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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  Dependable! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Valeriern2004 - March 11 - 3:53 pm

  My first Xterra was a total loss due to a careless driver who pulled out and rolled my truck. This vehicle was incredibly tough. I had a seat belt on and came through the accident without a scratch! I honestly love the Xterra. I feel it safe and reliable. I bought another. I love the look and know I can load up the dog,bikes,camping gear, and a couple of friends! It is a good buy for the 2004 models. I love shifting on the fly, it does well in the snow! This is a well built vehicle! I love it!

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  Middle aged Xterra owner. - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By ROADING - March 6 - 4:00 am

  I really love driving this vehicle! Love the stiff suspension, quick tight responsive steering and the added horse power.

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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By kaz - February 24 - 2:26 am

  Great car to drive, great wd system, safe due to the ways it sits high

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  The Xterra style - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Foxx - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is great, its like the design of a Lexus meets the versatility of a 4 Runner. Yet it is kinda small, it alows for a very fast, fun driving experence. I have the SE supercharged model, and let me tell you, I am never disapointed by the get-go power it has to offer. I live on a ranch and it has done good in traction and 4x4ing when it comes to the rainy season. The on the fly 4 wheel drive is a great addition when it comes to going up hill and not being able to stop to put your rig in gear.

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  Solar Yellow Xterra rocks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By leftydog - February 18 - 9:16 pm

  Nice Truck, rotten gas mileage, Super charger is a necessity. Handles well, rides ok on smooth roads, body shudders on tar pits, holes, bumps. Commanding view of road with 17in wheels. Seats are ok. Reasonably good space in the back.

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  Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By vbxterr - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I Find the Xterra is fun to drive. It outclimbs most other cars on the hills and find the it is a very smooth ride on the freeways... I find one piece of equipment missing in the vehicle though and that would be an oil pressure gauge.. I would much prefer this to the standard idiot light that usually tells you when it is too late. The service through the dealer has been outstanding too. I would buy another one if I ever need too. But I feel that my xterra and I will be together for a long time...

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  Mountain Goat - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By tommy2cat - January 30 - 4:08 pm

  I love this vehicle. Exterior silver w/brush guards, roof rack w/tray. Interior rare black leather interior w/heated seats. Kids love visibility from tiered second row. Rear compartment provides plenty of storage for baseball equipment, etc. Added Bilstein shocks to smooth ride. Adding catback & CAI to address substandard fuel economy & provide boost to slightly underpowered 3.3 liter engine. An issue, not a problem. Currently 20/17 mpg w/conservative use. Handles blizzards with confidence. Climbed NYC snowbank to create parking spot! Nissan should consider turbo diesel engine for this tree-climbing Billy Goat. Love it

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  Well rounded suv - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Jeffvibe03 - January 29 - 8:43 am

  This vehicle has surprised me every time I drive it. It has superior handling for a truck based SUV and is extremely powerful for a V6. On a recent 1500 mile trip averaged 23 mpg. Was extremely comfortable, even if the ride is tuned on the sporty side. Overall I would recommend to anyone looking for a rugged and fun to drive SUV to check it out!

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  Dependable - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Tommy - January 22 - 9:10 pm

  My wife and I like our 2002 Xterra. The first thing we did is replace the General tires with Goodyears. The engine could be stronger but it isnt terrible and it is super dependable. Ive had to replace a $100 part under the hood in the 3 years weve had it. The one thing I dont like is the cruise control. When I set the speed it takes too long to engage. If I set it for 70 and take my foot off the gas it slows down to 65 or lower and then takes too long to get back up to 70. Very frustrating especially to the guy I just passed. Overall, I like the vehicle and I would recommend it.

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  xxxterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By momofteen - January 22 - 12:36 pm

  Has been great! Got 100,000+ on brakes. At @ 120,000 had one caliper replaced. Has been very reliable. Still looks good. No complaints.