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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  My Favorite Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By MyXTerra - November 12 - 6:46 pm

  On our trip to our home state recently we were run off the road by a semi. My daughter and I were asleep while my husband was driving. Woke when we hit the dirt. Front end damage and blew out a tire, shattering the rim. We were all uninjured, just surprised. Took out a sign, both side mirrors broken, driver side mirror shattered window. I give the Xterra an EXCELLENT review because it took all of the force and kept my family safe. Our dogs, cats and puppies were also in the vehicle and everyone is in perfect health. I HIGHLY recommend the Xterra. Mine has always been reliable and a blast to drive. Love that get up and go power. Gas mileage could be better but very sturdy vehicle.

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  I love my Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Tinkerbell - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra so much, it has just been the perfect car for me and so fun to drive. I think it is great looking too. I have had no problems with it at all.

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  nice suv - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By sledhead - November 2 - 11:53 pm

  Fun to drive in all weather conditions. Four wheel drive works great. Engine has plenty of power even with 3000 lb trailer in tow, still accelerates uphills with no problem unlike our past v6 explorer. Somewhat of a stiff ride but that is what we like, its a truck not a car. Just put 10,000 miles on it with no problems so far.

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  A Great Vehicle! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By lap - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Xterra 14 months now and it is doing great! I keep hearing people complain about gas mileage-but I get 20 mpg with the V6 and 5spd manual,which is excellent for a veh with high ground clearance,full steel frame,steel skid plates,true roof rack and 16" wheels & tires!

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  my xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By balltongn2 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first suv it rides just like a truck with great ground clearence for those who like to hit the trails which I have the only thing that I dont really like is that takes a few to get speed on the take off but once it gets going it moves i would recommened it for anyone

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  More than an SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By PeterW - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Best Car or Truck I have ever owned

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  Thumbs Up for XTerra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By A.D. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it!! Stadium seating for back passengers, Great Idea! Roomy, First Aid Kit, Comfortable to drive. The only thingI had to get used to was the automatic window controls. I have the Rockford Fosgate system and it sounds Great esp for a stock system. My husband didnt even want to change it! THANK YOU NISSAN!! but what is the square thing on the back?

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  Fun Ride Terrible Gas Mileage - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra - October 10 - 2:53 pm

  Its advertised at 18 city/21hwy. Mine has never done better than 17mpg no matter how I drive. I also drove the tacoma before I bought my X. I wanted a 6 speed. The tacoma drives like a car. The X feels like a full size truck. It doesnt have the girly frills of other trucks. It has a ton of power. I slip it in 3rd at highway speed and roar right by people. I got it to haul my mastiffs to shows and it fits that bill great, plenty of room and height for them. Get a cheap rubber mat so your dogs dont slip on the plastic. The only time it doesnt have enough power is in 6th on hills hauling dogs or people. No prob 5th will have you gaining speed on that same hill.

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  Sluggish 02 XTerra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By SeaDweller - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle looks great and is fun to drive. The Solar Yellow turns alot of heads as well! It is perfect for my lifestyle with the real-truck features I need with relative comfort for its class. Not much pep, however. It is sluggish on acceleration.

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  Miss mine too - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Kangel Davis - October 9 - 11:06 pm

  I loved this vehicle also like the review below...mine also was totaled in an accident by a speeder. Not a scratch built to last & safety a plus. With 141,000 still going strong. The only prob;em my air bag did not go off & being hit at 50 oops something went wrong...otherwise the best I every owned & now looking to replace...with yep another Xterra