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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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By X - August 30 - 6:06 am

  I found this vehicle very fun to drive and quite capable both on road and off road. I used the car for everything from road trips, to LA commuting, to Rocky Mountain offroading and it did great. The gas mileage left a bit to be desired, but to be fair, mine was lifted with oversized tires. I was recently in a 20+ car pile up that unfortunately totaled my Nissan, but let me tell you, that car crashed incredibly well. My girlfriend and i were both able to walk away from the accident uninjured. The car took several high speed impacts from other vehicles and even a few walls quite softly. We both believe its safety features saved us. It really was an great car both in driving and in crashing...

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  ALMOST perfect - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterragirl - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the style of the Xterra..it is fairly comfortable and I enjoy the ride. I do however miss the LITTLE things that my Maxima had..the Xterra has no drivers side vanity mirror, the passenger one doesnt have a light. I miss having a power/heated seat which is not an option on the Xterra. I miss the cass/cd combo and the light in my glove box that the Maxima offered. Other than those little things I am very pleased with the vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By sfherrmann - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Jeep Wrangler for the past several years and I was worried about how I would like this type of vehicle since I was used to a small rugid vehicle. I am so happy that I decided to get the Exterra. It is an awsome car with a great ride and it handles beautifully. I would buy this car again in a second.

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  I was wrong - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Josh - August 13 - 2:33 pm

  I wrote a poor review on my new off road X back in December. I had a couple of rattles but Nissan fixed them. The rattles in the dash are only when it was cold and the dealer came through. The more I drive my X the more I love it. The power of the v6 is great and you really get use to the stiff ride. It actually handles great for a truck and very sporty. Overall a great vehicle. I have to admit me first impressions were way off. I really enjoy my x and it was good choice.

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  Just bought - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By g_dearing - August 10 - 9:13 pm

  I just bought a used 2002 Xterra and I love it. I traded in my 99 Jeep Sahara, and although I miss the open top, the feel and look makes me miss the jeep a little less. It certainly drives smoother, and the stick is easier to manage. Factory sounds system is a heck of a lot better too.

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  Livin the X Life! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By MountainSeeker - August 8 - 6:20 pm

  I own both a 2004 & 2007 Xterra SE 4X4. Nissan corrected all the deficiencies of the first generation (1999-2004) in the second generation (2005+). The second generation is the ONE! What a truck - I love it! The Xterra is still a specialty vehicle - its a truck. If you want a suburban cruiser, seek elsewhere. If you want mpg, pass on by. If you want to sit high on the road, go off-road on a whim, and seek adventure, then the Xterra is for you. Nissan makes the Versa & Altima if you want mpg. You cant have all the Xterra offers and expect it to sip gas.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By moody - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this is a geat car. it is very helpful to me whenever i go anywhere. it has alot of room!!!!!1 perfect for both adults and teens.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Stephen Thomas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is THE best purchase I have ever made. The truck is designed so greatly and with a really unique look to it. I get nothing but compliments about it.

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  Love my X - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Ike - August 7 - 11:40 am

  Ive owned a number of SUVs over the years (4-runner, explorer, cherokee) and Im quite pleased with the new Xterra - the 265hp V6 provides more than enough power. Its quite roomy inside for a 6 7" guy like myself. The styling is simple and functional, but still looks quite good.

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  xterra rating - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By williav - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I like the vehicle very much, Easy to handle and drive, just as good as other mid-size suvs