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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  X-terra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Kunal Ghosh - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Smooth ride. Sun-roof a little noisy

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  06 XTerra- A Great Buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Scott - February 11 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle less than a month ago, and its been wonderful. Gas mileage has been mediocre, bit overall it suits an active lifestyle. Ive been very pleased with it pretty much everywhere. Handling and maneuverability has been quite nice. And Im very much looking forward to really taking it off road. Everything on the interior is very convenient and being 6 3", Ive been pleasantly surprised how much room I have in headroom and legroom. Long trips are comfy as well. Im looking forward to many years of ownership on this SUV. The Rockford-Fosgate sound system rocks as well!

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  PRO-4X is awesome - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By outdoorzman - January 31 - 9:44 am

  I picked the PRO-4X model and its awesome. Its rugged and capable without sacrificing practibility. The V6 is very strong and the ride is very smooth. It has lots of little cubby holes and nets for storage. I like the fabric of the interior as well as the material in the rear cargo area. It should be very easy to clean. The top rack is very nice and its also got a little storage area up there as well. The mileage isnt great and the back seats could be easier to get in and out of but its an off-road SUV and I really didnt expect it to be any different. I picked this vehicle over the FJ because it was more practical for my needs. Take a look and I promise you will like it.

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  A Real Blast To Own - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Tough Little Vehicle - January 26 - 11:23 am

  I really like this vehicle and off road in canyons and roadless areas, its incredible. However, the gas mileage could be much better. Its engine is pretty powerless on hills and the seats could use a bit more ergonomic design. But, overall, its a fun SUV to own and drive. With improvements to reflect todays driving issues, I would buy another one.

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  i survived it! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By crashed the car - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I had the 2002 xterra, and at 30k miles I totalled it in an incident with black ice...hit a concrete guardrail, bounced of the back side and plowed across three lanes of traffic into the center railing....didnt hit anyone, didnt flip...and walked away. Great car, I feel very safe in it. I bought a new one from the dealer a week later.

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  Great - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By faroglobal - January 24 - 4:23 am

  Terrific all round vehicle for the mountainous Western US. Performs well in snow and semi-desert conditions. Gas mileage is not terrific. Comfortable off road and excellent handling in all conditions. Replaced an excellent 1986 Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser Diesel w/ 200,000 plus miles. I expect the same with this.

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  We love this SUV! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By MNH - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Great sturdy car. Lots of room for our dogs in the back. Great stereo system as well.

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  great vehicle - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By CAPTMAHI - January 20 - 11:40 am

  I bought this truck new and have not had a single problem. It has more then enough power. Living in Maine, driving in the snow is quite common. This truck shines in bad weather. Granted I maintain it perfectly. At 30,000 miles I did a complete trans service, rear end fluid and transfer case. I upgraded the already good brakes to ebc rotors and pads, a k&n air filter and regular oil changes. I changed the serpentine belt, did a coolant service. When my 4 Wheeling buddies get stuck they call me! This motors got plenty of torque. I also use dedicated snow and toyo summer tires which are great in the rain and dry. In 40,000 Ive had to change a brake lightbulb. Period. Id recommend it to anyone

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  beast 4x4 - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By jag - January 18 - 6:06 am

  I did my home work compare and test drive a jeep, fj and blazer and i decided to get a xterra. drove it in ohio winter storm with 24 inches of snow off road no problem still lots of power its a beast for a 4x4. i love it hope they have a bigger tires and higher ground clearance.:)

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  Take it for a test drive. - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Sorshadeanin - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Liberty, Escape, Sorento, and Rav4, and bought this truck. Thats what it is, a truck. Real 4wd, good power, great looking and a comfortable ride. Trust me, the ride is smooth, just testdrive it and see. And they were the first dealership that didnt just show me a vanity mirror. And for the price of those above, you get 5000 lbs towing capacity, and the room of a larger SUV.