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, cool looking, but built cheaply - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By racolo - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun, cool looking, but built cheaply

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  Not a daily driver - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By bill - March 21 - 4:33 am

  When I purchased my off road x. I drove it around town and very little highway. Big mistake. It is not a highway or road trip vehicle. The stiff suspension is great in town and off road but you pay a price for a rough travel car. Its like riding a jack hammer. Like a jeep wrangler, it does poorly on the highway and at high speeds on the snow, it slips very easy! Not the best ski trip vehicle but great in town and off road.

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By TT - March 20 - 2:06 am

  I just got my Xterra and have been driving it like crazy. The engine performs beautifully and it rides very nicely on the highway, even at cruising speed the car maintains a nice quiet interior. Lots of room and great places for storage. I could not be happier with my choice. In its class there isnt a better SUV on the market. Lots of power, very functional, great design, all in all a great buy.

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  Paved or not, this beats them all! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By sailorman - March 19 - 11:16 pm

  We love our new Xterra. We have a Ford Escape and were going to get another one but after one drive in the Xterra we couldnt go back. I still grin when I have to load cargo into the massive trunk or crawl over rocks effortlessly. The huge windows all around offer a wonderful view and safer lane-changing. I spend the week commuting and this bulky SUV is surprisingly comfortable. On the weekends, it dominates off-road and Ive never doubted if it could take me where I want to go. This is a great all-around vehicle for me and my growing family.

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  Xterra has stood up to my bad habits, Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By plmr747 - March 16 - 12:43 pm

  This vehicle had been through the mill, I have put 250,000 miles on it and replaced the tires twice, changed the oil lots and now have to replace the rear shocks. Along with driving constantly in bad weather, I have towed very heavy equipment and up to 23 boats on a regular basis. I have the 3.3 in it which makes it a bit of a slug off the line, but the power is there when you need it. (well geared) While not towing I get around 28 mpg and can go from Kingston On. to Boston Mass. on 1 tank of fuel.

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  Fun Wheels - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By peabodyg - March 12 - 11:00 am

  This is my first SUV, and fun to drive. A week after purchasing it, we had snow, the 4x4 makes it fun

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  01 Xterra V6 4x4 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Mitch - March 11 - 11:36 am

  I have driven my Xterra cross country 3 times now and have taken numerous road trips. It is a great vehicle from every standpoint. The gas mileage is ok but is improved with small aftermarket parts. I off road often and have a Rancho lift kit and run LT 285s on the Xterra. Once in 4lo, the Xterra is unstoppable. Even when it was stock, it was very dependable off road. I like how the seats give you a commanding view of the road and are very comfortable. The 3.3L V6 is underpowered but matched with the 5 speed manual tranny, it does well enough. The Supercharged version that came out a few years later would be the way to go. It puts out 210 hp I believe. Either way, the Xterra is a great suv.

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  2000 Xterra - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By ranavy - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Great for the outdoor enthusiast. Excellent in the snow with the 4WD.

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  Awesome All Around 4x4 SUV - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By DesertRatSoCal - March 4 - 12:20 am

  Great news for the SUV enthusiast. Nissan has really done the trick with the Xterra. Nimble on road, capable off road, easy on the wallet, outstanding performance. Id throw stones at similar sized SUVs by the other manufacturers. This vehicle has long been a hit for the market niche and I would recommend the average individual who needs a slightly larger vehicle to take a test drive. The fuel economy is exceptional for the type of vehicle and its capabilities.

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  It Rocks - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Charlotte - March 3 - 10:06 am

  I love my XTerra. When it is time for a new vehicle, it will most likely be an XTerra. It has been so very reliable, and has saved me from being injured in a very serious accident. I highly recommend the XTerra.