Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Xterra is a traditional midsize SUV with seating for five and serious off-road capability. Thanks to stout body-on-frame construction shared with Nissan's Frontier pickup, the Xterra is a beast on the trail and can tolerate a fair amount of abuse. The downside is that this Nissan lacks the on-road polish of car-based crossover SUVs you might buy instead.

The Xterra debuted for the 2000 model year. Later Nissan Xterras are similar in appearance and personality to the early models but have a slightly longer wheelbase, a roomier interior, more power under the hood and a few extra features. If you want a reasonably priced off-roader and find the Jeep Wrangler too crude for everyday driving, the Xterra is worth a look.

User Reviews:

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  Great SUV if gas prices were not so high - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By HornsManiac - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately, you must burn super premium grade gas. I regularly spend $35 for a tank of gas that only gets me about 200 miles. The sun roof could have been designed better, because both the wind deflector and the basket really restrict its use. As far as the rest of the SUV goes I could not be more pleased. It has a very sporty look both inside and out. It also is very rugged looking and you can tell this SUV is much closer to being a truck than a car. Stadium style seating in the back is a plus. The Rockford Fosgate premium sound with the in dash CD changer is the best stock stereo system Ive heard.

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  Good - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By SRPatt - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We are really enjoying our new Xterra. We just took a small overnight trip about 800 miles roundtrip and was very comfortable. We drove a 1998 Chevy Tahoe before, and even my husband lover our Xterra!!! He has been amazed at all of them we pass on the roads, now that we have one. It is a great mid sized SUV.

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  overall nice car - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By raindeer - December 20 - 3:03 pm

  I have my XTerra now almost 1.5 years, and I never regret buying it. However, I think, the dealership ripped me off a bit. The car is fun to drive, just a bit hard over bumps in the road. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone with back problems. I frequently drive long distances, and Its a bit tough on gas mileage, which is even worse in the city. One tank filling lasts about 360 highway miles. The air condition is o.k., but not great during the hot season in Louisiana. Features, that I miss: The tank is not lockable, and the dealer told me not to buy a lockable tank lid, because this would not seal properly. The antenna cant be pushed in. The sound system is awful.

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  Great Improvement from 2004 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By BWN - December 15 - 4:03 am

  Very pleased with 2006 Xterra "S" after 4100 mi. Traded in a 2004 Xterra "X" to get much-improved new model. Best upgrades are extra HP (up to 270 hp from 170 hp!!), 6-spd manual trans and fold- flat rear seat and front psgr seat. Comfortable handling and ride. Great visibility out. Good shifting, better than some performance cars. Nice jump on acceleration. Improved visibility of gauges welcome--light background on old model invisible in bright sunlight. Like unique styling, more classy than 2004 model.

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  Its a Truck Folks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Neyland - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Xterra. People need to understand that these are off-road vehicles. If you want soft seats, lower steps, softer ride, buy a mini van. These vehicles were built to drive in regions where there are at best a rough logging road. Roll over situations are problematic of all vehicles with height. Height is needed off road. If rollover is a problem for you.. again buy a mini van. Personally we have found it performs well off road. Good hooks are a must, hard to find a good mounting point on the frame to snatching a friend with.

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  Nice redesign - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Morv - November 25 - 1:03 am

  If youre in the market for this size SUV, and have only driven the past version, give this one a shot. The upgraded engine and torque really make this car standout. Its still a truck, make no mistake, but it doesnt feel much like a truck on the road. Outstanding turn radius as well.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bianchi - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the Highlander and the Pilot, if you use Viagra those would be great for you!!! The X loaded with all options still came out cheaper than those base models.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By charles - November 15 - 9:23 am

  Bought it last year, I was between the Jeep Rubicon (which i have always wanted) and this. I had to go with the better of the two, the Xterra has definitely proved a worthy truck. The manual transmission is great, the engine has a lot of power, and for off roading, its amazing. I bought some All terrain tires, stock ones were a little dull, performs amazing in the snow. Always find an excuse to go driving, close to 10,000 miles already and planning a 700 mile road trip soon. The handling is just what I expected, it drives like a truck because it is one. Fuel I am averaging around 19, I drive fast though and with OR tires. I have had some minor problems, but nothing serious.

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  Decent - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Jason Fritz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I got bored with this truck fast. Its cool looking, and can take you off road, but dont expect anything to happen when you step on the gas.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By lap - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Xterra 14 months now and it is doing great! I keep hearing people complain about gas mileage-but I get 20 mpg with the V6 and 5spd manual,which is excellent for a veh with high ground clearance,full steel frame,steel skid plates,true roof rack and 16" wheels & tires!