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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  Solid SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Murph - August 17 - 11:00 pm

  If youre expecting a plush SUV, this is not for you. The ride is not overly rough and the power is exceptional. The interior is solid with plenty of room for its class of SUV. Overall a very strong performer!!

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  Great truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandyn - August 11 - 5:53 pm

  In 07 my grandma bought our XT used. Unfortunately, my grandma passed away in December of 07 and she left me the vehicle. I got my license 2 months ago and I absolutely love my XT, except that the check engine light comes on at random times and the front piece is faded pretty bad. I feel very lucky to get to start out my driving experience with this vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  A Four-Wheeled Swiss Army Knife - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Paul - August 6 - 8:30 pm

  This is a great old-school SUV blending a sophisticated and smooth engine and transmission with an overbuilt frame (based on the frame used on the mammoth Nissan Titan pickup)and strong and straightforward suspension. Last week, my area was struck with a blizzard that left over 12" of snow on the ground, and the Xterra was virtually unstoppable. The ride is pretty firm, so drive before you buy, but if you want a solid, truly versatile all-weather vehicle large enough to handle 4 passengers and cargo, yet small enough to maneuver and park in an urban environment, look no further.

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  mom43bz - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By mom43bz - August 6 - 10:00 am

  watch out for rear window switches abs light may not come on while it is malfunctioning

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  Xterra is the best value for the $$ - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike fro m Wisconsin - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had this truck for about a month now and it is awesome! I love the looks although I liked the square headlights on the older models better. It is very comfortable to drive, the turning radias is outstanding compared to my previous vehicle (Dodge Dakota). I wish I had gotten the supercharged engine now after driving it about 2500 miles. Storage is an issue. There are not many cubby holes to put things.

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  HONEY BEE - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Whitney Malone - July 25 - 1:15 pm

  I LOVE MY CAR!

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  Xterra to the max! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Nestle - July 24 - 12:06 pm

  i have had the xterra for almost a week, this friday, and i have had no problems at all! the xterra is a solid suv. there is a substancial feeling to the controls, layout, quality and safety and standard features that the 4runner (2 seater sr-5) envies about. the engine is responsive and its 4.0L V6 power throughout the powerband and it has a nice exhaust note that you think it was a minature V8. it is comfortable and easy to manuever around town and it gets decent gas mileage for its size (filled it up only $31.00 that is amazing!). and the X rides well for its size, not bouncy or jarring, like the 2wd sr-5 4runner 2 seater, and it is a sporty and fun suv to drive. great job nissan!

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  Great Starting SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Mr. INC4 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Xterra is a fun and spacious starting SUV with excellent power to get you to places where you would think you never go. The Supercharger delivers power when you need it most and handling similar to a midsize car.

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  Great Surprise!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By JM - July 16 - 6:40 pm

  I went in to look at the 350z and drove off with the X. I was so impressed with the horsepower,the interior comfort and the look. I bought the 6 speed which is amazing for gas mileage. Living in Florida I opted not to purchase the Off Road 4x4, instead the Utility Pack which included Stability Control and ABLS. This is my first SUV. I dont think I will ever purchase a car again.

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  Im Lovin it - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Max Munson - July 13 - 11:06 am

  If you dont mind driving a rugged SUV, this car rocks. I expected a bumpy ride, as its built on a truck frame. In my opinion , the bumpiness combined with my 5-speed manual transmission makes my X-Terra very fun to drive.