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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  More holes in your wallet - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Sherpa - October 19 - 6:23 pm

  I got my 08 Off-Road edition in Dec 2007. I have driven it on both city streets and highway, and have been on a few long road trips. For being a truck, Xterra offers a very comfortable ride. At the end of my longest trip, six hours, I still felt very relaxed with no sore muscles. On the highway, this vehicle will not disappoint you. Those little hills on the highway wont be a problem at all and passing other vehicles is a breeze. In the city, its amazing. If I am stopped at a light and the light turns green and I step on the gas, it just goes! One thing I hate is the cold weather driving. It feels a little sluggish until the engine reaches the optimal level. Waiting to offroad now.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Johnny101 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Silver Xterra. I love the ride height and the stadium seating in the rear. Controls are set out thoughtfully. Great Sound system. Very quiet ride and great handling. I had a Dodge Durango and the Xterra kicks its butt in all categories.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John G - October 11 - 3:16 am

  Great horsepower, seems like it has more room than the pathfinder and it seems it has the same options as the pathfinder. Fuel is better than the 04 model with a bigger engine. Did not seem worth the money to spend more for the pathfinder. My wife does not like big vehicles but loves the Xterra. It does drive like a truck, well it is a truck.

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  2007 Nissan Xterra S - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By LOKRGUY - October 9 - 12:06 am

  After driving a 00 Durango V8 for four years I didnt know what to expect from the 4.0 6. All I can say is WOW! I drive up a 6000 "hill" twice a week and it just loafs up, hardly ever kicking into low gear. Performance in snow with aftermarket BFG AT T/As was fantastic. At 64" and 300 lbs its still a very comfortable drive.

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  The Best - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By The Mad Yaker - October 3 - 4:30 pm

  I own a 2000 Nissan Xterra. I have 160,000 miles on it . Those are over the road, hill and dale and back. I do understand this is for later Xterras, but my plan is to take it to 250,000 then I ll write another rev iew. We have towed with it, camped with it, we have slept in it. We came up with another reason to have flashing lights and horns to lock the doors, bear repellent, it works. We are planning to buy another one when we hit 250,000 miles. My kayaks also love the roof, they spend alot of time up there traveling. For the money you cant go wrong, it rides smooth, handles like a go kart. We have totally enjoyed it. Like the new step in the bumpers also.

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  Best SUV Ever!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By CUBIES14 - September 28 - 8:50 am

  Bought he used in o4 with 34,000 miles on her and just totaled her two weeks agao on and ice covered bridge. Drove her for 6 years and put 105,000 miles on her. NEVER had any problems!!! Replaced the battery at 100,000 along with the break pads and new tires but thats all she ever needed. Would buy another if I could afford the gas!! Loved every min. in her, drove across the country several times in her, im talking thousand mile journeys here, and was safe, comfy and happy the whole way! Looking at and Altama or Versa now.

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  Car Saved My Life - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By savedlife - September 27 - 1:26 am

  Sadly I only owned this car for 2 months. I had an accident and flipped on a very dangerous road where I lived. People who passed by thought the driver would have died, but I only had a bruise on my knee. The roll ability was great and the cabin stayed intact (no denting in from the top or sides). I feel very lucky to be alive and believe the safety features on this Xterra are why.

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  Real Off Road Machine - Out of the Box - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By SarnX - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a vehicle to take me to and from work everyday and be able to play offroad on the weekends all at a reasonable price. Hands down this vehicle is it. The supercharger is a wonderful feature for highway driving and passing. The fact that this machine has a full box ladder frame makes it perfect for real offroading. Aftermarket parts are also becoming more widely available. My only complaint would be fuel economy but if that was my main concern I wouldnt have bought this vehicle in the first place.

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  Fun to drive, need gas tanker to follow - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ducati Racer - September 20 - 10:00 am

  We waited for the supercharged version to come out and are very glad we did. We picked up the electric blue, stnadard for the family and to tow my ducati on an open trailer for racing. In texas the roads are fast, so 80mpg is pretty normal and no problem with the trailer and loaded with gear. Gas milage is another issue. I get 120- 140 miles on a tank and 9mpg when towing. Ouch! Price was great for what we were looking for as well.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By RLF06 - September 20 - 9:46 am

  I bought this SUV to be able to get up the hills around here (VA) in the snow. Now have 91,000 miles on it, it has been great both off road, and in reqular use. Get 18.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. This truck is fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, and it does everything I expected. I have had no problems and would get another one in a heartbeat.