 with leather seats.

[Towncivilian]

Perhaps it was an option on top of the leather, or did all QX4s come with leather? Not sure.

[reckless1]

All QX4's come with leather.

[BoostMyQX4]

yes our 96 was born with leather as well

[reckless1]

Man I am going crazy to buy a backup 2003 QX4 with low miles. I almost bought a 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum but somehow the stupid Nissan badge would bother me like crazy.

I think I did figure out why the QX4 is the ultimate Sport UTE - its a combination of many factors but I think its weight ~4,400 lbs and large amount of power (with a motor that can handle consistent abuse). It turns and drives really nice. I still can't get over the fact that Nissan stopped making this. I am planning on buying 3 of these and driving them for next 10 years.

[fueler]

The QX4 has reliability (to say the least), agility, ability, and comfort. You can't beat offroading on leather seats with an engine that wont die!!!!

[00pathyse]

Man I am going crazy to buy a backup 2003 QX4 with low miles. I almost bought a 2004 Pathfinder LE Platinum but somehow the stupid Nissan badge would bother me like crazy.

I think I did figure out why the QX4 is the ultimate Sport UTE - its a combination of many factors but I think its weight ~4,400 lbs and large amount of power (with a motor that can handle consistent abuse). It turns and drives really nice. I still can't get over the fact that Nissan stopped making this. I am planning on buying 3 of these and driving them for next 10 years.

Man, I'd take a Platinum over the QX4. All the R50 without the yuppery. (No offense intended)

[reckless1]

No offense taken. They are the exact the same car except the nissan has an ugly front grill.


I drove a fully loaded 2013 QX56 this weekend and liked it alot but its quite ugly on the outside. It is comparable to the QX4 in most respects. I was surprised to find out the QX56 has better ground clearance by an inch. My impression is that the QX56 is pretty much a QX4 except it cost double and a pain to reverse/parallel park. Most electronics and motors seemed improved after 10 years. The back seat is a bit more comfortable. I don't like the overall size but for most families its probably a good thing (im single). I will most likely buy a low mileage 2011 when they get under $30k in a few years.

[DuQ3r]

No offense taken. They are the exact the same car except the nissan has an ugly front grill.

Tastes differ!

IMHO Infinitys grill is ugly and makes it look as nowadays Chinese suvs.

[fueler]

whats up with the nissan vs infiniti hate, lol

you know the QX4 is a nissan in japan?

if the front grille and rear badges said "NISSAN", would you still hate on the "yuppery"?




I actually want the nissan grille, it would match my terrano regulus headlights.... all i need is grille and trunklid to complete my JDM conversion!

[fueler]

no answer, huh?

[BoostMyQX4]

Man what ever happen to those window deflectors, if i was to get a set for my QX it would be that kind and not the small ones they sell now, but no success in finding a set.

[fueler]

Man what ever happen to those window deflectors, if i was to get a set for my QX it would be that kind and not the small ones they sell now, but no success in finding a set.

I'm not sure either, but I do know that they are popular in Japan. If you search "terrano regulus" on ebay, you can actually find entire doors for sale (shipped from Japan) that come with the large deflectors, but no luck in finding JUST the deflectors themselves!

They have an interesting cut on them (to fit the mirror). I have the small ones and they actually interfere with the mirrors when you fold them in. In Japan, QX4's have electronically folding mirrors so they had the foresight to make deflectors that actually fit!

[BoostMyQX4]

Electro Folding Mirrors, Nice