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:

• 

  Transmission Failures - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By chrisb - August 30 - 10:00 am

  2005 Nissan Xterras and Pathfinders have a known and fairly widespread problem with radiator failures. When the radiator fails, it dumps engine coolant (antifreeze) into the transmission. This of course ruins the transmission. Total repair cost is over $5,000. Nissan has not issued a service bulletin on this problem and according to senior person in "Consumer Relations" he had never heard of this problem before.

• 

  Xterra-Xtreme - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By zippy - August 29 - 10:30 am

  I have taken my Xterra from where the waves crash on the shore to the top of snowy mountains. I have yet to get stuck and I have had no maintenance issues. It tows it hauls and is nice to just ride in. My favorite places is to take it out on the beach at the Outer Banks of NC and to the drive, drop down the back seats, lay out some blankets and enjoy a good show.

• 

  Cost-wise - best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Nancy - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  No, its not the most comfortable but its not a luxury vehicle. When I paid it off 2 yrs ago, I knew I wanted to keep it for another 2 or 3 yrs and so I put $2100 in it to get a/c fixed, tune-up and timing belt replaced. Other than that all Ive ever replaced was a battery, tires and brakes.

• 

  Work horse - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By NatG83 - August 14 - 3:43 pm

  Engine is powerful, but could be more fuel efficient if given cylinder deactivate. Never strained even with full load. Cargo area is durable, but scratches easily. Ride could be smoother if Live-axle and leaf springs were traded for independent suspension. HVAC works surprisingly well, considering there are only vents in the front of the truck. Vehicle is great in weather even when in RWD mode. Use 4WD, and nothing stops it.

• 

  Bad Start - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Mrdegu - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This thing was trouble as soon as i got it. I had maybe 5K on it when the A/C compressor goes on me. Little things in the car were breaking rather easily, such as the handle to move the angle of the seat. The distributor cap craked on me at 13K and then the distributor then went 2k after that. I was left stranded on the highway twice because of this. The 4wd would not work properly all the time. The dealership was not very helpfull either. Over all i had a very bad experience with the truck, the dealership and Nissan all together....i will never buy Nissan again.

• 

  Its just OK - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By bored - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Not for Highways, not really for off roading in the original configuration. Not for anyone over 56. GOD I Miss my Windstar. I cant even get a weeks work of grocerys in the back!

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken Anderson - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Very good SUV, if your looking for outdoor fun, with plenty of power coming from the supercharged versions. Have had no problems with this vehicle at all. Gas consumption is a little heavy though, so expect it if youre going to buy. Extremely comfortable interior and ride, given the fact that it is built on a truck platform. Good Purchase for those looking for a serious SUV.

• 

  Good SUV fun to drive... - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Lindsy - July 19 - 9:03 am

  Well I bought mine 2 years ago. Fun to drive..towed a camper..was a little more hard to tow... get pretty good gas mileage about 19mpg.. Went camping in it seats fold down and you can sleep in the back stretched out I am 511 and it worked great! WAS REALLY BAD MUDDING!! Went into a cornfield and got stuck slid all over the place.. Grill FADES and I have a problem with rust already.... But I still really like it and Ill buy another one.

• 

  2001 Nissan Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By MissBiker - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been extremely dependable! Fun to drive! I have never been stuck in this vehicle... it goes thru anything.

• 

  Clutch Problems - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Stickman - July 4 - 6:26 pm

  Love just about everything about the car. Only real issue Ive had is that the clutch needed to be replaced at 20,700 miles and then again 37,000 miles later. Ive been driving manual transmissions for 47 years and never had a problem with clutches wearing so quickly.