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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  powerful upgrade - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Brian Pederson - January 29 - 9:30 am

  No question the redesigned X-terra is more powerful and more spacious. My next door neighbor has a 2004 x-terra and wants to upgrade, now that he has experiences the new model. cons: I agree with Edmunds that there is some weakness on the interior, but very little. The seat material seems prone to snag, but is great at allowing for the flow of heat (and keeping you cool) on those hot summer days. Did I mention that this thing is really powerful! If you are thinking about getting an X-terra, dont even consider buying a used one, there is just too much improvement in the 2005 to consider an older model.

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  Simple but great - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra canada - January 25 - 8:03 pm

  You get exactly what you pay for with the Xterra. Its hardy, functional, cool looking and reliable. Servicing really started at 125,000 kms at which time most bits started to come apart. Keyless entry, shocks, clutch, muffler, power windows, a/c all needed either partial or full replacement. I did miss some of the luxuries of upscale models. Overall a great buy.

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  My Yellow Banana - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Skymaxx - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra! There is plenty of room for me in the front and passengers like the stadium seating in the back. The rear seats are versatile! But they rattle when you drive. My airbags didnt work in an accident. My seatbelt worked and left a red mark on my neck and chest. I have had a recurring problem with the seatbelt light coming on. I have tried to repair it several times. The roof rack would smack against the roof and was really annoying, after the rubber tabs blew off. Of course, the gas mileage is not the best with any SUV, but, since the gas prices have gone up, I feel like I spend most of my time at the pump.

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  2002 Xterra XE - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Gen -Xterra - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great buy. I was planning on buying a used Xterra, a 2000 with 45K miles, fully loaded with a V6, but i saw a brand new 2002 XE 4cyl for just over the price of the used one. I opted for the new one, wondering about the power difference. It isnt too bad. It handles very well both on and off-road, and it is a very stylish ride. I enjoy the high clearance, and being so high off the ground. I used to think my old car, a blazer, was high off the ground, but once you sit inside the Xterra, youll know differently. There is nothing you cant do in it, and it is a great car for teenagers

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  Its a truck! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Susan - January 7 - 3:00 pm

  I just picked up my Xterra last night, so Ive only driven it 50 miles, mostly city. I havent loved a vehicle this much since my 1995 Ford Bronco. The Xterra is definetly not a luxury vehicle, and although my last SUV (Toyota Sequoia Limited)was, I find I dont miss the plush interior and "bells and Whistles." What the Xterra lacks in interior luxury it makes up for in other ways. The Rockford Fosgate-powered stereo system is awesome, you can feel the base in your seat! The new engine in the Xterra is so powerful you really have to watch yourself. Ultimately the Xterra rides like a truck not a car, to me thats a good thing. Its a great truck!

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  33000 miles and still going - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By van - December 28 - 8:26 am

  Knew I would have to drive this vehicle for a while in order to give an honest assessment. It has been a great vehicle. Super engine, torque at any speed, and this is not a small vehicle. I have taken it light off-roading without issues, could definitely take much more abuse than Ive put it through. Have driven it from Washington to Arizona and Arizona to Texas and back without problems. Cavernous cargo bay when the seats are folded down. Doors and windows close with a solid "thunk". Xterra is the rugged mans SUV, super utilitarian. Its a vehicle that can go from dirt to pavement with unanimity, and haul all your stuff. Oh, and at this price point how can you beat it??

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  X-tra Special Xterra 2008 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Debbie - December 27 - 7:56 am

  I truly love the way the X-Terra handles and drives compared to the 2003 I had. I like it being bigger and wider.

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  Fun SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - December 24 - 11:03 am

  Were very pleased so far with our Xterra. It has room for our kids and is very versatile. Interior is easy to clean, big plus with kids, VERY capable offroad. Engine has plenty of power, which I upgraded with an air intake and exhaust system, probably got me 15 to 20 extra HP. Now it sounds as good as it goes. Handles well and is easy to park.

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  X-Terra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Bear - December 22 - 10:16 am

  I bought the 2001 4WD SE because of its price tag and different looks. Dont go off-road. Dont agree that the front seats are uncomfortable. We took a trip (apx 1,000 miles) in it last September and found it quit comfortable and it handled well on the road. I really like the feel of it, even if it is a little "trucky" feeling. Tons of room in the back with/without seats down. Seemed to be the best buy for the amount of room you get in its price range.

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  Xterra makes for love/hate relationship! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Nothead - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for about a month now and I am truly in a love hate relationship with it. I must say that I do "love it" much more than I hate it though. The power must be increased for this monster. The gas mileage must be worked on too, it really sucks to have poor mileage from a vehicle that has weak gittyup! I have to really step on it to make it get out of the blocks if I want to pass another car. Kinda wished I had waited to get the 05 model coming out nest year. Leg room is down right short for rear passengers. Front driver leg room can be improved too. I scrape my knees on the wheel each time I climb in even though the steering wheel is in the high tilt position.