Overview & Reviews

Though the Xterra was updated just last year, Nissan has made further changes for 2003. Mechanically, the V6 has received a slight increase in power, and a stability control system (Nissan's VDC) will be a new option. Also for 2003, Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Inside, a driver seat-height and lumbar adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on nonsunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A "rugged" leather package is now offered for the SE trim. Other refinements include a 300-watt rating for the Rockford Fosgate-powered eight-speaker audio system, an available tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are also standard on SE trim.

• Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.

• Poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 153.00

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By bstakes21 - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I had my Xterra for about a week now, and I absolutely love it. Good on-road and great off-road hanlding. Some of us SUV buyers actually dont mind the "truck like" ride. Let the soccer moms drive the cute utes, but if you want a great looking vehicle, which is a blast to drive, this is the choice for you.

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  03 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4wd - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nikkinbrian - June 27 - 1:40 pm

  I bought my Xterra 2 months ago and I absolutely love it. I just happened to find an atomic orange one, at first I wasnt so sure about the color but after a little while it grew on me and now I even love the color.

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  Bullet proof and fun to drive - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Marc - April 19 - 2:00 am

  After doing much research in the mini to mid size SUV market I ended up with the Xterra for multiple reasons: For starters, it is a blast to drive, extremely versatile (Have carried a snowblower, several of my friends couches, pulled large boats and tent trailers and never got stuck in mud or snow), and extremely reliable. Apart form regular maintenance, I have yet to have any problems with it. The only down side would be its thirst for fuel (Especially with the rising prices), but did not expect to get much better with much else out there that has its versatility and capabilities.

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  Better then suggested - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By buckeye boy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We looked at every mid-sized SUV on the market before deciding on the Xterra SE (loaded). My wife drives it daily (with two small children) and she could not be happier. Reviews said after the newness wore off people would not like it. WRONG!! We love the ride, the security, the quality, etc. We would recommend this to anyone looking for a practical SUV.

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  Awesome SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Everclear - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Xterra for a week now. I love it so far. Really fun to drive.

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  Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By cogmeyer - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Our Xterra new in 03 had major mech issues right away. Dealer would not admit the engine knock until 20K when it got really severe. Horrible experience dealing with dealer and Nissan USA to get new engine approved, they held the vehicle for weeks before starting work even though parts were at the local distro hub. This turned me off from Nissan forever. Also had bearing in rear diff fail at 8k miles, replaced under warranty no prob, but weird to have this many issues. Since, the Xterra has been quite reliable to current 90k miles. Several leaks (oil pan, valve cover) which are due to the eng replacement at 20ku, but nothing severe. Looks and runs great now

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  Great small SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jchipp - October 27 - 3:36 pm

  I bought it in Jan 2004, and have loved it ever since. The "stadium" seating in the back is great for passengers - it lets them see, plus it adds a cool exterior styling, which turned me on to the vehicle in the first place. The interior is pretty basic, but functional. I have had no major issues, with it, just a couple of things: I had a check engine light come on frequently, it ended up being my catalytic converter, which was replaced under warrantee. I also needed a front brake job at 35000 miles, which seemed a bit early. Other than that, the truck has been bulletproof. I only wish it had more power and better gas mileage.

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Willith - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Xterra, I had a 2000 XE 4X4 for trade. I loved my old one, but wanted the extra 40 HP from the S/C and its really nice to have it. I noticed that this one has a lot more of a bouncy ride than my last one; it might be from the bigger tires and rims or maybe a different suspension. The S/C gives it a lot of power off the line and its nice for passing. I only have about 500 miles on it so far and havent really driven it on the highway too much, so cant comment on that or long drives. Like others have said I wish it got better gas mileage.

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  Attention Car Shoppers: - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra Triste - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My advice if you are planning on buying an Xterra: go manual (especially windows) and make sure to get plenty of racks because you wont want to put anything with an edge near the cheap plastic interior. Leave early if you are going up any hills, because its going to take you a while to get there. And if you plan on listening to CDs in the factory CD player, keep tweezers handy so you can the CD out.

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  Luv my Blue Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By NCkimber - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Always loved the looks of the Xterra. Finally decided To get a Blue one for myself. Love the styling, Size, reliability. Didnt buy the 4X4 but it did great in this last ice/snow storm.