Nissan Xterra Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
1,088 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 791 through 800 of 1,088.00
  • Everything I need, nothing I dont. - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    My wife & I purchased the Xterra to replace a 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4. Weve logged about 34,000 miles in 3 years. I LOVED my 4Runner, but the Xterra has proven to be superior in every way. It has been a bulletproof mechanical tank [We took a 2,700+ mile road trip last year with no issues or complaints!]. Mileage here in the Denver Area generally averages 17-18 mpg. Im easily able to strap just about anything to the roof rack, like a 10 ft. ladder, many queen size mattresses, & even a 13 ft. Christmas tree! Once I purchased a set of A/T tires, snow/ice performance has been unparalleled by any other vehicle Ive ever driven. Way to go Nissan, youve made a believer out of me!

  • more power - 2003 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    After one year and 12k miles, nothings gone wrong. Pros: I love the rugged look of the outside, the big tires, the material of the cloth interior, the stadium type seating on the back. Cons: It needs more power (I guess they knew that, look at the 2005 X), intermitent rear wipers, the plastic console looks cheap and the roof rack, although very nice looking and sturdy, could use some more rings to hook up straps. Overall, Im very happy with the truck. Look forward to the 05.

  • most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I bought my offroad exterra new. After comparing and testing to the fj cruiser. I found that the exterra was much more versatile and tougher built. I drive my vehicle every day on and offroad. With the back seat folded down there is almost the same amount of room as a small truck, with the convenience of being able to put the seats back up for passengers. Ive owned this vehicle for over a year and nothing slows it down. You can Cruise comfortably on the freeway, and then switch to 4 wheel drive and travel over the roughest terrain. Also it has good towing capabilities. Considering that the v-6 is more powerful than most v-8s and that it is an offroad 4x4 it gets great mpg w/out being boring.

  • Just OK... - 2000 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Good buy for what you get. When they mean "no frills," this is exactly what you get. No luxury appointments, but I wasnt going for that. Needed something to haul two large dogs, but didnt cost a bunch. I wont buy another one of these, as the ride feels as if you are on a buckboard wagon - could have had a better suspension installed.

  • Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    I never thought about owning a Xterra, but after test driving this baby, I just had to have it. The ride and power are great. Wife doesnt want me to drive so she can enjoy. Great SUV for the dough!!

  • Excellent but for a few mech. issues - 2005 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    This a good vehicle. If would be very good except for a few items. 1.) Sometimes takes several miles to switch out of 4 wheel drive (up to 20). 2.) The fuel level transmitter went faulty at about 53K (1.5 yrs). 3.) The front wheel bearing sounds like it is going bad. It was the best vehicle for the money when I bought it and if you want a lot of power and dont mind the poorer gas mileage, this car is for you. The seats on the base model are not that comfortable. I would highly recommend this vehicle for college students going off to college.

  • Not enough power - 2000 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Good truck if you dont want to use it to tow anything. The design is nice and it is very capable in 4WD. At 140 horses, it just doesnt have enough power. The gas mileage (18-15MPG) should be better. No problems mechanically. Looks nice and design features (cargo netting, rear power point, roof rack, etc.) are useful if you are an out-doors type.

  • Love our Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Fun to drive and plenty off power. Only wish the MPGs were better.

  • What an SUV used to be - 2004 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    At one time an SUV was an on/off road vehicle. Now they are simply status symbols. If you are in the market for what an SUV was origonally intended for, then this is for you. It rides well on and off road. We added a tow package, Power Package, and a Sport Package all of which are a must. We never got the Electrochromic mirror which was not offered on the model we got. I think it is a must if you want to be off road and in the bush

  • rollovers - 2002 Nissan Xterra
    By -

    Please visit this site to see the safety record of this vehicle - www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.htm l. We loved our Xterra but were recently involved in a rollover accident caused by road/weather conditions that sustained the driver with serious but not life threatening head injuries. We wish wed known the safety issues prior to buying. We loved this vehicle but would never have bought it had we known it was one of the lowest rated in regards to safety.

Nissan Xterra Reviews By Year:
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