Overview & Reviews
Though the Xterra was updated just last year, Nissan has made further changes for 2003. Mechanically, the V6 has received a slight increase in power, and a stability control system (Nissan's VDC) will be a new option. Also for 2003, Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Inside, a driver seat-height and lumbar adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on nonsunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A "rugged" leather package is now offered for the SE trim. Other refinements include a 300-watt rating for the Rockford Fosgate-powered eight-speaker audio system, an available tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are also standard on SE trim.
- Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.
- Poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 153.00-
Awesome Off Road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By bigutpile - April 16 - 10:00 amI have not gotten stranded anywhere Ive gone off road. The clearance is 10.3 inches (tallest in its class). Xterras have an excellent approach angle. The fuel mileage is not bad (18.5)for the weight:engine size ratio. Get the SE/SC model if you can cough up the cash. Plenty of leg room for all 5 (five) passengers and room for lots of gear (for 2-3 people). Roof rack is sturdy with lots of optional attatment available from YAKIMA.com Audio equipment is awesome. A/C and heater work great. There is lots of room in the fender wells for big meats and turning radius is tight. Test drive one and see for your self, not just on the pavement either.
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Nissans Edsel - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Cycle guy - February 13 - 10:00 amGreat looks and is fun to drive, But... TOTAL Gas pig 11-13mpg. Interior falls apart while you look at it. Door panels have fallen off twice, the carpet pills up into little fuzzy balls as you step on it. The micro thin seat padding condenses after short rides leaving your backside to bump metal. The sunroof tilts open about 2" in the back, but thats it - for all the extra bux why bother to pay for a veiw of a plastic basket! The AC system has to be on in 55 degree weather, cause the heating system pumps out hot moist air all the timne, even in the "cold" position. Its been in the shop 3 times already for stupid stuff. This thing is a mess.
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Fun to drive, need gas tanker to follow - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Ducati Racer - September 20 - 10:00 amWe waited for the supercharged version to come out and are very glad we did. We picked up the electric blue, stnadard for the family and to tow my ducati on an open trailer for racing. In texas the roads are fast, so 80mpg is pretty normal and no problem with the trailer and loaded with gear. Gas milage is another issue. I get 120- 140 miles on a tank and 9mpg when towing. Ouch! Price was great for what we were looking for as well.
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Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By RLF06 - September 20 - 9:46 amI bought this SUV to be able to get up the hills around here (VA) in the snow. Now have 91,000 miles on it, it has been great both off road, and in reqular use. Get 18.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. This truck is fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, and it does everything I expected. I have had no problems and would get another one in a heartbeat.
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nissan x-terra xe 2003 - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By reina - September 14 - 10:00 amthe nissan x-terra was the best car that i have bought so far. its depedable fun to drive. i love making long trips with my nissan. what i specially love its that its high, and lets me see how the traffic is infront of me. i recommend everybody that is looking to buy an s.u.v. to really take under cosideration the nissan x-terra.
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Not impressed - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Paul99 - August 19 - 4:40 pmMy main complaint is the engine and transmission. Reliability is good, only replacing the exhaust manifold in 85,000 miles. But the engine is extremely weak (I have SC model), and the 4 speed auto transmission shifts very rough. Engine takes 15 minutes to "warm up" before the engine and trans are even acceptable for use. The supercharged engine only performs well in dry 60-70 degree weather. I live in Michigan, and we rarely have dry 60-70 degree weather. If I ride alone and temp is optimal, the car is fun to drive, but if i carry passengers, its sluggish at best. Gas mileage is unacceptable for a V6! I rarely get over 13mpg in city driving even when i baby it! Highway mileage is no better!
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The Harrelsons Review - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By harrelsonjh - July 27 - 10:00 amWe owned a 2000 Xterra for year and a half, when my husband total it and he wasnt even hurt. So we decided that we were getting another Xterra, but this time we wanted to upgrade to a 4X4. WE LOVE OUR XTERRA!!!!!!!!!!
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Its awesome! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By George S. - July 21 - 2:00 amIve only owned my new Xterra for a few weeks so far. But, Ive been looking at them for over 6 months now. The Xterra is great looking, and very fun to drive. Im new to suvs and trucks, but Im sure this is a typical feeling truck based suv. The steering is very numb, but again, I figure that is normal. Freeway driving is much more comfortable than expected.
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Loved my X! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By nakeshamika - June 23 - 6:20 amGreat mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldnt afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didnt help. If you dont care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I cant wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!
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great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By ARM2C - June 10 - 4:30 amI absolutely LOVE my xterra. Everything from the inside to the outside. I love the way it sets up really high off the road. It makes seeing around traffic easy. I love everything...everything...except the gas mileage. I am trying to decide if I should sell it and buy something with better gas milage. I am so torn because I love my Xterra. If gas milage is not an issue... you will LOVE the xterra. I get about 15 mpg. I have owned 3 maximas and put 250,ooo miles on each.... So to me the name NISSAN says it all. The durability will outstand any of the competitors by far.....
