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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  Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Xtera Kev - November 12 - 7:46 pm

  I love this truck. I have been driving Explorers since 94. This thing smokes them 10 to 1. Plenty of power and off road it rocks. I go places where some jeeps have trouble. The ride is on par with the explorer. But the motor is way better. Mpg is about the same I avg about 20mpg 60/40 driving hwy/city. No problems of any kind yet.No rattles or squeaks I am at 60000 miles. Time for some new rubber. I just couldnt be happier.

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  Nissans have poor paint jobs - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By timothy - November 11 - 3:43 am

  My paint job is horrible and i got luv bugs on it , and in just a couple of hours it took the paint off, my dealership will not fix it it is a cheap paint job

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  A great bargain - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By cedric - November 10 - 6:26 pm

  Well built, powerful, and easy to drive in tight quarters. High seating position gives a commanding view of the road, but the short wheelbase means it can park where the soccer-mom Suburbans cant.

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  Nissan - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By ringrose69 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Not bad but heavy on gas!!!

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  Truck Build to last - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By XMan1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a looker. It has more to it than plin rugged looks. Its Xtreamely capable off the road. It has take me to the trails personality. It has the Nissan reliability and the proven and tested old Pathy engine.

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  Best SUV on for the price - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By tbranca - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy,Its a fun tough off road vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Nissan really has their act together. I average 18mpg my best is 21mpg my worst was 14mpg. I drive my X hard and have never had any problems its one of the best cars I have ever owened. I love it. I here people complaining about gas milage. the is only rated at 16 to 18. It the first car That I get the high end of the MPG. I love my X

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  2000 Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By cjn - November 1 - 10:00 am

  100% reliable, drives "tight" with great handling (especially compared to "American style" SUVs and autos). Previously owned a German sedan, and have not been disappointed by the Xterra handling despite the fact its twice as large! Great in snow, great in sun. Ive had mine for 2 years and love it as much today as when I bought it. Repairs and problems are non- existent! Only requirement is normal maintenance--oil changes, etc.

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  Love it! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Laura - October 21 - 12:26 pm

  I have had nothing but fun with this vehicle. I cant imagine enjoying one of the more expensive SUVs anymore than this one. I drove it from Massachusetts to Texas and had a comfortable trip, the seats get a bad rap, but I find them very comfortable and supportive in all the right places. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a practical vehicle with a different look and nice price tag.

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  BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By PeterWL01 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drive many vehicles before I purchase. I am in no way an impulse buyer. This is one of the fun to drive SUVs, which provides the most utility for your dollar. Plenty of room in the back. 4 whel drive is superb. Recently, we had 24" of snow fall in my area. This SUV cut through the snow like a hot nife through butter. No problem what so ever. Highly recommended.

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  Capable but rugged - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Marty - October 16 - 9:33 am

  We traded in a Caravan for a new 2005 Xterra. We were really tired of the minivan and wanted something with more power and something to pull our new atvs. Poor decision. The ride is anything but good. The interior is all plastic and cheap. The stereo has poor sound. Poor fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is very off-road capable and tows very well. Other than that it is definitely not something you want to take on a trip. If you dont need the offroad or towing capability, look elsewhere for something more accommodating. The ride quality alone will tire you even on a couple hour ride. Also it is very difficult to get in and out of the rear seats. Not something you want if you have kids.