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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  Never had a problem - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By RebeccaD - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Except for the recall on my windows, Ive never had a problem with my car. Carries everything back and forth from college. Rides rough, but makes up in comfort. Needs airvents in back seat, riders complain of being hot. Stadium seating is a very nice feature, but hard for adults to climb up into. Easy to keep clean, seats resist stain. Gas hasnt been a huge deal, it gets good mileage.

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  Best value for the price - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra fan - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Very happy with our Xterra. Does great driving around town, in the snow, or on the beach. 4WD works great, have never been stuck, even been thru very deep water with no problems. Lots of cargo space. Comfy seats. Didnt particularily like the industrial looking fabric at first, but we are VERY pleased with its durability and ease of cleaning. Have not had to take it back to the dealership for anything other than routine maintenance. The first aid kit is indeed gimicky but it has definately come in handy. Highly recommended!!

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  Not the "family" vehicle... - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Family Guy - December 9 - 8:36 pm

  No question that the Xterra is fun to drive; it is rugged and has presence. Keep in mind that this SUV is built for an active lifestyle and all of its features and capabilities are on target. Vehicle handles well, sport-like in how responsive it is when weaving in and out of traffic. Smooth ride, even on uneven pavement. Truck-like in that the engine is more than enough output, very quick acceleration, powerful V6. Interior space is a bit tight, comfortable for 4. Cloth seats are comfortable and make sense for those X-treme adventures. You are seated high in the cabin, but rear seats are too upright. Lots of plastic used in the interior, but its the best (real) SUV bargain.

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  2010 xterra - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By hondaf1 - December 5 - 3:33 am

  I really dont know what everyone is talking about. This truck does not have a rough ride quality. Trans shifts smoothly and overall first impressions are great

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  Great all-around SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By RV - December 5 - 2:43 am

  This vehicle has been reliable--I have no major complaints. It is a success as a city vehicle--more practical and generally useful than my BMW 5 series. On logging trails, it is excellent. My only complaint is that it is not great as a long-distance freeway cruiser. It usually get about 18-20mpg. Some observations: the mudflaps could be better designed because in serious off-roading, they get sucked into the tires and it tears them at the base. I like the OEM Rugged Trail tires because they are soft on rough pavement and have a lot of give, but are good in mud and snow. The 6 speed is the better trans, by far. The R-F stereo could be improved with better stock speakers.

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  Fantastic all around SUV! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Robert - December 2 - 12:16 am

  I recently bought a 2007 Xterra. I wanted the Xterra Off Road fully loaded for the year with the 6 speed manual trans. I love it! I needed a good SUV because my family and I are moving to Germany. So far here in Utah we have had numerous snow storms and it does well with the VDC on in 4x. I tested it in all modes. I did notice a huge improvement with the traction control on but I was not impressed with the tires. It should do better so I am going to buy Michelin LTX M/S. Other than that, I love to drive it and I am always in it. I have the Nismo cold air intake and I love that. The mileage could be better but it is an Off Road vehicle. I am very impressed with its ride. Great job Nissan!!

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  Just Okay - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By RKW - November 22 - 10:10 am

  SUV is pretty much what you see is what you get. It is a truck with an SUV body. Wasnt long until I noticed a roaring noise when slowing down. It actually causes the entire vehicle to vibrate.There is also a whining noise between 45 and 50 mph.Sometimes the shifting is very loose and makes a clanking noise. I plan to address these problems on my next scheduled visit. The gas mileage is a little better than advertised. The ride is so so. The center armrest is too far back.

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  love my truck! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By monsoon - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I am a traveling nurse who loves the outdoors. this truck has worked out great for me. I have not had problems at all and the price was reasonable.

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  The Swiss Army Knife of SUVs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Kendall - November 15 - 2:33 pm

  In comparison to my previous SUV purchases, 1) Jeep: The worst automotive experience Ive ever had, and 2) Mitsubishi Montero: A mediocre performer, the 2006 Xterra is the perfect blend of performance and comfort for thousands less. The 265 HP engine makes freeway blending a breeze and provides smooth power for backcountry exploration here at the Grand Canyon. There are dozens of easy and inexpensive add-on racks, nets and carriers for every toy I want to strap on, plus a 5000 lb. towing capacity.

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  xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By nickker - November 10 - 6:46 am

  most dependable, comfy and fun to drive vehicle i ever owned...just wish it had a bigger fuel tank and better mileage...i admit it is the supercharged version and love to kick it at red lights but the overall economy is low to say the least....dont expect more than 13mpg city or highway....