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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  2003 Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By leester420 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Really fun suv to drive. Love the fosgate system. Looks really tough. Well built vehicle.

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  Inexpensive reliablility w/ personality - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By DesignerX - April 2 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my 4x4 XE Xterra used in April 2002 w/13,000 miles on it, it had been a rental car. I now have over 90k miles and the truck is running solid, the engine and transmission feel tight and it still looks great. Ive hauled a 3500 lb trailer about 3k miles. I havent had a single problem with this truck. In my opinion the Xterra is the Civic of SUVs... its not the quickest or most swank but it holds its own especially for the price.

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  Only an X-Terra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By DebbieQ - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My first X-Terra was the first vehicle I ever purchased based *nearly* solely on appearances. Of course, it was Nissan, and I only buy Nissan, so I assumed that it would run forever as well.

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  MY CAR DIGGITY - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By poonugget - March 23 - 2:00 am

  couldnt ask for a better car

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  2006 Nissan Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By nonissan2 - March 22 - 8:00 am

  33,000 miles, vehicle in distress Purchased - NEW The Nissan Xterra looks like a very nice SUV from the outside. But if you own one, you know that this vehicle has alot of problems that have not been fixed. Most common, are the front drive shaft U joints that go. NTBS has issued warnings as for front wheel bearings which include the front U joints. No recall issued by Nissan, not under any warranty Tension arm blew at 7000 miles, started blew at 22000 miles, now front u joints at 33,000 miles. Very nice vehicle if you like to restore cars Dont buy this vehicle years 2005 to 2009

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  Improving but not ready for prime time - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By INOU - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  This SUV will get you from A to B, it rides decently, and gets decent mileage. I had it for two years and I purchased it when it was 2 yrs old. No major problems. Its safe and designed well specifically the exterior. The interior lacks leg room, and needs more pep from a stopped position. The clutch was not as smooth as others, and the gas mileage was average. Middle of the road, not in the Toyota or other big boys league but improving.

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  Not as good as you might think - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CyborgTodd - March 12 - 5:16 am

  I purchased my Xterra as a dealer demo. Shame on me for not doing more homework on both the Xterra and the dealer. While I have had a great deal of fun when taking the Xterra off road, I drive it mostly on road and have experienced nagging, little issues with the vehicle, that after doing a bit of digging find to be very common in the Nissan line. Fuel sensors and emissions issues seem rather common. Brakes wear is terrible. There are numerous rattles & squeaks as well. If you are in warranty, most of these are a non-issue, out of warranty they are pricey and dont waste your time contacting Nissan for warranty assistance, one of the worst experiences ever.

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  Thisrty machine... - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Chili Palmer - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought the X new in 2001 - First S/C on the lot. I was impressed with the off-the-line acceleration and overall looks (drastic improvement over previous models). Overall it has been a good vehicle, performed beyond its means off road (Yes I do own another 4x4 to compare it to...) and has proved reliable in day to day use. I use it to tow a 4,500Lb boat on weekends - No sweat...until I try to pass a gas station. Best mileage to date 16mpg. Average 13mpg. Worst (towing) 9.8mpg. As well, power is great around town but trying to pass on the freeway does not net the same surge in acceleration. I look forward to the 2005s - MORE POWER !

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By ShastaMcNasty - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Thats right. This is a TRUCK. Anyone looking for a soft ride and fuel economy should go with a Honda CR-V or Ford Escape. Got a great deal...about $3500 below invoice including rebate. If youre thinking about an Xterra, nows the time. There are great deals to be had out there!

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  Power - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By JOE Shmoe - March 6 - 10:00 am

  this car could climb everest it has a powerful v6 and is backed with a killer 4wd system. iwouldnt trade it for anything