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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  Excellent SUV - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Shawn - July 15 - 6:40 am

  I have owned this xterra for a year now, and I must say it is absolutely wonderful! It has great power, handles excellent, it is very durable, and I have not had one problem with it. I must also say the sound system is excellent too! The gas mileage is not too bad for a suv, I get 22 mpg on the highway and around 18 mpg in city driving. As far as comfort it is good if you do not frequently drive long distances. It does well in the snow, and the heat is great, as well as the air conditioning is great too! Over all it is a excellent vehicle !

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  SENORS SPENDER - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By JWilliams - July 10 - 12:06 am

  Had a good run with it until 80k then the check engine lights starting glowing bright. O2 and knock sensor failed. Knock sensor lives inside the engine so yeah, big repair bill. All said and done it was a $1200.00 bill to fix two stupid little "make your engine run fun" gadgets. I can out run it on the onramps but, Im not considering that a big deal. I finally got to where it needed brakes at 75k - I thought that was incredible! All in all, its been pretty good. Hope to get another 80k out of it. Truck still drives and rides like it did when it was new. No problems outside of what I mentioned earlier

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  I love my Xterra!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By kristan - July 1 - 7:40 pm

  I have had nothing but great experiences in my awesome Xterra. I love it, and never want any other car or suv. I plan on up grading to a 2005 Xterra soon!!!

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  X gon give it to yuh - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By Matty - June 24 - 5:29 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a 5 seater 4x4 truck with good reliability for a great price. The xterra is easily the best value in that sector. After 2010 the SMOD issue and timing chain issue was fixed and the xterras are very reliable as a result. We love the unique styling, utilitarian interior (its nothing fancy at all) and decent power. The 280ft-lb of torque are available within the first 1/4" of gas pedal movement making this thing feel very peppy. I wish the interior was a little nicer and I hope the car can hold up to the salt roads here in Mass but for the price it cant be beat. Were getting 19MPG consistently which is good enough for me.

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  great suv - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By MEW - June 20 - 1:10 am

  I got my x brand new in 2003, I drive a lot on the road with work, I have 201,001 miles on it, I get it serviced once a year, I use only bf goodwich tires ruggend trail, so these people saying they got stuck in the mud and snow, can u drive, I like to fish, go go down in the ditch and the x brings me back out, ive driven my x in 32 states in the rain, snow, ice, Ive had no problems. And the super charger has no problem getting up and going. Besides normal wear and tear, I have no problems with my suv, I use full syn oil and fuilds, I only changed my oil once ever 10-12,000 miles, I get 17- 21 miles per gal, if u want a good suv for yrs to come this is it, Im over 200k and running strong!

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  Nice Truck w/Fun Spirit, bad gas mileage - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By mswh777 - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I like this truck. My other is a 4Runner, so its hard to expect too much from this one. However, Im still pleased with my purchase. The manual 4- cylinder is fun to drive, but lacks some power; only 143hp. The interior with power option package is of average quality but does the job. The exterior has a simple but rugged personality. On the 4-cylinder, expect to see about 3200 RPM while doing 70mph on the highway; maybe contributing to the somewhat disappointing gas mileage.

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  The BEST ever!! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By mamateddiebear - June 17 - 4:06 am

  This SUV is so awesome. My husband was not too sure about my choice. After riding in this only twice...he now wants one for himself. He loves the huge truck tires. This rides and drives like a truck. The insurance rate was so low. I went from a 98 dodge van to this vehicle and only raised my monthly insurance by $15. WOW! This is a truly amazing vehicle. I will never own anything else. Keep it UP!!

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  Safest Small SUV Money Can Buy - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By ssnman - June 13 - 8:03 am

  I bought my two teenagers each a new Xterra. Each now has lived through a horrific accident. One side impact the other head on. Both vehicles totaled. Both cases i am absolutely amazed at the sturdy frame construction and impact resistance the Xterra has. I was told by all professionals involved that both survivals were miracles. That may be but Nissan makes one heck of an SUV. That from a grateful Dad.

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  great buy - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By iron017 - June 3 - 5:43 pm

  Had the car for almost 3 years now. No problems (knock on wood). hauls great and good room for loading things which I wouldnt expect would fit in it!

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  Best truck I ever had - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By sB - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I know I didnt have it for a long time yet... but so far I love everything about it... took it for a couple long road trips... was comfortable for me and great on the mountain roads. For some "older" people could be a little rough... but it is a truck and I like this about it :-) Best truck for the money!!!