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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  Great SUV - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By az_ryan - December 13 - 10:08 pm

  I got my Xterra S used and love it. The V6 engine is powerful and the ride is smooth and quite. The exterior styling is really nice looking. The interior is pleasant looking and roomy, but very minimal. There are lots of plastic panels and very few bells and whistles you would expect. It would be nice to have more features. The biggest disappointment was the terrible factory sound system. One of the first things I did was replace the radio and speakers with an aftermarket system. The rear cargo is very nicely thought out with adjustable tie downs on the floor and roof, storage under the floor, and rear seats that fold down flush making lots of room for dogs or hauling. Cleans up nice.

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  02 Xterra SE 2wd - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By mkm325 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  Looks great and is fun to drive, but a little uncomfortable for long rides. The legroom in the back is cramped and the width of the front seats could stand to be a little wider.

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  One Great SUV - Sweeet!!! - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By RCA - December 8 - 5:56 pm

  I love my new Xterra SE! The overall package is a great value (with the rebates), and the design, and quality fit & finish are exceptional. The sporty sound betrays the power and performance, and the ride & handling are outstanding - refined, responsive ride & handling, without any vibrations or rattles. The interior is spacious, and comfortable, and the Rockford-Fosgate Audio system rocks! Fuel economy could be better, but it’s still good at an overall average of 20 mpg. Consumer Reports reports great reliability. Sure, I’d like leather, an automatic climate control system, automatic head lights, 6-way power seats, fully carpeted rear cargo area, etc., but those arent "deal-breakers."

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  I wouldnt buy another one - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By rivergirl - December 7 - 5:10 pm

  So far my truck has had to have a new computer, I have had transmission problems, it has gotten locked in park and the solenoid that releases the gear shift was malfunctioning, The air conditioning drain was draining into the front passenger floor and all of my carpeting had to be replaced due to mold. Purchase price was 29,600 and trade in is 15,000 in just over a year. I am afraid to drive this vehicle too far from home due to its history of leaving me stranded. The mileage on my truck as it sits in the shop today is 18,500.

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  No complaints - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Rick - November 30 - 1:03 am

  I thought Id write a review since I have been using Edmunds for some time now and I found the other reviews helpful. I have owned this truck for a month and have had nothing but fun driving it. I havent used it off road, but you can feel it wants to tear it up. It has good acceleration with the 6 speed and it cruises at 80m.p.h. on the highways without even trying, around 2500rpm. I would purchase this car again in a second. My other car is a BMW540i and Im driving this one more. I never thought Id ever say that about another car. So, I seriously have no complaints.

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  General Review - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By cristella - November 12 - 9:47 pm

  My Xterra has 94,000 miles on it. Ive kept up with all required/suggested maintenance and inspections. The only thing I had to replace were the tires at 40,000 miles and they are due to be replaced again. No problems whatsoever.

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  2005 Solar Yellow X - WOW! Lotsa power! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike - November 10 - 9:50 pm

  Im a former Nissan Pathfinder owner (2001 & 2003) who recently "stepped down" to a 2005 Xterra. Well, I realized quickly that there was hardly any "stepping down" whatsoever once I actually started driving the X on a daily basis! This baby is fun to drive and the 2005 has plenty of power (watch your speedometer or old Smokie will get you!!!!) Also, the new 4.0/265HP Engine actually gets better gas mileage than my previous 2 Pathys ever got - and although this is a SUV, gas mileage so far is more than acceptable and I dont think it will be an issue for me at all. Lots of great forums for Xterra owners (do a google search) and you will see more than enough information on the great X!

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  A great all weather vehicla - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By ChrisR - November 9 - 7:13 pm

  My previous car was an 07 Saturn Vue. I looked at Toyota,Honda & Kia before going for the XTERRA. I am so pleased that I did. It is excellent for the money. first Nissan I have ever owned. A day or so after I purchased it we had the worst snow in NJ for many years followed by heavy rain storm and high winds. The X performed excellently in all conditions. It has an excellent heater. Very good visibility all around. Steering a little heavy when maneuvering in 4WD but not an issue really. It provides and excellent feeling of security in bad weather conditions.

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  dependable workhorse - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By msferd - November 8 - 5:43 pm

  nice. nice. nice. bought this vehicle to help me rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The shock came when I was able to haul a 5ft patio door with ease.

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  Love my Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By april804 - November 8 - 8:03 am

  I really love my Xterra. The only fault I see with this truck is gas mileage! I have had all of my service done on time, but gas mileage continues to diminish. We drove this vehicle on a 500 mile trip and got 11 miles to the gallon highway. I hate to get rid of my truck, but Im gonna have to. It has been parked for 2 months because of the gas mileage. Its hard to pay for something you cant afford to drive. The major problem I am having is finding something that I like as much or better than my Xterra. Theres not much out there.