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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  Xterra - best of both worlds - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Natedawgg - September 20 - 2:56 am

  I bought a 4x4 Xterra because I wanted something that was fun to go off roading and camping in and was also good around town. I have only one complaint and thats the gas mileage. But what can you expect for a very strong V6 pulling a 4600 lb vehicle around? Other than that its great. Good around town and great off road. Quite possibly the best composite on/off road vehicle around.

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  Further Update - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Hiker / Camper - September 17 - 10:00 am

  At 40,000 miles had Michelin LTX M/52 ORWL Tires installed. Also new brake pads, front wheels. Driver and passenger side engine mounts had to be replaced. Seems a little early for this to happen. So, my reliability rating has fallen.

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  beats the hell out of my pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By auger - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is FUN! Ive had it for about 3 weeks and I love it.

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  Xterra 2000 - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Rino - September 5 - 10:00 am

  For the price its a excellent SUV 4x4.I have had my Xterra XE for a couple of years & not a single problem.The interior dash & trim is pretty basic but the seats, stereo is nice.I had a 1994 4Runner previously & the ride of the Xterra is at par.I really like the exterior design of the Xterra.I have brought the Xterra off- roading a few times & its great. Overall great SUV!!

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  Gas Guzzler - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By hazer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my xterra for a year and a half and am currently trading it in for a Honda CRV. The gas mileage is awful, the front seats are very uncomfortable, and the power and ride are fair. It is an excellent off road vehicle, and has a great rugged look. But if youre not planning on doing a lot of off-roading and want decent gas mileage I would not recommend this car.

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  good price needs comfort - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Keith O - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a truck, seats are uncomfortable. Poor fuel milage for such a weak engine. "ABS" & "BRAKE" light come on occasionally. Dealer insists that there is nothing they can do unless light is "on" when they check it. Try getting that light to come on during scheduled maintenence. Rugged good looks on the outside but lacks ride comfort inside and out.

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  Very Mediocre - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By FA91 - August 22 - 3:23 pm

  We just traded our 2006 Nissan Xterra S. We did not entertain buying another Nissan based on our experience with this Nissan. It was not a bad vehicle, decent power - horrible mileage. We previously had a Ford Explorer that consistently got 18 MPG. Once in a while we would hit 17 with the X, but usually it was 14-16. My wife commuted in the car and it was not used off road. We had no major problems with the Xterra, but did have to take it back to the dealer for a loose exhaust shield - which is now loose again (or was when we traded it). Rust was starting on the rear passenger door. Brakes made a horrible sound when TC kicked in and brakes were applied. Paint scratched easily.

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  Simple SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel Ocean - August 20 - 4:33 pm

  Traded in 04 Murano. Went from luxury to basic. The X is very simple and rugged. if u get it dirty then leave it there, it looks nice w/ dirt on it. Interior layout is fine. everything is where u would expect it to be. more storage spots than murano. spacious enough to haul things around.

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  Gas pigs need love too - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By damage case - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Molten Lava Xterra SC-SE is a cool ride. I test drove an XE and it was quite sluggish compared to the SC. Also, the 17" wheels on the SC really improve an already good look. Spend the extra money and get the SC. BTW, you dont have to use premium fuel in the SC - it is just recommended for maximum performance. Which is important, considering its high (for its size) gas consumption. Also, get the custom neoprene seat covers - great look, and otherwise the interior cloth is a dirt and dog hair magnet.

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  Love this car!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By dallasgirl - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have about this vehicle is the gas mileage... but I knew that going in. This SUV is great... I would recommend it to anyone looking for this size SUV.