2006 Nissan Xterra Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.46/5 Average
103 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2006, a new entry-level X model debuts, and the Power package is now standard on the S trim. All models get a lighted locking glovebox.

Pros:
  • One of the most powerful V6s in the class, above average off-road capability, solid passenger room, innovative cargo features.
Cons:
  • Still not what we would call refined on the street, lots of hard plastic in the cabin.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 103.00
  • The Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    In comparison to my previous SUV purchases, 1) Jeep: The worst automotive experience Ive ever had, and 2) Mitsubishi Montero: A mediocre performer, the 2006 Xterra is the perfect blend of performance and comfort for thousands less. The 265 HP engine makes freeway blending a breeze and provides smooth power for backcountry exploration here at the Grand Canyon. There are dozens of easy and inexpensive add-on racks, nets and carriers for every toy I want to strap on, plus a 5000 lb. towing capacity.

  • Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I never thought about owning a Xterra, but after test driving this baby, I just had to have it. The ride and power are great. Wife doesnt want me to drive so she can enjoy. Great SUV for the dough!!

  • Big hit with me and the dogs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I settled on the XTerra after driving way too many mid-sized SUVs. I drove the XTerra first, and I kept coming back to it. It beats competitors hands down. The powertrain is excellent (smooth, powerful, responsive). Comfortable. Good looking in a geekish kind of way. A great dog vehicle--fold down the rear, and theres no fabric touching the dogs, so its easy to clean. The dogs get a great view, too. Great handling in snow, mud, and sand (havent had it on rock yet). I wouldnt recommend this for commuters--this is a true 4WD so expect to feel bumps (and pain and the pump, but thats expected, so no downgrade there). If you like to play outside, and have a lot of toys, you want this

  • Utility and off road - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    On road: avg 20.5 city/up to 24 hwy mpg. Great utility vehicle, have carried large fridge, washer/dryer, many other home remodeling items. Long road trips are nice with wife and 2 large dogs. Great engine performance, able to sleep in back diagonally (Im 62"). 4x4: have done gnarly 4x4: ground clearance decent, articulation decent, tracks well, departure angle fair, in 4 Low, throttle not sensitive enough, 2Low should be geared lower, shocks OK, rear bottoms out easily (suspension design issue), stock tires fair. Not on par with Jeep off road, but a very good starting point, will have to modify for serious 4x4. Had to replace clutch at 17k, but under warranty. No other problems.

  • Less Enthusiastic Than Most - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I bought the OR model to use off road after driving an 88 4x4 Pathfinder for 342K miles (great vehicle!) By comparison, the Xterra rides like a buckboard & handles like a baby buggy on mountain roads (mushy steering, feels unstable - tho it might not be). Cant get rid of constant squeaking from under carriage, despite 4 trips to the dealer. Unnecessarily tall inside (about same capacity as old Pathfinder, so why?). Worse mileage than advertised, poorly engineered cruise control.

  • Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Ive had my Xterra for about a month now and I have to say, I am impressed. I take my X to the beach, in the woods and around town. The ride, handling and performance is better than I expected from a nearly 4000 pound truck. The engine is great! This thing gets up and goes when you need it to. The utilitrack in the back is a great feature if you have the cargo organizer. I use the roof rack for my surfboards and Im looking into a clamp- on safari cage for my camping gear. The Fosgate stereo is pretty sweet for a factory system. Gas mileage is the only downfall, but what do you expect from a 4.0-liter engine? Overall a great SUV that is fun to drive! I highly recommend it.

  • Love it!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Got my 06 4WD Xterra, basic "X" model a week ago. Im lovin it. Great power, great handling, great view from way up high. I can see why its the Motor trend SUV of the year. Nothing luxurious about it, but with all that Nissan packed in to this truck.. Mid $22K for a 4WD, 265 hp, auto + is as good of a deal as youre going to find. Ride is a bit bumpier than a standard sedan but it is a true off-road capable truck/suv after all.

  • Good So Far - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Ive had this vehicle for over three years now. Love the power, handling, 20mpg with standard trans, great off road. Many have had premature clutch wear so I would not buy another stick. Most of the parts for this vehicle including engine is not Japan. Wish honda made old school suv, but for now xterra seems to give best bang for buck. 4runner much more expensive, and most of their parts are also not Japan.

  • Faulty fuel sending unit - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Im very pleased with my 2006 Xterra. However Im not pleased with the cost of having to replace a faulty fuel sending unit which Nissan has not recalled on this year of Xterra but has recalled the older versions. I would think that if Nissan is receiving the same types of complaints regarding sending units that the least they could do would be to replace them.

  • Plenty Happy - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Bought brand new and this X has never disappointed! Taken it cross country (NC-OR, NC-AZ) 3 times and have never had one issue! Rides like a truck and thats what I wanted. The factory suspension in the rear is lacking and bottoms out fairly easy. Easy fix with some good Timbren bumpstops. Have never had a major issue with it yet, just routine maintenance. Fuel economy is average but thats what is expected from a 265HP 4x4. If you want to wheel your rig hard then expect the front diff to fail since they are weak and you will most likely have warranty issues from the dealer if they know you go wheeling. Overall It is a great truck and I love mine!

Nissan Xterra Reviews By Year:
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