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 Truck, lacks features, it is what it is though. - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By skrillax - February 5 - 1:37 am

  I bought the 2011 Xterra about 6 months ago. Its a very solid truck, tons of power, great torque, havent had the time to get down in the snow but it seems to carry itself well through all other weather situations. It definitely lacks some features for a 2011 model, suck as an AV input or a USB input. The stereo system isnt as bad as people say, just change the head unit and it sounds fine. Interior could use some better materials, but its a Utility / Off Road built truck, its good for what its built for. Get a Pathfinder if you want luxury.

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  X is ok - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By xguy - February 5 - 12:56 am

  I couldnt wait to buy an Xterra. Now that I have, I think I should have waited for a newer vehicle. Its just outdated and sucks gas like its free. I havent had one mechanical problem with it, but lots of little things that show lack of attention to detail (glovebox, molding, etc.) Still, its a good reliable car and you cant go wrong with Nissan.

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  Good and Bad - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Rich N. - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the style of this SUV. It is kind of fun to drive, but it eats alot of gas and lack of power. the front seat are not very comfrontable at first and the cloth sucks like hell.

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  My X! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By mangeli - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Wow, talk about an all around well built truck. The Xterra takes the cake. Test drove and SE and I went home with an XE with the powerpack option on it. I love it. Gets average MPG, but other than that its the best thing I have ever owned!

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  Happy Camper - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Jack Kansas - January 26 - 12:20 am

  A solid unit that tows like there is nothing behind. Two road trips of 2500 miles and was very pleased with the comfort for a truck that also is a tank off road. Handles much better in snow than my old G Cherokee. I looked at the fj, H3 and others but the visibility on the X was a huge selling point. If you want an "out door" vehicle its nice to see it. I would recommend and buy again. A good value.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By fizzgigg89 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Its still the best looking SUV on the road!

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  options - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By cataldo - January 24 - 10:00 am

  optional equipment not readily available and very high priced not a lot of options to gingerbread the vehicle would like to see more

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Tex - January 23 - 3:23 am

  I just purchased a 2005 Off Road 4wd model after much research. I love it. This may be one of the most underrated vehicles manufactured this year. The Xterra is solidly built and roughly 15-20k less than the Landrover LR3 or Discovery. While the latter may have the most advanced 4 wheel drive system of any SUV on the road (and posher interior), I bought the Nissan because I value reliability over anything else. I work in the back country and I cant break down. The Off Road edition has a stiffer feel and ride than the 4wd SE models I test drove and if anyone intends to use this vehicle for off-roading I would strongly suggest that you opt for the OR model over an S or SE.

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  rattles aready ? - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Josh - January 18 - 12:06 am

  I traded my 08 pathfinder in for a brand new xterra off road. I was hoping to get away from the rattles and thought it would be good to go for a off road vehicle that I thought would hold up. I have only had my xterra for a month and it is rattling bad in door panels and the dash. I hope my warranty will cover this? Not too impressed for a new vehicle to rattle like this. I had a 2000 pathfinder that rattles less. Hope they can fix it but if not it will be my last Nissan purchase for sure.

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  Nissan xterra performance - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By J Hart - January 14 - 7:06 pm

  I love my xterra...it has a great ride, lots of fun to drive and the 4wd is great in the snow! It doesnt have the greatest pickup but overall highly recommend!