4 Star Reviews for 2002 Nissan Xterra

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.31/5 Average
138 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Nissan's popular Xterra SUV receives a variety of updates for the 2002 model year. Front-end styling is updated, and the bulged hood hides a newly optional supercharged V6. Inside, there are revised gauges, seat fabrics, climate controls, two additional power points and a bigger glovebox. Also standard are dual-stage front airbags, rear child-seat anchors, variable intermittent front windshield wipers, a rear window wiper and a foot-operated parking brake. In terms of options, a new in-dash six-disc CD changer is available on XE Xterras and standard on SE models. Nissan has also made the sunroof optional instead of standard. Finally, as a tribute to dedicated Xterra owners, an Enthusiast Package is available only on XE V6 four-wheel-drive models. It includes ceiling tie clamps, a first aid kit, a tilt steering wheel, foglights, front tow hooks, map lights, a limited-slip differential, manually locking hubs and rubber floor mats.

Pros:
  • Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.
Cons:
  • Uncomfortable front seats, poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 138.00
  • Its been a ROCK - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Gotta say this has been a solid truck. Bought new in late 02 and ever since my XT has been very reliable. Its no-nonsense and does what its supposed to do. Off-roading is a blast when we ride the dunes on the beach and it is a tank in the snow. My 1st set of tires got 50+ on them and 2nd sets of Coopers got 60+. It hauls everything Ive needed - dishwashers, plywood, kids, vacay stuff to the brim. Love my XT but may have to part with it soon since I need something that will tow a heavier boat! Great truck, so long as its properly maintained.

  • Solid SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I bought this 4wd truck used almost 4yrs ago, it was a rental car for the first 13k miles and I have added 57k miles. This SUV is solid... Im not a gentle driver and have had no problems. This truck has endured 2.5 yrs of city driving (short trips and lots of stop and go) and over 4k miles pulling a 3500lb trailer. Its not the most luxurious truck, its no speed demon and the mpg isnt any better than a Chevrolet Tahoe v8... but to me the cost of ownership, reliability and functionality does the trick!

  • Nissan - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Not bad but heavy on gas!!!

  • 11 Years old and Still Squeek Free - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Just bought this car Feb. with 105K miles on it. Had to change the timming belt and water pump as the previous owner had not changed these items. I could not ask for a better small SUV. It is a live axle 2wd truck, so the ride is rough but not a single piece of plastic in the vehicle makes noise. The cost to purchase these is fairly low due to most people not wanting to change the timming belt. Dont be affraid if you can do minor car repairs, this one is a breeze. Great car i would buy another in a heart beat. Uses a little more gas then expected for a V6 but it is still not bad

  • The X-terrible - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I mean X-terrible in a good way like not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good (Run DMC). This is a fun to drive great to look at vehicle. Forget going over $30K for a few meaningless bells and whistles, this truck has and does all that those trucks do. Plus it looks tough, this is no Estrogen-UV like some of the other, wimpier looking new entries into the market. Keep those jacked up mini-vans and give me a truck with raised white lettered tires and aggresive styling. The dirtier it gets, the better it looks. Rock on in your X- terrible.

  • ex-terra-ah!!!!!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Excellent styling, handeling, and upper body roomieness. Sub-optimal (at best!) drivers side leg room. Brake, gas pedals and the center consel are crowded for feet and lower leg movement during driving. 170 hp V-6 is somewhat under powered for acceleration, but cruises effortlessly. Gas milage rivals a Sherman Tank! Good sound system. Archaic power knobs for mirrors / windows.

  • X-Terra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I bought the 2001 4WD SE because of its price tag and different looks. Dont go off-road. Dont agree that the front seats are uncomfortable. We took a trip (apx 1,000 miles) in it last September and found it quit comfortable and it handled well on the road. I really like the feel of it, even if it is a little "trucky" feeling. Tons of room in the back with/without seats down. Seemed to be the best buy for the amount of room you get in its price range.

  • Car Saved My Life - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Sadly I only owned this car for 2 months. I had an accident and flipped on a very dangerous road where I lived. People who passed by thought the driver would have died, but I only had a bruise on my knee. The roll ability was great and the cabin stayed intact (no denting in from the top or sides). I feel very lucky to be alive and believe the safety features on this Xterra are why.

  • Real Off Road Machine - Out of the Box - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I wanted a vehicle to take me to and from work everyday and be able to play offroad on the weekends all at a reasonable price. Hands down this vehicle is it. The supercharger is a wonderful feature for highway driving and passing. The fact that this machine has a full box ladder frame makes it perfect for real offroading. Aftermarket parts are also becoming more widely available. My only complaint would be fuel economy but if that was my main concern I wouldnt have bought this vehicle in the first place.

  • wish i got 4 wheel drive - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    cool, except hasnt stopped snowing since i bought it.

Nissan Xterra Reviews By Year:
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