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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  Great Cruzer - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Cruzin Bill - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,great crusier.So far i am really impressed.I think this is the best suv i have driven.My looking is over,i think i made a good choice.A good built suv.I like that it has a full frame under it.So far i have no complaints.Plenty of power and a great looker.Off road i cant help.

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  Best Midsize SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike - October 17 - 11:36 am

  Very happy with the performance so far. No problems after 16,000 miles. I chose the 6 speed because of the better gas mileage and lower cost up front. I spend alot of time on the highway, and i cant complain about the handling and comfort. It helps when you have the optional stereo. Road noise at 80 mph is minimal.

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  XE Model, AT, 4WD - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Dan Wilner - October 16 - 1:13 am

  I purchased this SUV in June 2004. I have been very satisfied with it. While it is built for rugged use, it is excellent around town and on the highway as long as one realized this automobile is buit on a truck frame and responds accordingly. The interior is comfortable with well thought out space usage. No repairs have been required to date. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  :) - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Stephanie - October 15 - 4:53 pm

  I bought my Xterra in September of this year and Absolutly love it. Its a blast to drive in the summer or winter, its slow off the line but I hear that they are fixing that in 2005! Cant wait to see what new Xterras roll of the line and I cant wait to drive me a little more in the conditions.

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  One of a kind SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By ozarksx05se - October 11 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my SE 4-WD x new in sept 2005. It has 20k miles now and I really enjoy this truck. It is a blast to drive. A V-6 that feels like a V-8! 5 spd auto is awesome. Rockford Fosgate stereo is great. I added Gibson CAT back exhaust, and AirRaid cold air intake. 75 mph on the highway and 21 mpg. Mechanically I belive this is one tough truck. Easy to clean interior as well. Here are my complaints: Platic materials need to be more durable in a truck marketed the way this one is. 3 warranty trips to the dealership for squeaks, rattles, and hitch recall. Local dealer is really good.

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  SOOOO UPSET ABOUT THIS TRUCK! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By SeverelyDisappointed - October 6 - 11:16 am

  I fully researched this truck before buying. Had given a glowing review before-now take it all back. Had it for 2.5 years, now the cam seal is leaking oil on exhaust manifold. Has totally shaken my faith in the truck. As soon as its fixed-selling totally. Bought this truck for the rugged off road looks and sport utility features. Now its just a sexy piece of crap. I really liked driving it-the 6 speed manual is great, and the horsepower was outstanding, until it started leaking like a sieve. My kids and I were really upset over having to give it up. After this experience, I will neever buy a Nissan again! Ive had used cars that lasted longer than this!

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  Off road ready, but still stock - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By petarvn1 - October 5 - 3:45 pm

  Bought certified 2 years ago, Our Xterra has seen dirt, water, and 110 on its speedometer. We had no problems driving it on light offroad courses, and its big enough to seat 4 in the back (please dont do it though!) The MPGs arent too good, but its good enough for what it is. Surprised at its speed, though, since it outsprints most family sedans to 60, and the 21+ gallon tank will last you 350-ish miles. Biggest problem are the rear seats. The front ones are soft, and big, but the rear bench feels just like that. a park bench. dont spend more than 4 hours in the back of it, or your back will hurt.

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  XTERRA CHEAP SUV AND CHEAP RIDE - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By FROCKY356 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  NOT TOO BAD BUT VALUE DIMINISHED AND BETTER MODELS CAME OUT TO SOON AND WAS LEFT WITH AN UNDER POWERED SUV WASTE OF MONEY LOST OVER 8,000 IN VALUE LESS THAN 2 YEARS

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  A Rolling Money Pit - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By jskirwin - September 26 - 9:15 am

  Theres a very good reason why this truck has been rated as one of the worst used cars to buy. We bought our 2006 new. Mechanically things were fine for about 40k miles, and after that the truck simply fell apart even with constant maintenance. After warranty expired I replaced: Windshield. Both window lift assemblies and controls. The bearings and control arms on all 4 wheels. The rear differential. Rear lift arms. Alternator. Spark plugs and wires. Catalytic converters. But worst of all was the radiator/transmission cooler failure. That allowed the coolant to mix with the tranny fluid killing the transmission. It is a known problem - so avoid this truck and the heartache it brings.

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  2008 Xterra Off Road Auto - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By DaPir8 - September 21 - 4:20 am

  Initial impressions - well built, impressive engine. So far so good. Having come from an original 1998 Frontier I realize how many advancements have occurred in 10 years. This vehicle gives confidence on and off road - something my old truck lacked. Looked at the FJ but the Xterra is the better value.