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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  Best thing since wrestling - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By sanwich - May 1 - 11:57 am

  Traded my Cobalt for one of these little over 4 months ago, I love it!, gas could be better but 145 miles to a half a tank of gas isnt too bad considering in my cobalt I got 205 or 225 to a half. The bad, Headliners are famous for coming loose. All the grey plastics on the bumpers, headlights, grill, roof rack, side step fade with time which is expected Stock radio unit eats CDs when too hot. The good, Engine runs strong (Had a rebuild to the cooling/air systems at 103k I bought it with 111k (I do believe this is a gremlin with these too) It looks weird which makes it awesome, This rig goes Everywhere I take it, rocks, steep hill, mud, river beds NO problems =D

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  Love it!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By kansas - April 21 - 6:16 am

  I have only had my Xterra for a few days and I cant even imagine that I was ever looking for something else. I love it 110%. Its not only fun to drive but has great acceleration, roomy interior and lots of great places to hook stuff as well as great storage space. The only downfall I have seen is that it is hard for a person to get out of the back seat, it is too narrow, I love the hard plastic on the inside, it is easy to clean. I am still getting used to the feel of the steering wheel. All in all I have no complaints and would recommend this SUV to anyone. One my first tank of gas I got 19 in town. The stereo system is awesome. I love the roof rack as well as the first aid kit.

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  Excellent - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ABarrote21 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This was the best purchase that i have ever made. Excellent choice.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Da Bear - April 16 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 XTERRA is the funnest most exciting SUV I have ever owned. I completely enjoy owning it. Gas mileage is a little rough, but with styling like this, it just doesnt matter...

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  300,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By xt200k - April 16 - 7:40 am

  routine maintenance goes a long way nothing major brakes-rotors-belts-fluids and lots of gas and tires bought new 2003

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  Nice vehicle - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Headhunter - April 11 - 11:03 am

  I planned on driving a number of SUVs before purchasing one. The first one I drove was the Xterra and I loved it. Bought it on the spot and got a great year end deal. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a smaller more rugged SUV with plenty of power. Upgraded from a Jeep Wrangler. 100% would recommend.

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  Happy Owner - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By englishauto - April 10 - 4:16 pm

  From the first test drive I fell in love with this machine. It will go anywhere and delivers unexpected comfort on road and off.

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  Best SUV ever - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Ivan - April 10 - 3:10 pm

  This 2006 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year boasts a powerful 4.0-liter, 265-horsepower DOHC V-6 engine that puts out 284 pound-feet of torque and is fun to get dirty. The Xterra will suffer most at the gas pump. The car gets an EPA-tested 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, but those who haul heavy stuff or play a lot off-road will see those numbers go even lower. Front-passenger seats have decent support and are large enough to accommodate most adults, but the backseat in particular is small and cramped, and it offers little legroom. The most disappointing thing about the 2006 Nissan Xterra by far is its gas mileage.

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  2006 Nissan Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By EX - April 8 - 2:06 am

  I owned a 94 Camry for 13 years prior to this and needed a better vehicle to haul camping equipment and handle forest roads. I loved the style and power of the 06 Nissan and it got the best SUV of 2006 award so I went with it. I bought it with 17k on it at a pretty good price at that time ($20800). Before 18K, it needed the valve covers replaced! Though they were under warranty I was not impressed! The plastic interior is wimpy and heaven help you if you have dogs! The exterior paint is lame too! Gas mileage is not as good as they claim in the city (more like 12) but the highway is pretty accurate at 21. The wet cargo area above would be better served by a sunroof.

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  Durable SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By JC - March 24 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the Xterra after months of research and comparisons with FJ Cruiser and Jeeps. I liked the Xterras features the best and Im glad that I purchased it. Nissan has provided a highly functional and cost effective SUV. I have found that the driver displays and features are well thought out for use and durability. It has been an easy vehicle to drive in city traffic. I recently drove it in 4WD during a heavy snow storm and found that it is a solid performer in poor weather conditions. Powerful headlights provide great visibility at night. Best SUV for the money.