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 11 through 20 of 153.00-
2003 xtera xe 4wd 3.3 6c - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By marty90OP - August 29 - 2:00 amover 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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Cant WAIT to get rid of it! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By crzymomma - May 30 - 2:23 amNothing but trouble! For starters, the a/c sucks! I blow cooler air then my Xterra. We have had the a/c charged & it made the issue worse. It also doesnt blow hard enough for my kids in the back seat to even feel it at all. The sunroof leaks. Ive replaced the starter, battery, connector cables, timing belt, and radiator multiple times & we still get stranded. It doesnt crank 50% of time. Was told it has mechanical issues. Im waiting on it to catch fire!The front grey bumper fades & chips & looks awful! & the sad thing is, we just now hit 103,000 miles. The window motors are going out & the seal on windows leak and make lots of air noise when driving. I hate this thing! My kids hate it too!
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i love this truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By jlacourt - May 15 - 2:00 ami have been waiting to buy one of these for about two years now. it was well worth the wait. it doesnt ride like a car but its not supposed too--its built for offroading. you can tell the difference in the engine (180hp vs. 170hp) especially with a k&n filter installed. i did not to get the sunroof- -its not useful in an xterra anyways-- but on the 2003s they have a cargo net in the ceiling in its place. great place to keep things you want to keep from sliding around. the turning radius is amazing. its as good as my civic--it feels that way anyways. overall its a great truck. i would recommend one to anyone.
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Happy Consumer - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By jordan - May 4 - 10:00 amIve had my 02 XE S/C 4wd for just over 6 months now, and I couldnt be happier. Im coming from a 96 Blazer that was as reliable and fun as anyone could ask, but I dont miss it a bit. My only complaint about the Xterra is having to remove the back seat cushions to fold them down flat. They either take up space or you have to leave em at home. Other than that the truck rides great and is a blast to drive. I couldnt ask for more. I would recommend this truck to anyone who seriously uses their SUV like a truck, but still wants to be able to get from point A to point B in comfort and with some fun.
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Not a bad truck for normal use - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By slapshot - February 2 - 10:00 amOverall, 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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first SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By rocketboy - February 2 - 10:00 amThe X is an Awesome SUV! I test drove a lot of other SUVs and the X just offers more bang for the buck. -Get the 4-wheel drive. As soon as you get it home you want to get it muddy. And 4x4 insures your ride home-not INTO the mud! -I bought the X with the stereo upgrade, but an in-dash DVD nav sys would be nice. I have a handheld and that is better for me anyway. (I can take it with me into the woods). -I like the engine configuration. It is mounted rotated to the left. This also allows easier maintenance for mechanical and electrical systems. The X is a very well thought out design and is truly driven by whats inside,the 24-year-olds that buy it.
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Go Out & Getchu One - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Chubbs Paugh - January 27 - 10:00 amI had originally planned on purchasing an XE/SE model but opted for the S/C for all of its upgrades (fat tires/charcoal rims/black&blue interior/and oh yeah, the supercharger. For those of you looking for an SUV that has the off-road capability of a Wrangler; go for the Xterra. Its a blast to drive. I didnt get the same excitement from the VUE, or the CRV. I reccommend these for the grocery getters out there. But if youre the type to strap some kayaks, or mountain bikes to the roof, the Xterra will get you anywhere you want to go.
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A great truck for the buck! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By TMartin - January 21 - 2:00 amWell built. Solid construction and ride. Not a wussy SUV that started out as a car platform.
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Trendy! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By ctyger - January 21 - 2:00 amI 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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Disappointed - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Disappointed - November 24 - 4:46 pmI have just over 99,000 miles on my Xterra, and I have already had to replace a cracked exhaust manifold and the supercharger. Now I am being told that the head gasket is leaking. I love the styling and capability of the Xterra, but I have been very disappointed by the reliability. I dont know if the 3.3 liter engine was not properly designed for the stresses associated with the supercharger, but it has definitely not lived up to my expectations.
