Overview & Reviews

The Xterra has been fully redesigned for 2005 with a new platform, a more powerful V6 and a more spacious interior.

• One of the most powerful V6s in the class, above average off-road capability, solid passenger room, innovative cargo features.

• Still not what we would call refined on the street, a few instances of low-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 151.00

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  Faulty radiator design destroys transmission - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By argiad - September 1 - 4:06 am

  I too loved my Xterra up until a couple of months ago. Bad engine design results in a faulty radiator part leaking radiator fluid into the transmission, destroying the transmission and leading to upwards of $5-6k in repair costs. Early signs include a low rumbling while driving as though driving over rumble strips and disappear if you slow or accelerate. Do NOT ignore this! If you do you could end up with engine overheating at best or transmission failure while driving possibly resulting in an accident. This problem occured for me at 90K miles is a common occurance and for others has occured at as low as 50K. Nissan is fully aware of and has done nothing to fix the problem.

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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.,

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  I Made it to 140k Miles - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By silentrick - July 7 - 6:47 am

  I have been pretty pleased overall with my 2005 Xterra. I have over 140,000 miles on it and Im just now experiencing major issues with it. Ive had recurring issues with the O2 sensors going out more than once and now I need a new catalytic converter. I wasnt aware of the transmission and radiator issues on the 2005 models until I read this post. As it turns out, I too have an issue with a cracked radiator leaking into my tranny and now I need to replace both. I thought it could have been due to a minor fender bender a few months back but now Im not so sure, especially because I was hit in the rear. Seems like I got lucky to have made it as far as I did on mine.

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  Capable but rugged - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Marty - October 16 - 9:33 am

  We traded in a Caravan for a new 2005 Xterra. We were really tired of the minivan and wanted something with more power and something to pull our new atvs. Poor decision. The ride is anything but good. The interior is all plastic and cheap. The stereo has poor sound. Poor fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is very off-road capable and tows very well. Other than that it is definitely not something you want to take on a trip. If you dont need the offroad or towing capability, look elsewhere for something more accommodating. The ride quality alone will tire you even on a couple hour ride. Also it is very difficult to get in and out of the rear seats. Not something you want if you have kids.

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  Loved it until this year - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dissappointed - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought it new, this year has been hell.I spent about 2k in one month. then the catalytic converters went out. Covered by warranty but Celebrity Nissan did a horrible job with the repair and charged me 200 for some testing that no one can explain. In the end Reed Nissan had to put a new engine in it about a month ago. Still having problems with transmission slipping but no one will take responsibility for it. Big surprise. Nissan of North America will do nothing for you if you have problems. I want to get rid of this car now. Until this year I loved it but Im so disappointed now with the dealership and Nissan in general. Does anyone stand behind their products anymore. NO!

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  Traded in after numerous repairs - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By houstontxowner - December 20 - 5:30 pm

  Absolutely loved my Xterra, kept it maintained and planned to keep it a very long time. Then the problems started after I hit 60,000 miles. Fuel sensor, several batteries, belts (that had screeched since 1 year old and dealer couldnt figure out), then the tensioners, timing chain. After that $1,000+ repair, saw online all the radiator leaks into the transmission being reported and decided to cut my losses and traded it in. Received notification of an extended warranty on the radiator/tranny failure to 80,000 miles the week after I traded it. Had 70,000 on it anyway and would not have been willing to take a chance on needing that $5,000 repair. Depressing.

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  not too great - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dfs - May 7 - 3:46 pm

  this suv is good for offroad, if u plan on driving everyday make sure u have ALOT of extra money for gas. It is unbelievable how much gas this car eats if i would have known i would not have purchased. It slides all over the place in the snow unless u put it in 4 wheel drive! even if its less then an inch of snow!!! u def. cannot fit 3 people in the back seat unless they are super skinny! so unless ur specific use for this car is off road i dont recommend it

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  Terrible Drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By TD - May 19 - 5:20 am

  This car is a wreck waiting to happen. Maybe its just my Xterra, but the steering is jumpy, it doesnt hold its line in Hi-way driving and be careful if you think about taking it off-road. Ive taken mine several times into the hills and mud of North Carolina and if you take a bump or a rut too hard the jolt the car gives you can easily put you in the passenger seat. My 1993 Jeep Cherokee handled the terrain with ease...even though I am going to get destroyed on my trade in....this car is going back and Im buying something else. Good Luck

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  Loved It But It Let Me Down - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By NewJeepGirl - April 21 - 7:43 am

  I really loved this truck. Had great performance-never seemed to lack HP, 6 spd tranny lots of fun. ABS computer died at 400 miles none of the gauges worked. Cam seal started leaking at 23K, then dealership couldnt get parts claiming they were hopelessly backordered. Nissan Corporate was no help either. Nice truck if you get a reliable one (good luck-its a crap shoot). Family has had good luck with older Nissans-this one was definitely my last. Traded it for an 08 Jeep Patriot, and was so glad I did-AWD, Lifetime powertrain warentee, better ride and easier to get in/out of. Cant tow my camper like the X, but thats what my 97 Ford Expedition is for!

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  Disappointing - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Sirgwhiz - December 31 - 3:30 am

  Bought vehicle new; mpg ratings were 16-20. Had an 03 Maxima rated at 24-28 mpg; in 45k miles avged 31.5. Expected Xterra to avg 20 or better. Highest ever was 17. Service rep said it was within specs and offered no help. Dealer couldnt reprogram. Overall it is rugged, manages very well in snow and slush and truly is a stable multiple purpose vehicle. Circuit card for fan and AC burned out, $60; clunking in drive train after 35k miles, dealer replaced front and rear drive shafts did not fix the noise. Spare tire lift mechanism broke ($140 - replaced it myself); jack is cheap and bent in use; leak in tailgate corroded lock; wheel bearing went out at 65000, tow & repair $900