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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  fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  You have to love the power and handling of this vehicle! I wish it would get maybe a little better gas mileage, but then the power would have to be lowered...guess paying a little more on your gas bill makes it worth it in the long run...shes a bit on the stiffer side, but thats a good thing in my book Mate!

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  No Problems - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Craig Utah - April 11 - 2:30 am

  I have only had my Xterra, but I love it! The ONLY minus would be the gas consumption, and the miles per gallon is only been 14.5. I still love it!

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  Alright 4 the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Cdogg - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I was thrilled when I purchaced a new sporty 2002 yellow Xterra. The exterior is awesome and the ride is so smooth. I am however very displeased with the lack of power and poor gas mileage.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Jordan - April 5 - 4:53 pm

  This is an overall fantastic truck, the only problems i have ever had have only because of wear and tear that comes from regular driving. Ive taken it on the nations biggest highways and camping in the wilderness and its always gotten me home. The 4WD is easy to opperate, all the controls are easy to find and use, and the roof racks are very functional.

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  Great SUV - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra - April 3 - 9:16 pm

  Ive been driving my Xterra for 5 years now without 1 problem. Its a fun car to drive, handles well in all weather, and is great for long trips. Gas mileage on the highway is acceptable, not as good for street driving. I feel save in it. Weve been rear ended twice and both times the other car was in much worse shape than the Xterra. Id buy another one.

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  radiator/transmission - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By cindy0710 - April 3 - 3:31 pm

  I, too, have experienced the faulty radiator leaking into the transmission and ruining it...I have 109000 miles so it is beyond the 80000 mile warranty and nissan wants thousands to fix it....acknowledging that the faulty radiator caused the problem, not wear, tear, etc.....so now they want me to pay the hefty bill for a new radiator and transmission for a defect in the automobile....Shame on Nissan for not recalling and fixing this problem

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  In love - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By prosha28 - March 31 - 8:46 pm

  I have had my xterra for about 2 weeks (1000 miles now) and so far it has been a great vehicle. I sold my 2012 camaro because I wanted something simple and less extravagant. Plus, the camaro was giving me a headache of problems and I wanted to make the switch back to import. The gas mileage of the xterra is just ok, being able to take it on recreational trips will make up for this in the long run. Also, it feels solid and very secure to the road which I like, while being able to sit up high and in a comfortable position. I love how it rides like a truck, but does not knock you around too much.

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  Xterra Owner - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra owner - March 29 - 2:50 pm

  I love my Xterra. It has 100,000 miles and I have only had to change the tires, brakes and a couple belts. Nothing huge considering the mileage.

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  AN SUV that is really an SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By rzrbck1 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  While primarily driven by my wife, I have had the opportunity to spend 8 weeks as the primary driver. The vehicle looks great, is made well, and has a fantastic audio system. Its an SUV in the truest form of an SUV. This vehicle is not for everyone, but we have enjoyed it for what it is. A truck based...SUV.

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  Unsatisfied - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By nicki weatherly - March 14 - 11:20 pm

  Loved this truck when I bought it always believed in Nissan until know. Buyer beware transmission cooler failed I may be looking at replacing a transmission Nissan new this was happening and have failed to recall the issue leaving us buyer the cost of the repairs 5000 to 6000. Will never buy a Nissan again.,