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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  So nice, I bought this model twice - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By Lori Clark - June 27 - 8:33 pm

  Great rugged SUV. Very reliable, excellent powertrain, roomy, and tough.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Bob - June 26 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought a new 2005 leftover Nissan Xterra S at a sweet price. The truck is muscully (you know theres power here) and great to drive. I did not want to get a wimpy honda crv and the toyota forerunner was alot more cash. Looking forward to more snow here in New England. For an off-road vehicle at a low to mid 20s price without looking like a family type minivan, it cant be beat

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  very impressive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dcphotoshoot - June 25 - 12:33 am

  My previous vehicle was a 1999 Pathfinder which had 165,000 miles. The new pathfinder is more a city SUV, so I opted for the Xterra. What a good choice I made. Same fuel economy with alot more power than the previous pathfinder. Love it.

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  CANT SAY ENOUGH! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By graysith - June 24 - 7:54 pm

  After major disappointment with my previous 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I turned to Nissans Xterra, and will never turn back. In the 5-1/2 years that Ive owned mine Ive had no trouble other than a cracked in-tire air pressure sensor, but thats it. Drives great, super in snow and weather, dependable, trustworthy and comfortable. I needed something able to get through IA blizzard conditions; this baby does it! Have 113K miles on her (80% highway), and plan on keeping "Bear" for at least double that! No regrets whatsoever; I highly recommend Nissan for quality, performance, strength and durability. Leaves Jeep floundering in the dust, let me tell you that!

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  2nd Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By jexx - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  My 2000 Xterra was so much fun and so reliable that it made it easy for us to step up and trade it in for a new SC Xterra. While we looked at other more expensive suvs we opted for what we felt was imo obviously the best deal, and for the vehicle that would most facilitate our active lifestyle and our adventurous spirit.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By John F. - June 11 - 1:56 pm

  This is the perfect first car for anyone. The interior is not the nicest, but with a teen, thats usually not a problem. The engine could be improved but its enough for most people. You cant go wrong with a Nissan.

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  Expensive Junk - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Larry Alcoke - June 10 - 7:30 pm

  Best way to describe this vehicle. Poor fuel mileage, hurricane winds come through cabin in winter freezing you, need to make a standing date every other week to take in for repairs, trim paint coating is water colors washes off, dont use a car wash even if standing 5 ft away will wash coating off trim, poor warranty coverage regarding such. TPMS is junk. stock tires & brakes are junk wear out way to soon, no not from hard use or poor inflation. Was not my choice but couldnt convince wife much better vehicles on market. Nissan refuses to talk to you if you call them about a problem. Better buy is Hyundai Santa FE by far. Poor drive ratio for engine size, wrong tran. Heat & defrost junk.

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  Tough - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By cbw - June 5 - 11:20 am

  If you want to increase your mileage, toss in a K&N filter. I am getting 19 in town with the air on. I cant complain too much since I did upgrade from a car. Sure you are going to burn a little gas, but its worth it for a compact SUV with a fully boxed frame. The ride is quiet even @ 80,90, 100, its a rock.

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  Buy One - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandon - June 4 - 5:06 pm

  This is the second Xterra I have purchased and I am sure I will be buying more. I use my vehicle for work, home repairs and vacations and it couldnt be a better fit. Amazing stability control with simple to use 4 wheel drive means its safe in all conditions. Killer stereo, good looks and convenient design make me like it even more. Pulls 5,000 lbs no problem and still gets 22+ mpg on the highway (not pulling 5k).

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  Cool but needs metal - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Almaguer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I like the Xterra, its a life style choice.