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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  Lot better then the Santa Fe it replaced - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By usmcbigguns - October 27 - 8:16 pm

  Replaced our 2 year old Sante Fe piece of #$%@! Get a lot of car for your money. Had to get an all decked out Xterra since that is all the dealership could find for us in our region and still only paid $26500. Lots of power, good turning radius, great brakes, the ride is not as bad as I thought it would be and it is GREAT IN THE SNOW. I have 2 kids, 2 big dogs and this suv was made for families like mine. So many useful features in this suv. We even used the roof bin for my daughters nasty soccer cleats after her practice. Gas mileage was on par with the Santa Fe it replaced, which is surprising since the Xterra has 60 more horsepower. 3 words for you "JUST BUY IT" you wont regret it.

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  Great small SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jchipp - October 27 - 3:36 pm

  I bought it in Jan 2004, and have loved it ever since. The "stadium" seating in the back is great for passengers - it lets them see, plus it adds a cool exterior styling, which turned me on to the vehicle in the first place. The interior is pretty basic, but functional. I have had no major issues, with it, just a couple of things: I had a check engine light come on frequently, it ended up being my catalytic converter, which was replaced under warrantee. I also needed a front brake job at 35000 miles, which seemed a bit early. Other than that, the truck has been bulletproof. I only wish it had more power and better gas mileage.

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  Disappointments - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By chuck181 - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  Ive read a lot of reviews from other people. The repairs on my XTerra are mounting up. Should I bight the bullet and dow out the money. They say I have a cracked radiator which seems common with this model. Power steering fluid leak will cost $1200 to replace unit. Dealership says it can leak into other areas of car. Brake rotare should never wear out in my mind. And now wheel bearing problems. Several years ago, I paid to have the timing chain corrected. Why are all these things happening.

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  Great Utilitarian SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve Williamson - October 25 - 7:10 pm

  The 2005 Nissan XTerra SE is fully a utilitarian vehicle with a rugged design. The Rockford- Fosgate stereo addition is a very nice added feature. Seats are heavy duty and the included floor mats look like something from a constuction site (a good thing). Visibility out of this vehicle is excellent from all sides. Its a lot of fun to drive and has a youthful, sexy appeal to it. There is plenty of cargo room in the back. Has great side steps and a step on the back bumper to easily get to the roof for securing cargo. Ride is a bit rough, but that is fine with me -- it rides like a truck. I wont complain about gas mileage because, hey, its an SUV folks.

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  extera tough - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By McAlllister duke - October 25 - 6:50 pm

  Hello yes it has been a most reliable car . The ride could be better but 4 wheel drive are stiff rides I have been very pleased with it thus far. I would buy another. I am a mechanic and have done nothing but routine maintanice. It is a very stylish ride from the outside. Over all a nice car

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  Sweet Ride - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Willith - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Xterra, I had a 2000 XE 4X4 for trade. I loved my old one, but wanted the extra 40 HP from the S/C and its really nice to have it. I noticed that this one has a lot more of a bouncy ride than my last one; it might be from the bigger tires and rims or maybe a different suspension. The S/C gives it a lot of power off the line and its nice for passing. I only have about 500 miles on it so far and havent really driven it on the highway too much, so cant comment on that or long drives. Like others have said I wish it got better gas mileage.

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  If only it was as good as its ads! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Jerry Brickwood - October 22 - 9:10 am

  So far I am unimpressed with the XTerra. It should be a fully competent SUV but it isnt. In fact with only 3 inches of wet snowfall I couldnt even get out of my driveway without using 4wd low range. 1/3 of my driving is on Bradford County PA dirt roads (read partially improved cowpaths) which are often running mud except when thay are frozen mud. So far the Xterra has not matched the performance of either my 1999 Explorer XLT or my 1993 Explorer 2-door. I dont believe it will ever come up to the level of my 1971 Land Cruiser Wagon or my 1973 International Scout II.

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  Florida ride - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By angie - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned quite a few cars and trucks, but when I purchased this, I fell in love. Everyone says always trade before the miles get too large, but I dont have any desire to trade in. I will probably drive it till it falls apart, and an 80% chance of getting the exact make and model in the future. I love the feeling of being up high and seeing out, I love the interior. For the year of my vehicle, I am glad to say there are no paint discrepancies or rust. Everything in mine is still original, and it has never been touched up or painted.

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  nissan wont pay for failed clutch at 16k - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By clutch dead at 16K - October 11 - 2:23 am

  clutch fails at 16k, nissan refuses to cover it under warranty. i have driven manuals trans for over 40 years, including 2001 xterra, 2003 xterra, and 2007 xterra. i did not haul anything and drove mainly on freeway to work. i have researched this issue and I am not the only one reporting failed clutches on xterra. tellling, dealer rep let slip that perhaps drivetrain cannot accomodate increased power. In that case, the issue is a design defect.

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  Love it! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By pinkyjones - October 8 - 9:33 am

  I got my Xterra last November and love it! I never had an SUV before and was afraid I wouldnt be able to handle it. It handles great and is easy to drive. The gas mileage is not the greatest but is better than I expected. Tons of cargo room and lots of extras like extra outlets to charge stuff, cargo tie downs and netting to hold groceries. My only complaint is the stock tires. They do not grip well when it is wet. I also replaced the radio since the stock radio was lame.