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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  New Purchase - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel - September 1 - 12:20 am

  I was sold on my 2004 Nissan Xterra after the test drive. I needed something fun and for work, not for long hauls. I love the ride, it is very comfortable. I love being high and the clearance. I am still breaking my truck in, and hope to update my review in six months.

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  Ill give it a 9.9 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By TDrochak - August 16 - 10:00 am

  The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy, provided that you are not over like 62". VERY RELIABLE! Ive had it a little over 1 year and the only problem Ive had is I got a traffic ticket (which I beat in court) in Cle Elum, Washington for having too much mud on it. Now the important stuff. I can throw the kayak on the roof rack, throw a couple mountain bikes, fishing poles, cooler and camping gear in the cab and head out for a week at a time out to the beach, into the mountains, or whatever. This thing handles absolutely AWESOME in the snow up in the mountains. Handles well on rainy roads also.

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  Just Plain Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Leah - August 7 - 7:13 am

  I had been considering the Xterra for about 2 years. I previously had a GMC Jimmy. I would rather have one Xterra than 10 GM models. The design of the Xterra is overall more appealing and more user friendly. Nissan was definetely thinking when they designed this SUV.

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  Love my Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Maryanne - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Went shopping and was disapointed in ride of 4 cyl. SUV (Rav4 and Liberty). Like the way it handles. Pickup is a little slow, but Im not a speed demon. Feel this vehicle is under rated.

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  Not a "car" SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Owner - July 29 - 8:23 pm

  If you are looking for a "car" SUV, look at a CRV or RAV4. If you want a real truck that can traverse real off road terrain, tow substantial loads, and has enough power to blow off v-8 powered trucks, and for way less than $30K...no need to look further!

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  this is number 7 nissian - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By bobby - July 27 - 8:36 am

  wow its real fast. i had a 04 and gladly got rid and upgraded to the 05 the smartest thing i have ever done. i am in slc utah and definitley be going to moab this summer. look out jeeps theres another bad boy now

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  I love my new Xterra! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By jason - July 27 - 8:06 am

  I really like my Xterra. I test drove just about every SUV on the market before deciding on purchasing the Xterra S. It handles really well, has great acceleration, great braking, and wonderful interior space. The only feature I am not 100% pleased with is the lack of rear seat A/C vents. Thats it. Everything else I have been greatly pleased with.

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  Fun and Dependable! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Desiree - July 26 - 2:00 pm

  I never owned a vehicle more than 1 yr prior to the x-terra. The X-terra has lasted me more than 5 years & its been a fun ride. I recently got in a car accident and totaled my x-terra. I was barely scratched & it kept me safe during the ordeal. My next car... an 2009 x-terra!

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  2005 Nissan Xterra Off Road 6MT 4WD - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Raj - July 23 - 6:53 pm

  For the price, its quite a roomy SUV with quite a powerful engine. THE CONS: The transmission is quite noisy and feels like driving a truck. Shifting is not as smooth as it would be in a car. Noise carries inside especially when shifting gears. Lacks the smoothe ride of a car or a luxury SUV. The dash is very dreary. Front passenger seat not very comfortable. The vinly lined cargo are tends to get scratched. Bad at handling corners. THE PROS: Fun to drive, especially on straight roads. Good performance(0-60 in under 8 sec). Pricing. Cloth seats have a unique fabric that give it a rugged look. Descent fuel efficieny when you take into account that its a SUV and has a 265hp engine.

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  It was a keeper - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Paul L - July 22 - 1:43 pm

  Fell in love by the time I pulled out on the test drive that lasted less than 3 minutes. Fantastic in the rain and floods we have here. Too bad I could only get 3 tanks of gas into it before I was broadsided and totaled. He hit me doing over 60mph. Thought I was going over, but the stability controls and such kept me pointed and landed safe and sound. RECOMMEND the side air bags. It was the one option I didnt care about and turned out it saved me from major injury. Next one will be yellow so even another "vision impaired" driver can see me. Just waiting for Farmers to get me a check.