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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  Love this SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By cmontoya - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is tight. This truck does not lack power even though its a 4 cylinder. Its geared for low end power so its not too much fun in stop & go but Ive proven it can climb hills with ease. Excellent control in snow without 4x4 also. I was already rear ended and slambed into the car infront of me. The car behind went under and only damaged the bumper. This truck is SAFE! I owned a Nissan truck before this with the same 2.4 motor for 12 years. 198,000 miles and it was a performer with no problems. Sold it to a friend and he loves it.

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  Gas - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By JASON - March 6 - 4:13 am

  It handles very nicely i just wish it would get better gas mileage on the interstate. I travel with 3 kids 70 miles round trip so far i like it. Its roomy and comfy.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By MMR - March 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive; always

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  Quality, Real Sport Utility Vehicle - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Daily Driver - February 23 - 3:23 pm

  Sturdy, truck frame, doesnt feel like a delicate car whose suspension has been raised and given 4WD. Inspires confidence in bad weather and on rough trails. Fun to drive in the snow and slush! Feels safe. VDC works well when roads are slick. Good ground clearance with key components tucked up under the frame. Excellent acceleration. Very responsive engine and transmission. Quiet on the highway. Comfortable for four on a trip.

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  Nissan X-Terra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By jkirvin23 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  For those who like to use their SUVs to its full capacity this is the best one for you. It is very sporty and rugged. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles that other SUVs have but it is very enjoyable to drive and to get around in. There is lots of room and most importantly it has the reliability of a Nissan. My brother has a Pathfinder and he hasnt had a problem with his and he has over 100,000 miles on it. It is a good looking car with lots to back it up on its value!

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  My First New Nissan - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By jazziegirlie - February 16 - 10:00 am

  My Nephew had a Nissan Xterra, and I asked him how he likes it and he said they loved it, so they lived in mobile we had a Ford F350 which rode rough and I was having back surgery so we drove right to Birmingham and bought one over the phone all we had to do was go sign the papers and it was a done deal and we love it, No comparision to the F350 Dually Diesel, will buy another one in probably 3 years just like it maybe a different color. Good Power, I love my Exterra!!! and as many as I see on the road there must be alot of people who love them do.

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  My first SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Michele Small - February 8 - 10:26 am

  I have purchsed Nissan cars for years, but as our winters are getting worse and worse, I needed an SUV to travel to my appointments safely. Although gas mileage is not super, the vehicle more than makes up for it. I love the 4wd easy shifting, the reliability of the vehicle, and the way it handles. I wanted a dependable and durable vehicle,not neccessarily with lots of "bells and whistles". I love this vehicle and will never have another car. Did I mention that with 5 dogs, we have added a dog gate behind the back (stadium stacked) seats and they LOVE it. Practical and my pick for an SUV!

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  2000 Xterra Still Going Strong - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By clgd3 - February 7 - 11:40 pm

  I have owned my Nissan Xterra since I bought it new in 2000. I have not had any problems at all mechanically. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 5000 miles. The only thing that has been replaced a couple of times has been the battery. Other than that it has been a great vehicle. I am even thinking about buying a 2008 or 2009 when Im ready to buy another vehicle. Ive been totally happy with my Xterra the past 8 years. I have read that some people have had problems with rust forming on the exterior. I noticed some rust that appeared to form in the paint but with occasional waxing it inhibited any corrosion. Overall the best vehicle Ive owned.

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  This is my 2nd Xterra - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By shoodoobee - February 7 - 3:19 am

  I traded in my 2001 Xterra XE with 108k miles for 2011 Xterra SE about 1 month ago. This is a solid, safe SUV. The 2011 is very comfy, but there are some things I wish it had for the cost: a temperature gauge, a decent stereo, carpeted cargo area (otherwise EVERYTHING slides around), power seats, multi-CD changer, Sirius radio, and - better/different interior upholstery and plastic. Even a drop water stains these seats. It didnt on the 2001, but it does on the 2011. And the plastic console collects every piece of dust because it has a softer material. It really is annoying how much it collects and retains dust, hair, etc. Drive-wise, its solid, fairly quiet, and does well in the mountains.

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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.