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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  Capable Off-Road Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Rome - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with the handling of this SUV both on and off-road. Steering is tight and responsive. Ive heard previous years had problems with this, but it seem Nissan has fixed the problem. I also feel the 180 HP V-6 has plenty of power for this size vehicle. Im very happy with responsivness of the engine. The 205 ft.lbs. of torque help acceleration too.

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  THE BOMB!!! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By bdbbbd - April 29 - 10:00 am

  THIS XTERRA IS THE BOMB! IT HAS THE BEST PICK-UP W/THAT NEW SUPERCHARGER. ITS NICE BEING THE FAST VEHICLE FOR ONCE. I RECCOMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE.

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  2006 Fuel Gage Faulty - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Mrs. R - April 24 - 5:00 pm

  2006 Nissan XTerra - At 35K+ miles fuel gauge faulty. After filling up gas, gauge reads empty. Nissan is NOT issuing a recall for the 2006 models. 2000-2004 have received a recall for the same problem. Cost to fix is approx. $500.

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  really a blast! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By BobX - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I imagine that some of these negative reviews think like my brother, who thinks his Blazer is the greatest (e.g., softer seats), though I dont think it would make it in one piece through some places weve been. The Xterra gives us about everything we were looking for - ruggedness and handling as well as comfort. We just did a trip through eastern Oregon (1,000 miles total, and about 100 off- road) - it ran great, handled great, and my back end was still feeling fine when we got home. I dont know what more I could ask for, other than the things mentioned for potential improvements. It really has been a blast to drive, though!

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  2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 2WD V6 Auto - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Glenda - April 21 - 3:16 pm

  Awesome. I purchased the S with tech package (Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, 6 CD). This is my second Xterra. I previously owned a 2002 for four years. Love the sharp interior styling. I am still exploring the many features of the newest Xterra in Red Brick (gorgeous!). I love the molded water bottle holders in the doors and the tucked away cup holders in the back and several well-placed areas for all the things you need to take with you. Great change is the hard plastic lined cargo area (beats previous carpeted cargo area). I loved my 2002 and I know that the 2009 will not disappoint. Plenty of power and room. Fun to drive.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By longboard1998 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but good luck, I bought this vehicle as a third car and I am very happy overall.

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  Good SUV for price - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Bmoreguy - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I actually bought my Xterra in January of 2002, I have always loved the look of the Xterra. I have been nothing but pleased with driving this vehicle from the day I have owned it. Its a great ride, great in the snow. Its large enough for my needs such as my business and for piling in my two labs for a fun drive out. I have only found two things that I am not very happy with and that is the horsepower, sluggish on takeoff and the gas mileage for such a small V6. I however still give the Xterra my two thumbs up. Nissan did a great thing when they came up with the Xterra. Thanks Nissan.

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  This is my second Xterra and i love them - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterrababe - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded to the XE supercharged and i love it. I had a 5 speed manula and that was really great in the snow. We just had the biggest snow storm in 7 years and i was out in 20 inches of snow. I got the yellow because it is flashy, and the supercharged is NOT a disapointment. The one thing i have noticed is that it does guzzle gas more than my older one did. As far as room, i have 2 great danes and they have plenty of room! I love this car and think ill keep getting them.

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  Phenomenal Vehicle. - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Chris - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The criterion was steep. I needed an SUV that not only could get me to the hospital for work in the worst of conditions, but I needed an SUV that appealed to me aesthetically. I also needed an SUV that could comfortably house me, being a 62 280 pound powerlifter, Im not the biggest man on the planet by any stretch, but my back usually extends way past most seats. The Xterra is the all in one package. Well performing off road. Quick and nimble acceleration. As well as plenty of space, although my back still extends past the seats, I am very much comfortable. I test drove many an SUV in the price range, and a month later Im still smiling everytime I get in the X to drive.

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  Thoughts on Xterra - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Jack - April 8 - 2:40 am

  The Xterra has its ups and downs, the engine offers nice power, but fuel mileage is bad. Sometimes city/hwy average mileage as low as 13 mpg thats not even using 4wd. Aerodynamics are terrible roof rack, running boards, fenders, back bumper steps, heavy 4wd system. The auto tranny shifts well. Cargo area offers a decent amount of space. Overall satisfied.