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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  So Far So Good - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By PHISH - March 20 - 10:16 am

  We came within days of buying a Jeep Commander before I just happened to notice this Xterra on a dealers website. We Test drove it and bought it. The first block of the test drive I forgot about the Jeep and never looked back.My wife loves it because she feels safe and likes the look of the truck. I like the fact that it has an endless amount of speed when you need it and handles amazingly well on turns.Were really happy with it. Paid $12,500 for a 2006 with 25,000 miles miles on it. How could we pass that up? We traded in our Montero with all the bells and whistles for the plain jane Xterra. We couldnt be happier!!!!

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  Still going strong after 8.5 years - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By DesignerX - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the Xterra 138k miles and 8.5 years later. All Ive done is regular maintenance (including replacing the timing belt at 105k miles.) Occasionally during the last couple of years Ive had an itch for something new(er) or different but its hard to rationalize giving up the X when it performs without complaints, still looks good and feels just as tight as it did at 65k miles. I do need to get an upholstery shop to fix the headliner, but the seats dont show signs of wear after being a daily driver. This is a followup from my review on 05/18/2007 (same user name).

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  ugly xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By johnson - March 19 - 3:06 am

  my wife and her female friends really like it...the 265 hp v6 performs strong, its an odd (unattractive) vehicle, cheap plastic interior, the ride reminds me of a mid 70s cj-5 i had years ago, too high price for as cheap as this X is constructed, would not recommend this vehicle.......

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  hagar 1 - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By hagar - March 15 - 2:00 am

  The ride, all roads,great and contrary to other notes read here steering is better than great. Gas mileage: 18 to 20 I understand very good I feel it should get more.

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  Cant be happier - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By MLB - March 14 - 4:53 pm

  I have never had a single problem with my Xterra. The gas mileage is not the best, but I knew that going in. This type of truck is going to be thirsty. I take it in for every service and that seems to be helping since like I said NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!! I would recomend this to everyone.

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  You get what you pay for - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By MojoDojo - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Should have known when I bought the cheapest sport ute that it wouldnt last long. It was great for the first year and a half, but now all the plastic bits & bobs are starting to break: the plastic rivets that hold the cloth to the back of the seat, the plastic panel on the hatch back, the arm rest/cd holder. Oh well, I bought it to take camping and its never let me down on our adventures in the wild.

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  New to Nissan world - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By aussikolbe - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased Xterra 2 weeks ago. Love it! Chose over Ford Escape(appearence) I thought I liked my Durango but this makes the Durango drive like a station wagon. Alot of fun to drive. Milliage could be better. Would like to have motorized sunroof and leather but things like this keep the price very resonable. Made a very good choice.

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  Xstatic! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By BLKJAK - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many SUVs before settling on my Xterra. It out-performed everything in its class. I too believe the seats get a bad rap - I think theyre plenty comfortable. I bought my wife a Pathfinder, but I prefer my Xterra.

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  Fun car---few problems - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By nocrv4me - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive...it handles really well off-road and on mud/dirt. I have had a few problems with the quality...I think my speakers are blown in the back- -and I am supposed to have the "premium package." Also, the centerpiece of my wheel (hard to explain)has come off, and I hear things that rattle when I drive???? The dealer is fixing these problems, and I have to say that the customer service has been great.

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  Great SUV, good value, poor stereo - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By tomportland - February 22 - 10:35 pm

  Good, strong SUV. Engine has great performance. Mileage within expected range. Was able to get it for about $5000 under sticker. Stereo is low quality. Sound is horrible--which explains the lack of an Aux input even in the S"S model.