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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  XTERRA - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Edmundo - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my second XTERRA, and it is absolutely the finest SUV I have driven. I very much enjoy Nissan reliabity, styling, and performance. Two exceptional characteristics of my XTERRA are the automatic transmission and computerized, road sensing, braking system.

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  02 X - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By HokieX - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my Xterra in Aug 03 as a certified used. I have put about 16,000 miles on it since then and have had absolutly no problem with it. Very affordable, low maitenence vehicle. Lots of fun to drive. Rugged truck with the feeling it could go just about anywhere.

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  Funmobile X - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Ron E. - September 28 - 11:10 am

  Off Road model. I wanted a vehicle that could take a lickin and keep on tickin. The build quality is outstanding. The fuel economy is a little less than I expected. This is not a fancy fum fum vehicle but has all the off road extras available on other more expensive, and more than some vehicles. Easy and fun to drive. Serves well for the purpose I bought it for. Would certainly purchase again.

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  Excellent SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Chemie - September 22 - 5:46 am

  Perfect for my lifestyle of kayaking/mountain biking while living in the city. I get 20 mpg in the city with 25 on the highway. Comfortable seats and fun driving with excellent stability.

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  It was just a rental - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Eric - September 20 - 12:10 pm

  While on business in Fort Lauderdale, the rental company gave me a 2010 Xterra because they were out of Town Cars. I LOVE driving it. I have a Mercury Mountaineer back home and am considering trading it for an Xterra. Its high up (which helps in Miami traffic) and sporty and very comfortable. I would recommend it to any executive traveling. Definitely not your typical "soccer mom car".

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  Strong @ kind - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Francisco Wisniewski - September 14 - 1:46 pm

  I just love my x-terra, my wife is the lucky one, she drives most the time, now i have a 16 y old daughter driving, she doesnt wanna drive my old car, and i understand that.

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  Watch the color! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Allison - September 14 - 2:10 am

  I purchased a midnight blue Xterra a month ago. If you live in an area that has "love bugs" do not get a dark colored Nissan vehicle. The bug guts that have been splattered on the hood of my new car have made little dents in the paint. I had to buy a bug shield to cover it up! So be careful, go for the light colors if you have "love bugs" in the area where you live!

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  Solid - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Lock - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the 2000 XE 4WD 6 new in July of 2000. I have had no major problems and have gotten excellent service at the Nissan Dealership when a small problem needed addressing. Overall I rate the ride and comfort to be slightly above average though a bit Noisy on the Highway. I was a little disappointed that no factory leather option was available at the time. This would have added more to the cheap looking interior. Sound System is SUBPAR. Overall its a solid vehicle.

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  First Nissan and I love it! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel - September 7 - 6:10 am

  Ive owned Chevy SUVs in the past but had not driven one (SUV) for several years until the Xterra. I wanted one for awhile but the engine choices just seemed too limited and the design was almost there until the new style and engine of 2005. This is the most fun vehicle to drive ever! The fuel economy, while not the greatest, is admirable. I drive 90% on the highway and get about 21 mpg, however, you dont buy one of these for great mileage but for everything else this baby has to offer, and the list is huge. What a great experience this has been, of course Ive only had it a few months so hopefully Ill still be singing praises in a couple of years!

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  Well worth the money - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By Todd Van - September 1 - 4:53 pm

  Review This is my first Xterra and love it. This is a solid, safe SUV. The 2011 is very comfy, but there is something I wish it had, carpeted cargo area (otherwise EVERYTHING slides around) I bought it with power seats, multi-CD changer, Sirius radio, and leather, the Rockford Fosgate stereo is great, and I added a ipod plug to complete it. The plastic console collects every piece of dust because it has a softer material. I my X to the mountains and give it a serious workout and it performs great. I have locking differentals, roof rack, and heavy duty bumpers and they all work great. Ive towed my 4K toyhauler around, but wouldnt recommend doing this in the mountains. The mileage is 10 to 14 in town and 15 to 17 on the hwy, not bad for 4 wheel drive. These are real numbers by dividing gallons into mileage. The few things Ive done to my truck is add, HD bumper front and rear, air bags in rear, Ipod plug, led light bar on bumper and winch. I have used everything quite a bit too. If you want a SUV that does it all this is the one.