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 51 through 60 of 153.00-
Great Truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Todd - February 6 - 12:20 amAt first we were looking at the Jeep Liberty, but decided to compare it with the Xterra because it was priced about the same. I have to say that we are very happy with our decision. This is one of the better truck-like SUVs you can get for the money. I say truck-like, because its not fair to compare it to those car-based SUVs. It rides like a truck, sounds like a truck, uses fuel like a truck...just like a sport UTILITY vehicle should. If youre looking for a car-like grocery-getter, look elsewhere. It has been driven in 18" of snow on unplowed dirt roads in Pennsylvania and on snow-covered roads across West Virginia to Snowshoe Mtn. ski resort, and it performed beautifully.
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Xterra Rocks - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Signs - January 7 - 9:40 amI wanted tough style (didnt want people to confuse it with a family car), storage space (for weekend get- aways), dependability, and the feel of fun when driving anywhere. I got all four. My SE trim Super Black Xterra is still to me the best looking SUV around, with its brash and bold look and its shine when the Super black color is waxed, along with the tall charcoal wheels and rugged tires with the raised white letters. It drives like a Truck, which suits this TEXAN just fine.
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Love my Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By april804 - November 8 - 8:03 amI really love my Xterra. The only fault I see with this truck is gas mileage! I have had all of my service done on time, but gas mileage continues to diminish. We drove this vehicle on a 500 mile trip and got 11 miles to the gallon highway. I hate to get rid of my truck, but Im gonna have to. It has been parked for 2 months because of the gas mileage. Its hard to pay for something you cant afford to drive. The major problem I am having is finding something that I like as much or better than my Xterra. Theres not much out there.
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xterrible power - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By pattermike - September 17 - 10:00 amI realize that fuel economy is something you usually trade for the power you get from an SUV, but the Nissan Xterra drinks gas like water, and still has trouble picking up enough speed to merge onto a highway without getting rear ended. This truck is competent to get me to and from work everyday, but Im hardly impressed by the way the engine races before kicking in everytime I ask it to get me someplace in a hurry. I reccomend going for the supercharged model. Also, why does the steering wheel have to be so close to the seat? There is barely enough room for your legs, even after you adjust it.
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So Far So Good, But... - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By tommywo - September 11 - 10:00 amIve had my Xterra for just over a week and I love it so far. Still, I REALLY wish the steering wheel tilted up higher. Im 64/300 pounds and the extra room would come in handy getting in/out of the car. Other than that, I have plenty of leg room. Also, my gas mileage seems to be pretty marginal at best. Im hoping that it will get better as the engine gets broken.
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Nice Truck w/Fun Spirit, bad gas mileage - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By mswh777 - June 18 - 10:00 amI like this truck. My other is a 4Runner, so its hard to expect too much from this one. However, Im still pleased with my purchase. The manual 4- cylinder is fun to drive, but lacks some power; only 143hp. The interior with power option package is of average quality but does the job. The exterior has a simple but rugged personality. On the 4-cylinder, expect to see about 3200 RPM while doing 70mph on the highway; maybe contributing to the somewhat disappointing gas mileage.
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Very average SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By jcohen1994 - April 24 - 2:00 amXterra is not too big, but carries everything I need. The 4WD goes through anything. Biggest drawback: gas mileage. EPA projected 17/20 for the 5 speed Xterra is a joke. I get 13 around town and 16 on the hwy. If gas mileage is important, pass on this truck. If it doesnt matter, go ahead and buy it. Other negatives: Heater/AC system doesnt work well, the 4WD gets stuck (requiring one to go into reverse to unlock the hubs), and there are no drip rails to keep rain and snow from falling on the seats when you open a door.
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A Real SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Kipling - April 4 - 2:00 amI love my X-terra. They only flaws are rediculous gas milage (they let you know before you buy it) and some cheap interior items such as the head rests are coming undone after a year. It is built to drive off road and can handle anything i put it through. I missed my old puck-up truck but with my family I needed to have the back seat. I got the best of both worlds with this Truck.
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Nice SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By edjkc - July 5 - 10:00 amThis is my first SUV. After looking at several different models, I decided on the Xterra. One of the biggest selling points to me was its off road capabilities (getting up in mountains during ski season can be quite a challenge in a small sedan). The gas mileage could be improved, but so far I am averaging 18.5-19 between city and highway driving. Not to bad, but could be better. Have read several reports on wind noise, but you must realize that whenever you add a rack on top of a vehicle the size of the X, its going to make some noise. Had a ski rack on top of a Ford Focus - talk about noise!!!!! All in all, I love this SUV.
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Want Another - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Another Consumer - June 29 - 2:00 amI love my Xterra and am passing it on to my newly licensed son. Im looking at another but want leather interior and was told by the dealer this was not possible!?! Ive had nothing but good luck with it and love driving it!
