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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  opinion - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By fernandez - January 8 - 5:46 am

  car performance good.excellent for snow driving. turns easily. compares to others cars. poor gas mileage.

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  New owner. Love my Xterra - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Andrew - January 3 - 9:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 Xterra X a week ago and I love it. Its good looking, fun to drive and the fuel economy isnt too bad for an SUV. I got the X model with the power package and I am actually pretty impressed with how smooth a ride it is. I traded up from a 2007 VW Rabbit and this actually rides a bit smoother. I will look down and see I am going faster than I thought. I must say that the brakes are a little spongy and the extreme use of plastics on the interior makes me wonder how soon until scratches show up.

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  Great for price, but... - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By burger - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I am a 27-year old male, living in LA. Commutes only a few miles away, never had a new car, always wanted an SUV, so I got the Xterra. Test drove several SUVs and while performance wise this would not be my first pick, for the price and the look I was sold. It fits me to a T this car. I got mine in black, its rugged looking and compliments have been plenty. However the gas mileage is atrocious! On a 19 gallon tank, Ive probably averaged somewhere between 210 - 240 miles before it starts to reach E. They can definitely do better than that. So while Id recommend this car to the younger, hipster person w/ a short commute, its not ideal for the practical crowd or folks w/ long commutes.

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  Great SUV, big stereo problems - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dilan55 - December 31 - 2:30 am

  I love my Xterra, it was everything I wanted. Having said that, I am disappointed with the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Ive had to get it replaced twice, lost over $100 worth of cds. I also had issues with the A/C not working which took two trips to the dealership to get fixed. All this has been under warranty, but I will have to trade before the warranty is up, I cant afford the maintenance. At my last oil change I was told there were problems with the suspension system. What next????

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  Love my Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By -D - December 30 - 5:26 am

  Bought it used 2 years ago w 65k, I am the 3rd owner. Now has 98k, runs very strong. A few maintenance issues that was no big deal= air conditioner recharge due to leaky hose (common on these), a full brake job, new radiator (not expected) and I fouled a plug due to running cheap gas (must use premium at ALL times with the supercharger) so that was my fault. All of these issues in my book are normal wear except the radiator. Bottom line; drives anywhere and runs over anything with no problem. First car I have owned that I can say that I drive it any way I want and it just runs no problem. With the 4x4s get a good set of all terrains and will go through anything. Mud, snow, no problem.

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  Love It!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By LL - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I am on my second Xterra (owned a 2000 first). Upgraded to the 2003 S/C. Had one factory suspension problem with the 2003 model and was given a new vehicle (very pleased with the way the situation was handled). Little disappointed with the sunroof, not usable with cargo net installed. I have become a devoted Xterra owner.

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  Almost great - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Jim - December 27 - 1:43 pm

  Overall, I like it. Its fun to drive and and it sits up high enough to be able to see over most cars, unlike many of the small SUV-like vehicles. In terms of off-roading, its the best Ive ever had. My major reservation is with the drivers seat. The ergonomics are all fine but the seat itself is horribly uncomfortable for long trips. The gas mileage is pretty bad too, but I knew that going into it. What I didnt know is that gas was going to go to $3/gallon! But, just to put my priorities in perspective, if I had the choice between rolling gas prices back or more comfortable seating, Id choose more comfortable seating. Would I buy another? No, Id go for a 4dr 4WD Tacoma with a shell.

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  Xtremely Xcellent Dudes - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By unfiltered - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about my Xterra. From inside out it fits my lifestyle like a glove. Bodyglove that is! I test drove the Vue the Crv,Rav4,sorento as well as the escape and they were all ok, but dont take them camping unless its in a hotel parking lot. Thanks Nissan this is the first Vehicle I feel good about buying...MCP IN NC

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  good vehicle less the A/C - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By sweetwood - December 15 - 5:40 am

  I bought it new w/ 7 miles and it was the 1st new car I ever bought. So far it has given me no problems with the exception of the driver side window going up very slowly. Pushing the window forward fixes it until you bring it down again. My A/C went out (high side pressure line) and this is VERY common on the xterras and actually pisses me off. When I went to the dealership the girl in front of me purchased the same part and when I was in line paying a guy walked by and said "oh, you must drive an Xterra" If its that common issue a recall. Mileage is okay and I can actually tow a little more than expected. 103k miles and Ill drive it till she dies. hopefully 300k!

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  Tough lil truck - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Sophiagirl - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth SUV I have owned. It handles well on the city streets of Chicago, easy to squeeze into tight parking spots. Hauls my two horse trailer with both of my horses inside with ease, although if you think the gas mileage was bad to begin with, haul a trailer! This SUV is comfortable for people of average size. Anyone over 6 foot will not enjoy the ride as they will barely fit inside.