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-
After 5000 miles - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Banker John - July 12 - 10:00 amI just passed 5000 miles on my Xterra. I have found that the more I drive it, the more I like it (this is my 11th new car, but my first truck/SUV) Very solid and comfortable for a truck. My wife went on a short trip (400 miles round trip) with two adult lady friends and found the ride to be very pleasant. Utility for hauling is very good. Folding the rear seats does let you haul a 4x8 sheet of plywood (with the hatch open). I have an XE 4x4 with an automatic. Id save my money and avoid buying the SE or the supercharged version. Absolutely zero problems so far.
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Xtremely Happy Owner!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By XterraUTE - July 12 - 10:00 amIm an extremely happy owner of this vehicle. I have done my research with other SUVs and came up liking the Xterra. This a very capable and solidly build SUV, the vehicle does double duty for me as my wife utilized it as a daily driver and then for family recreation utilizing it for camping/fishing go offroad to some places (exploring). So far we luv the Xterra and hope to enjoy its usage. Highly recommend the top of the line model SE/SC model.
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One of the best SUVs - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By xterra_ep - July 4 - 4:40 amExceent SUV, if you take a little care of it: First of all change to Bilsteins - it will change your driving experience 180 degrees. Second, if you over 100K change timing belt, all other belts; watter pump, termostat. Third, make sure your brakes are good. Now you have a fantastic car - you have to invest a bit - but then you have a true 4x4 that will go anywhere, will start any time, and will drive and feel like brand new. Or much better than many brand new cars, suvs in the $20K range. My wife wants me to change my car to twice more expensive and more cool - I love this SUV - I put some sweat to it and it is perfect now! Love it!
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Super Charged Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By JustisNme - May 31 - 10:00 amTotally Great Truck Love the way it handles and takes abuse, Recommend Automatic Trans, Last one I had Clutch gave out Four wheeling to easy! Fast Truck!! Highly recommend!
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fun to drive - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By evan hone - May 18 - 2:00 amWe bought our xterra in june and drove it from Salt Lake City to Anchorage Alaska the very next week and had absolutly no problems. The day I bought it I immediately went to the shop and threw on a Magnaflow catback exhaust because I heard the gas mileage was bad. I also threw on a air intake for it and loaded the thing up for the trip. We averaged over 20 miles to the gallon on the trip and had no complaints. We didnt want the s/c because of the premium fuel. The horse power greatly increases also and it only costs around 300 bucks which was well spent. Overall no complaints here.
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Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By masterelrond - April 19 - 8:21 pmLast year, I got a job that required a long commute, and had to get rid of my 2003 Xterra. I really miss that SUV, by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The only maintenance that was ever required was the scheduled maintenance, I never had a single problem with it that required fixing. It drove smooth, and was surprisingly quiet for an SUV. The V6 engine was very powerful, as we towed and carried many loads across the US without even straining it, there was always more power than we needed. By the time I traded it in after 7 years of driving, the paint was still perfect, the suspension was perfect, the engine was perfect, and the interior looked brand new. I really miss that Xterra. :(
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Life with my Silver Ice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Ivanoski - April 18 - 10:00 amI purchased my 2003 Xterra color Silver Ice on Feb. 2003. Up to now my SUV lives up to a comment issued by Motor Trend: "Spare me the leather, wood and chrome: This is no BS SUV" And it certanily is. In over 5 months I have racked over 10,000 miles traveling since I am a consultant providing service to several pharmaceuticals in Puerto Rico and this baby has been bullet-proof and is a excellent vehicle to travel in bad weather. Its comfortable and its in-your-face-anti- bland style really stands out when compared to other SUVs such as Hondas CRV and others.
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Will NOT let this one go!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By teague250 - February 1 - 5:47 pmIve owned my 2003 Xterra since new in 2003 and I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. Eight years of ownership, driven every day, long trips, short trips, on light trails and pavement. Knock sensor went bad at 92,000 miles. Thats it...........my only repair. Of course there is the standard replacements, like air filter, oil changes and brakes, but the knock sensor has been the only mechanical failure. Oh yeah, I got 74,000 out of the front pads and the rear pads still look great at 105,000 miles. My daughter is turning 16 in a few months and this will be her vehicle. I feel very confident that this vehicle will provide her with safe, reliable transportation for years to come.
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The Best SUV on the road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Bryanna - January 24 - 10:00 amWe got an Atomic Orange Nissan Xterra last yer and it has been the best car weve had but it has its uos and downs!
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XXX Xterra Xceptional - 2003 Nissan Xterra
By Scotty - December 23 - 2:00 amIm writing about my 3 year old SE. I bought it about a month after they came out in 99. Mine is a 2000, and I got all the B&W to hold resale value up. I LOVE this car! Ive driven it everywhere my old CJ (Jeep that I drove for 14 years!) used to go, and it handles just as well. The on road ride is acceptable for a truck chassis. Ive only ever had one minor problem with it, and that was a cable that was not connected to the A/C when I bought it. I get up to about 22MPG on the highway, about 17MPG around town. I _wish_ I had the Supercharged version for better takeoffs, but heck, it is a truck, and its geared pretty low. Ive recommended it to many folks.
