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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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By masterelrond - April 19 - 8:21 pm

  Last year, I got a job that required a long commute, and had to get rid of my 2003 Xterra. I really miss that SUV, by far the best vehicle Ive ever owned. The only maintenance that was ever required was the scheduled maintenance, I never had a single problem with it that required fixing. It drove smooth, and was surprisingly quiet for an SUV. The V6 engine was very powerful, as we towed and carried many loads across the US without even straining it, there was always more power than we needed. By the time I traded it in after 7 years of driving, the paint was still perfect, the suspension was perfect, the engine was perfect, and the interior looked brand new. I really miss that Xterra. :(

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  Life with my Silver Ice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ivanoski - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Xterra color Silver Ice on Feb. 2003. Up to now my SUV lives up to a comment issued by Motor Trend: "Spare me the leather, wood and chrome: This is no BS SUV" And it certanily is. In over 5 months I have racked over 10,000 miles traveling since I am a consultant providing service to several pharmaceuticals in Puerto Rico and this baby has been bullet-proof and is a excellent vehicle to travel in bad weather. Its comfortable and its in-your-face-anti- bland style really stands out when compared to other SUVs such as Hondas CRV and others.

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  Xterra - Rough but ready - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bowler - April 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is reliable but needs improvement on gas mileage and smoother riding. It is not comfortable on a long trip, nor is it gas stingy. It is, however, a good vehicle in which to haul goods, passengers. The high step to it often bothers shorter people.

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  i miss mine two - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By chonseydsa - April 13 - 3:06 pm

  I loved my 2000 Nissan xterra in silver it had about 190,000 miles on it when I recently totaled it in a accident on Thursday. I also had the problem of the airbags not going off but overall it was a great truck Im hoping to get another one with my insurance money and buy one with lower mileage. It was tons of fun I miss mine so much.

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  Better that I anticipated - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Jeff - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle surprised me with its the way it drives. Granted it may be a little rough if you are used to a car but this a truck and I can say it is not as rough as I expected. It has a smooth transmission, comfortable seats, and a pretty good stock stereo. The best feature for me, and the main reason I bought it, is I can transport my bikes with ease in the large cargo area. I also plan on purchasing a kayak soon and getting the accessory for the roof rack that will transport it.

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  out and about where you cant find me!! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By The Chadd - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am or better yet "WAS" a die hard 4- runner fan. Now after the luxury craze took over our beloved suvs I had to look else where to replace my 1993 4- runner with the same ruggedness that an suv should have. The Xterra fit the mold perfectly. The Xterra has been everything my older 4-runner was and more.

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  Xterra: Built Nissan Tough - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Unidentified - April 1 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra so far is possibly the funnest, most exciting vehicle Ive ever been in. I just recently bought the XE 4x4 5M. The thing is awesome!! Now, if only the gas prices would go down a bit so I can drive a little more!

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  Xterra nightmare - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Lisa Gardner - March 26 - 1:54 am

  Have already had to replace the ABS system and its only 7-8 year old car with 80000 miles m. Also has been stalling and they cant figure out the problem and a lot of break noise and loud sounds when over bumps, not a smooth ride. Very unhappy with the Xterra.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Keith - March 26 - 1:53 am

  Ive had my Xterra for about a month now and I have to say, I am impressed. I take my X to the beach, in the woods and around town. The ride, handling and performance is better than I expected from a nearly 4000 pound truck. The engine is great! This thing gets up and goes when you need it to. The utilitrack in the back is a great feature if you have the cargo organizer. I use the roof rack for my surfboards and Im looking into a clamp- on safari cage for my camping gear. The Fosgate stereo is pretty sweet for a factory system. Gas mileage is the only downfall, but what do you expect from a 4.0-liter engine? Overall a great SUV that is fun to drive! I highly recommend it.

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  Just too cool - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By GenO - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Super fun to drive and great looking. MPG not the greatest for todays prices but you know that buying it. Inside is comfortable with plenty of room for people and "stuff". The Xterra feels very stable while driving even at high speeds. Acceleration is normal for a truck this size with the six cyl. Although the acceleration is a bit slugglish when going up "steep" roadways or while towing, although you can feel the pulling power. I did some light off roading with mine and had zero complaints, especially with with the 4 wheel drive.