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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  Engine problems - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By XOwner - July 7 - 5:46 pm

  We were looking to replace a Jeep CJ when we purchased this SUV. Weve really enjoyed it until recently. Weve put in $2000 worth of repairs and have now been told that the head gasket has to be replaced - another $2000!!! Ouch! We just paid it off and only has 83,000 miles on it!

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  2008 Nissan Xterra - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Xtrapol8 - July 2 - 7:16 am

  I am completely satisfied. I can happily go canoeing virtually anywhere. X and I can return afterward to my wife and 2 small children and life is still great and still fully enabled. Make yourself a mat for the back (<$20). The Xterras solid build quality, go-anywhere capability, versatile nature, and aggressive looks make it a must-drive if youre in the market. This vehicle is what it purports to be - a means to an end... any end I choose.

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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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  Fun Truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Taya - June 13 - 8:16 pm

  I love my Xterra but it is a truck as far as Im concerned. Slips on ice and snow but I think that would be better with more weight in the back as you would do with a pick-up truck. The 4WD gets me through anything the South Dakota weather can throw my way. Not really a good family vehicle because its too tall for small kids to get in and out of and I find myself missing a 3rd row of seats in order to carry their freinds around in.

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  My first Sensible Choice - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Raj - June 7 - 12:00 am

  Great Off Raod vehicle...true for DC roads too!! Satisfactory mileage ... considering you get what is estimated by EPA. Little bouncy on city roads. great pick up. SE has a very good turning curvature and very good traction in snow/heavy rain.

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  Love my Xterra - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By xterraguy - June 4 - 10:54 pm

  Got my 07 Xterra used in April 2010 and has 38K miles on it as of now, if its possible to actually be in love with a vehicle - I am! Love it, fun to drive, feels solid and so far has been very reliable. I live in Arizona, so we have pretty extreme weather here, from broiling heat to freezin cold. Only thing done has been battery replaced (thats normal for AZ as batteries do not last more than a couple years here) and the front sway bar gaskets replaced. Otherwise, this truck is just awesome. Ive owned many vehicles and this is the first one that make me feel like I can drive it for the rest of my life.

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  Baught Used... - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraMD - May 27 - 10:00 am

  From Carmax and so far so pleased. I was surprised how the value decreased no doubt due to the new Cute Utes and the newer Xterra. But I like it just the same.

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  Solid - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Regor - May 22 - 4:00 am

  Overall, a very solid vehicle. Nissan delivers on the promise of a no BS vehicle. If you want leather(like some misguided reviewers), buy a Pathfinder. If you want a solid vehicle, no-nonsense performance, good off-road performance (even with an SE), and reasonable creature comforts (go for the Pathfinder for Luxury), then buy this vehicle. No other brand fits this niche. By the way, this is an SUV, so dont expect great mileage. Pros include power, great engineering, comfort, utility, great handling (for an SUV), and the rear bumper side steps (just cleared the snow off the top, awesome). Cons: uneducated buyers. If you want a car- like ride or economy, buy a hybrid sedan.

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  Love My SUV! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Hands On - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I researched (edmunds.com) this vehicle prior to buying it. I tried several others SUVs because I was afraid of getting a premire SUV. I work as a massage therapist and I travel to my clients. Having a vehicle that accommodates my table. I literally took my table with me in trying out each one. The Xterra, besides accommading my table, has carried many loads of camping gear, groceries, shopping sprees, and so much more.

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  Terrible Drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By TD - May 19 - 5:20 am

  This car is a wreck waiting to happen. Maybe its just my Xterra, but the steering is jumpy, it doesnt hold its line in Hi-way driving and be careful if you think about taking it off-road. Ive taken mine several times into the hills and mud of North Carolina and if you take a bump or a rut too hard the jolt the car gives you can easily put you in the passenger seat. My 1993 Jeep Cherokee handled the terrain with ease...even though I am going to get destroyed on my trade in....this car is going back and Im buying something else. Good Luck