Overview & Reviews

Though the Xterra was updated just last year, Nissan has made further changes for 2003. Mechanically, the V6 has received a slight increase in power, and a stability control system (Nissan's VDC) will be a new option. Also for 2003, Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Inside, a driver seat-height and lumbar adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on nonsunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A "rugged" leather package is now offered for the SE trim. Other refinements include a 300-watt rating for the Rockford Fosgate-powered eight-speaker audio system, an available tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are also standard on SE trim.

• Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.

• Poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 153.00

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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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  Pretty good SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By brianl - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this Xterra about 8 months and have driven 17K miles to date. It constantly gets 16MPG no matter what type of driving I do. I recently drove to Florida (1,260 miles each way) It still got 16MPG. Of course I was going about 75MPH. Other than that it seems solid.

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  Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By intercom - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, drives like a truck, but in a good way, is great off road.

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  2003 xtera xe 4wd 3.3 6c - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By marty90OP - August 29 - 2:00 am

  over all a very pleasent vehicle if not a little under powered and hungry on gas. I have had the opertunity to use it to tow on a long trip,(240 miles and towing 1000lbs) and it was not bad, but was hard to keep up to speed without shifting down a gear on hills. Have yet to use it in snow, but I have heard about its good off road capabilities so Im looking forward to it.

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  Not a bad truck for normal use - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By slapshot - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the truck is pretty good. No problems since new (6500 miles) except for some sqeaking in the suspension somewhere. The interior (cloth seats) could be more comfortable. The suspension is too soft. For a daily driver, it does OK. However, towing leaves ALOT to be desired. Towing a 3000-3500 lb boat is a big load for it and it lets you know it (HP, braking, and horrible gas mileage). I would not feel safe towing the max tow rating of 5000 lbs with this truck. If I had it to do over again, Id buy the Explorer V8 or 4-Runner V8.

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  Trendy! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ctyger - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my little Xterra! I bought it because I needed towing capacity but didnt want a huge SUV or a pick-up. My camper weighs approx. 3500 pounds fully loaded and it tows my camper like a dream. It uses far too much gas however. The first time my teenage granddaughters saw it they said, "Wow, Grandma - thats so trendy!" I feel like the coolest person on the road when I am driving it!

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  The Best SUV for the bucks - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Mikey Knows - September 14 - 1:53 am

  Before I bought the Xterra I did a lot of research. I needed an SUV with 4wd that was under $30,000 that was big enough for a family of 4. The gas mileage for the V-6 is not the best, but if you want better mileage then youre stuck with a 4 cyl micro SUV with little cargo space.Cargo space kicks butt in the Xterra compared to other SUVs below $30k & the roof rack is SOLID TUBE METAL not flimsy plastic.I strapped lumber, doors, & other big stuff with no problems(Max weight is 20lb) You do have to remove the rear seat bottoms to have the seats fold flat,which is good and bad.The Xterra drives like a 4x4 truck,it is no where as bad as a jeep. But like a jeep you will never get stuck in snow & mud.

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  Luv my Xterra ! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Kelly in Charleston - July 2 - 4:10 pm

  I am past the "soccer mom" stage and wanted something FUN to drive. My entire family drives, or has previously driven, Nissans so the choice was easy. I would only trade my 2003 Xterra for a new one. It is the perfect weekend and/or tailgate vehicle. The seats are a bit uncomfortable but the Rockford Fosgate stereo ROCKS ! You dont buy an Xterra for the mileage but it is as good or better than most SUVs. I highly recommend the Nissan Xterra !

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  Good enough to keep - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By KP - July 1 - 12:10 am

  Had some issues with the power windows and had them replaced under warranty. Still have occasional problems with it. Had a significant problem with the A/C, basically had it replaced only after 3 years. The first repair under warranty was poorly done by dealer. So, I had to pay out of pocket. I drive several hours at a time occasionally and would like to have a more comfortable seat. Fuel economy approaches 20 at 65 using fully synthetic oil. Needs a bit more highway merging power about 15-20% would do.

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  Nice car - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By iKaige - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first SUV. I love the room that it provides and the sporty look is very attractive. I am pleased with its reliability. I have never had to service the car other than the usual wear and tear. Excellent purchase!!