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 121 through 130 of 153.00-
Xterra - Rough but ready - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Bowler - April 18 - 10:00 amThe vehicle is reliable but needs improvement on gas mileage and smoother riding. It is not comfortable on a long trip, nor is it gas stingy. It is, however, a good vehicle in which to haul goods, passengers. The high step to it often bothers shorter people.
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Great Truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Todd - February 6 - 12:20 amAt first we were looking at the Jeep Liberty, but decided to compare it with the Xterra because it was priced about the same. I have to say that we are very happy with our decision. This is one of the better truck-like SUVs you can get for the money. I say truck-like, because its not fair to compare it to those car-based SUVs. It rides like a truck, sounds like a truck, uses fuel like a truck...just like a sport UTILITY vehicle should. If youre looking for a car-like grocery-getter, look elsewhere. It has been driven in 18" of snow on unplowed dirt roads in Pennsylvania and on snow-covered roads across West Virginia to Snowshoe Mtn. ski resort, and it performed beautifully.
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Will NOT let this one go!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By teague250 - February 1 - 5:47 pmIve owned my 2003 Xterra since new in 2003 and I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. Eight years of ownership, driven every day, long trips, short trips, on light trails and pavement. Knock sensor went bad at 92,000 miles. Thats it...........my only repair. Of course there is the standard replacements, like air filter, oil changes and brakes, but the knock sensor has been the only mechanical failure. Oh yeah, I got 74,000 out of the front pads and the rear pads still look great at 105,000 miles. My daughter is turning 16 in a few months and this will be her vehicle. I feel very confident that this vehicle will provide her with safe, reliable transportation for years to come.
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The Best SUV on the road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Bryanna - January 24 - 10:00 amWe got an Atomic Orange Nissan Xterra last yer and it has been the best car weve had but it has its uos and downs!
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Xterra Rocks - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Signs - January 7 - 9:40 amI wanted tough style (didnt want people to confuse it with a family car), storage space (for weekend get- aways), dependability, and the feel of fun when driving anywhere. I got all four. My SE trim Super Black Xterra is still to me the best looking SUV around, with its brash and bold look and its shine when the Super black color is waxed, along with the tall charcoal wheels and rugged tires with the raised white letters. It drives like a Truck, which suits this TEXAN just fine.
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XXX Xterra Xceptional - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Scotty - December 23 - 2:00 amIm writing about my 3 year old SE. I bought it about a month after they came out in 99. Mine is a 2000, and I got all the B&W to hold resale value up. I LOVE this car! Ive driven it everywhere my old CJ (Jeep that I drove for 14 years!) used to go, and it handles just as well. The on road ride is acceptable for a truck chassis. Ive only ever had one minor problem with it, and that was a cable that was not connected to the A/C when I bought it. I get up to about 22MPG on the highway, about 17MPG around town. I _wish_ I had the Supercharged version for better takeoffs, but heck, it is a truck, and its geared pretty low. Ive recommended it to many folks.
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Love my Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By april804 - November 8 - 8:03 amI really love my Xterra. The only fault I see with this truck is gas mileage! I have had all of my service done on time, but gas mileage continues to diminish. We drove this vehicle on a 500 mile trip and got 11 miles to the gallon highway. I hate to get rid of my truck, but Im gonna have to. It has been parked for 2 months because of the gas mileage. Its hard to pay for something you cant afford to drive. The major problem I am having is finding something that I like as much or better than my Xterra. Theres not much out there.
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xterrible power - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By pattermike - September 17 - 10:00 amI realize that fuel economy is something you usually trade for the power you get from an SUV, but the Nissan Xterra drinks gas like water, and still has trouble picking up enough speed to merge onto a highway without getting rear ended. This truck is competent to get me to and from work everyday, but Im hardly impressed by the way the engine races before kicking in everytime I ask it to get me someplace in a hurry. I reccomend going for the supercharged model. Also, why does the steering wheel have to be so close to the seat? There is barely enough room for your legs, even after you adjust it.
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wouldnt recommend - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By brooke6425 - September 11 - 10:00 amI would not recommend this vehicle for anyone with small children or anyone that plans to be using it on long road trips. The ride is so bumpy and on long trips it can get very uncomfortable. If I had to do over I would buy something more expenisve with a smoother ride and something that was quieter on the highway.
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So Far So Good, But... - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By tommywo - September 11 - 10:00 amIve had my Xterra for just over a week and I love it so far. Still, I REALLY wish the steering wheel tilted up higher. Im 64/300 pounds and the extra room would come in handy getting in/out of the car. Other than that, I have plenty of leg room. Also, my gas mileage seems to be pretty marginal at best. Im hoping that it will get better as the engine gets broken.
