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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  first review - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By fussner - July 2 - 5:13 am

  I have a 5 speed and am overall very happy about my purchase, ive put 2,000 miles on it in a month with many many more to go. The rpms on the 5 spd. Manual seem high. Maybe a 6th gear overdrive would help gas mileage. Other than that Im averaging 300 miles to the tank and I love driving my xterra

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  Loved my X! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nakeshamika - June 23 - 6:20 am

  Great mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldnt afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didnt help. If you dont care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I cant wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!

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  Amazing SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Xowner - June 21 - 9:03 am

  I have had my X for awhile and I love it. It is very comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet. It drives well at 85mph on the freeway, and can handle some rough stuff as well. The Rockford Fosgate stereo is as good as they get. The seats are very comfy, and the rear seat is high, so my 3 year old can look around very easily. Overall, I am impressed by the features and quality for the price.

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  My Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By griffin91598 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra. It is the 2nd SUV I have owned. The only problem I have had with it is 2 hoses for the a/c leaked on it, and I had no a/c in the middle of August! It was also very expensive to fix! I was told that alot of 2000 Xterras had the same problem and I think Nissan should pay for the expenses.

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  Fun New 05 X - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By X05 - June 17 - 6:13 pm

  We just picked up our new 05 Xterra offroad 4x4. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. I was thinking about an 04 but as soon as I got in the drivers seat of the 05 I could feel the power difference. The X sits up high so you can get a clear view of the road ahead. The ride is smooth and the handling is superb. The X turns on a dime. You can get a great deal from the dealership if you do your homework first, I know because I got the vehicle for invoice price. I love the new Xterra.

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  1st SUV!!! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By jason60050 - June 17 - 2:56 am

  Coming from a 350z I really enjoy being high up. I do notice a rattle in the driver door around the window, oh well its not that bad.

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  Back to the X - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By X247 - June 13 - 1:06 pm

  I had a 2003 xterra and after 2 years I trade for a Pathfinder, The X was underpowered. Now Im back to the X, its an improvement to the older model and rides just as good the Pathfinder. For the money is a great SUV, LOADED which is nice. I went for an off road but the SE is what I found. Im keeping it till it dies!

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  I have owned 5 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By rwmarshall - June 13 - 8:40 am

  This makes my 5th Xterra, I love the auto and have owned one starting with a 2000. Have never had a major problem with any of the previous (4) I have driven. My wife uses it most and she feels safe and enjoys having the 4wd on demand during our NE winters, Use it every weekend to drive from Boston to our place in NH. Ride is smooth and comfortable enough to put the dog to sleep on the way up.

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  great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ARM2C - June 10 - 4:30 am

  I absolutely LOVE my xterra. Everything from the inside to the outside. I love the way it sets up really high off the road. It makes seeing around traffic easy. I love everything...everything...except the gas mileage. I am trying to decide if I should sell it and buy something with better gas milage. I am so torn because I love my Xterra. If gas milage is not an issue... you will LOVE the xterra. I get about 15 mpg. I have owned 3 maximas and put 250,ooo miles on each.... So to me the name NISSAN says it all. The durability will outstand any of the competitors by far.....

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  Xterra=Xcellence - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By BRNNIMGE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 (same as 2004) and I really like it. The redone styling lured me in, but it has been its reliabilty that compells me to write a positive review. This is not car. The ride is not harsh ... more bouncy. However it does just fine on the highway and great in sand dirt or rain. It stores a lot more stuff than youd think and holds more than the lil SUVs like the CRV or RAV4. I prefer its styling to the Ford Escape. The Ford has had a few reliablity problems. More tough looking and acting than a Mazda Tribute. Not the best gas milage ... I get about 20mpg. Recommended!