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:

• 

  Absolutely awesome - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By doublemp2262 - April 7 - 4:53 am

  Ive never been so eager to drive. This truck is fun both on and off road! Perfect for camping, traveling or just daily driving, and the base price is a lot of bang for your buck.

• 

  Loved it... Until the dreaded radiator leak/transmission failure - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By kaja91 - April 5 - 11:35 am

  I bought it used @ a dealer & immediately was planning my next purchase of a NEW X-Terra (in several years). Spent $2k in repairs, then @ 95k miles the tranny failed due to the now well-known radiator leak into the transmission. Nissan wont help & Nissan dealers (who all know of this NISSAN design flaw/defect) cut the trade value in 1/2, which leaves the once loyal consumer stuck with a car they cant afford to fix, but are too upside down to trade in affordably. Boo on Nissan for its lack of remediation on a defect which statistically fails well after their 80k mile warranty. Lost a loyal customer. These should not be allowed for resale w/out a documented fix preventing fail. BEWARE LEMON!

• 

  my xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By trippchris - April 1 - 10:00 am

  it is ok not the best not the worst

• 

  Found a friend with Nissan - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By troberts3 - March 31 - 9:20 am

  Owned a Cadillac CTS when I bought "The X" and didnt drive the CTS for three weeks because I loved The X so much. Purchased used 05/2010 at 65K, now has 101K. I have replaced NOTHING! Solid, reliable truck with compartments everywhere for storage. Finally sold my Cadillac because I liked the Nissan better. I will stay with Nissan as long as they keep making vehicles like this one. My ONLY complaint: Back seat leg room. My friends have a lot of trouble getting in and out. One other thing: Tire pressure light comes on after traveling a constant speed for 40-50 miles. Does it every time. I think its the new tires. Not sure...

• 

  Mixed Review - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By TruckLuver - March 28 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased new 2009. Rockford Fosgate sound system above average, nice technology package. Combined gas mileage (20% city, 80% hwy) is 21-22 mpg. Looks nice, rides comfortably, but Im having hard time adjusting from previous full-size pickup truck. I am 6 tall, and I feel a little closed-in. Short arm rest is more like an elbow rest... it sucks. Test drive was good, but after a month Im not so happy. 6 cylinder engine seems to have sufficient if not awesome power. Back seats are nice to have, but not much room for rear passengers unless you scoot front seats up. Plastic console dents easily (dont drop anything on it). Vehicle is shorter than some cars. Mixed feelings, but quality vehicle

• 

  Xterra Rocks - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By mik922 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra has damn good looks and is very capable off-road. The only downside that I see is the fuel mileage at about 15 mpg.

• 

  For the True Outdoors - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Brett - March 23 - 1:43 am

  Very happy with the Xterra. This vehicle design really does have function. Very rugged and can go anywhere! I decided on the 6spd manual because its more fun to drive and has a very tall 6th for hwy cruising. I do a lot of whitewater kayaking and this vehicle gets me to all the knarly put-ins. The Xterra has excellent build quality. It is also very surefooted in offroad situations. This is modern mans "old school bronco." I considered the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but decided the massive blind spots over the shoulder were a nuisance and a safety concern. Get out and live a little!

• 

  Corkies review - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Corkie - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Handles well in 4WD during the recent snow. Seems a bit sluggish at first but better as its breaking in. Reliable vehicle, came highly recommended from co-workers.

• 

  Xterra Review - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Hglider - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Rugged vehicle, cool styling, versatile. All around good vehicle for my needs but a few irritating things which could be improved (listed below). A big decision factor in buying it was anticipating high reliability. So far so good, but time will tell.

• 

  Buy One! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Wild Eagle - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun tough off road vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Nissan really has their act together. Been in shop 2 times for rattles and blown speakers.. Went out and bought a sub woofer and no more speaker blow outs! Bought the new seat covers and interior looks lot more fun!! Very solid off road, front seats could be set higher for long distance driving. Need a/c vent for back seat. Gets hot in Arizona. Put extra window tint and is helping a lot. Gas mileage is pathetic for the lack of oower.. feels like a 4 cylinder..but still acceptable. I would buy another without a doubt!!