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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  Could be perfect, but needs some tweaks - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Vincent Johnson - March 2 - 10:26 am

  The 08 Xterra Off Road is almost the perfect SUV for those of us who use it like a sport utility vehicle. It will go almost anywhere you want it to. It does ride more like a truck than other SUVs, but it also looks less like a minivan than other SUVs. You also feel like youre in a truck. The ground clearance is nice (no sharp corners anymore) and the seats make you feel like you need to duck when going into the garage. The horse power is more than you ever need on a daily basis. This is truly a rough and rugged truck. My biggest disappointment with the Xterra has been the estimated gas mileage. Sticker says 16/20, but its more like 12/16. I get 15-16 at best on the highway.

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  2 yrs and still running great - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By nick_ole - March 2 - 4:48 am

  Fun SUV to drive... hugs the road like a champ with smooth acceleration and strong brakes. Mine is a 4x4... havent taken it off road yet but looking forward to it. Got mine a yr old at a steal and even if I didnt, its still worth the money. Its expensive to maintain though...tires cost 200+ a piece and maintenance at the Nissan dealership which I recommend, is still expensive. But all in all, havent had mechanical issues yet @ 66000 miles. This is my second Nissan after my 2004 Maxima SL and Nissan hasnt failed me yet.

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  Traditional Midsize SUV - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By creepers - February 12 - 8:08 am

  If you like the traditional SUV then you will love the 2011 Pro-4X. 4.0 liter V6 is high output engine is more than enough power. Great ride with they Bilstein performance shocks. Good looking tires (had the car a month - do not know how the tires will wear yet). Traditional SUV exterior styling. Leather seats are super comfortable. Rockford Fosgate head unit sounds great. The auxillary interface is nice. The IPOD interface is also a major plus. Nice big side back windows. Looked at a new FJ and used H3 but decided agains because the size and or lack of windows.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Todd - February 6 - 12:20 am

  At first we were looking at the Jeep Liberty, but decided to compare it with the Xterra because it was priced about the same. I have to say that we are very happy with our decision. This is one of the better truck-like SUVs you can get for the money. I say truck-like, because its not fair to compare it to those car-based SUVs. It rides like a truck, sounds like a truck, uses fuel like a truck...just like a sport UTILITY vehicle should. If youre looking for a car-like grocery-getter, look elsewhere. It has been driven in 18" of snow on unplowed dirt roads in Pennsylvania and on snow-covered roads across West Virginia to Snowshoe Mtn. ski resort, and it performed beautifully.

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  2005 Xterra- Great drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike DeLorey - February 4 - 9:23 am

  We recently purchased an 05 Xterra to replace the wifes Subaru Outback. The Xterra has a solid feel to it. The engine delivers excellent low end power & the acceleration is great even adhering to the 4K rpm break-in limit. The ride is firm without being harsh. The steering is a bit vague on center but the overall feel is good. The brake pedal feels a bit soft but the stopping action is very good. The seats are firm but could use more side support. Overall the Xterra is an excellent choice.

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  Will NOT let this one go!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By teague250 - February 1 - 5:47 pm

  Ive owned my 2003 Xterra since new in 2003 and I cant say enough good things about this vehicle. Eight years of ownership, driven every day, long trips, short trips, on light trails and pavement. Knock sensor went bad at 92,000 miles. Thats it...........my only repair. Of course there is the standard replacements, like air filter, oil changes and brakes, but the knock sensor has been the only mechanical failure. Oh yeah, I got 74,000 out of the front pads and the rear pads still look great at 105,000 miles. My daughter is turning 16 in a few months and this will be her vehicle. I feel very confident that this vehicle will provide her with safe, reliable transportation for years to come.

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  Real SUV for Real Men - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By UpstateNY - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I was caught in the Christmas 2002 blizzard on the NY Thruway. Drove 90 miles between Albany and Utica in 4WD and passed hundreds of stuck cars. A lot of them were those Honda CRV type of fake 4WD SUVs. My Xterra got me there without a problem. I even plowed my mothers driveway using my front bumper!

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  The Best SUV on the road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bryanna - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We got an Atomic Orange Nissan Xterra last yer and it has been the best car weve had but it has its uos and downs!

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  Awesome!! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By kolzilla - January 23 - 2:26 am

  I just recently bought my Nissan and Love it. Its so comfortable and handles the road like I was driving my Mustang. I wanted something a little bigger than what i had which was chev blazer and with a little more horsepower. Even tho I got a used car with low mileage its still a great purchase. I recommend this vehicle to anyone..

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  Love it!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Thunder - January 23 - 12:30 am

  Got my 06 4WD Xterra, basic "X" model a week ago. Im lovin it. Great power, great handling, great view from way up high. I can see why its the Motor trend SUV of the year. Nothing luxurious about it, but with all that Nissan packed in to this truck.. Mid $22K for a 4WD, 265 hp, auto + is as good of a deal as youre going to find. Ride is a bit bumpier than a standard sedan but it is a true off-road capable truck/suv after all.