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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  Fun to drive with a few tradeoffs - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By tnwea1 - September 27 - 10:53 am

  The drivetrain of the Xterra is great. The engine/ transmission work together well and the 4x4 works great. Rear seat entry is tough but roomy once you get in (Im 62"). The plastic interior is easily scratched. Weve had problems with a squeak in the hood latch and a noise from the fuel pump. Both of these noises were loud and took a while for the dealer to fix. Overall the Xterra has been a decent vehicle with a few minor problems.

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  GREAT SUV but, glad I got the 5spd! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Reggie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! The look is GREAT and seeing other XTerra owners around town makes you feel part of click! We live in CO and go to the mtns frequently. The 4X4 capability is great over rocks and thru creek beds. Long distance travel is nice but a little cramped! My complaint, as is most peoples, NO POWER!! I was wise and found a 5spd and love it. Its great on the hwy going up the mtns. Maybe in a couple yrs Ill buy the supercharged version! I would recommend it to anyone!!

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  BUILT FOR MY NEEDS - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By JOHNTANA - September 24 - 2:00 am

  NO BUT WARMER OR HEADLIGHT WIPERS JUST FUNTION AND PRACTICLE. THEY READ MY MIND IN THE DESIGN CENTER . GOOD JOB!

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  The Big "X" - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Korichan - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the "X"... family trips are a kick for everyone, even the kids in the backseat!!! I love driving it, looking at it, and this is the first time that we do not complain making monthly payments, thats how much we love it. Positive handeling, power enough to climb whatever, room enough for your arms, legs and heads, kickin stereo, and all that air bag stuff makes us all feel safely tucked away...ours is avalanche white and has everything but auto transmission (wanted a 5 speed) and supercharge (didnt want it).

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  Poor performance - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By mark78 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  MAJOR power steering problems. Not a smooth ride. Great sound system. I average 16.2 mpg between city & freeway. For optimal performance of supercharge, you need premium gas. The extra money you pay for supercharge is not worth it compared to the regular model.

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  Big hit with me and the dogs - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By maafimushkila - September 17 - 12:33 am

  I settled on the XTerra after driving way too many mid-sized SUVs. I drove the XTerra first, and I kept coming back to it. It beats competitors hands down. The powertrain is excellent (smooth, powerful, responsive). Comfortable. Good looking in a geekish kind of way. A great dog vehicle--fold down the rear, and theres no fabric touching the dogs, so its easy to clean. The dogs get a great view, too. Great handling in snow, mud, and sand (havent had it on rock yet). I wouldnt recommend this for commuters--this is a true 4WD so expect to feel bumps (and pain and the pump, but thats expected, so no downgrade there). If you like to play outside, and have a lot of toys, you want this

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  06 Wrangler Rubicon Replacement - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Nimrod - September 14 - 4:20 pm

  After Telluride last year and Moab this year I decided it was either Big $$ to upgrade the Rubicon or stop and go in another direction. Here in Northern NM mountains, the Xterra has very capable attributes. Ive had it on one of the roughest off-roads in the area with no problemes at all. The ground clearance is better than a stock 06 Rubicon and the stock tires are taller. The extra wheel base gives the Xterra an edge over the Rubicon for comfort. Cargo space is a huge winner and the power sealed the deal. The AT takes some getting use to in 4WD as I now drive with the brake rather than the gas/clutch. Im 64" and the fit is perfect. Familys 9th Nissan w/wifes current 09 Pathfinder

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  A fortress on wheels - 2015 Nissan Xterra
  By Steve - September 14 - 9:42 am

  In 2006, a major car magazine agreed that the Xterra would make the shortlist for a vehicle best able to survive the apocalypse. I agree. I feel invincible in this machine... it might not have the latest technology, and the truck-based frame may not suit all derrieres, but I love not stressing about the weather anymore. There is something to be said for simplicity. This truck is a beast. Rain or shine, wind, hail, snow and anything else mother nature throws my way, I cannot help but smile when I fire up the growl of the V6 and move out. I opted for the six-speed manual trans, and I think that has helped me get outstanding fuel economy (I average between 21 and 24mpg). Just a great, great, great, great truck... Ive hauled oversized cargo in the rear, slept in the back when the power went out in my house, hoisted myself on my tow hitch and on to my rear bumper for a better view of the world when needed, gone to the city, the beach and the country, and feel like my X will be with me for a long, long time. Cant go wrong. I call this my Japanese Land Rover.

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  As Advertised - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Ironhead in CT - September 10 - 8:23 am

  Just turned 5K on the odometer and overall I am satisfied though not thrilled with this vehicle. I did get exactly "as advertised" however. After much research, I went with the Xterra for two main reasons: I needed a vehicle that would handle New England winters and could also tow at least 5K lbs. It does both very well. At 61", the drivers seating is cramped. Rear seating is also cramped for anyone 510"+, with the front seats back. They should have added 6" of leg room in front and back. Running board is useless to me. Very tough for kids to get in/out without help. Drives more like a truck than car. Should have gone with SE model. S model=no frills. MPG is "as advertised", 14/17

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  Xterra the better choice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Reiko - September 4 - 2:00 am

  superb handling and fun to drive. Very durable. Has all nessasary options without going overboard to add what you dont really need. Would definatly buy again. Former vehicle was Dodge Durango.