Overview & Reviews

Though the Xterra was updated just last year, Nissan has made further changes for 2003. Mechanically, the V6 has received a slight increase in power, and a stability control system (Nissan's VDC) will be a new option. Also for 2003, Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Inside, a driver seat-height and lumbar adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on nonsunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A "rugged" leather package is now offered for the SE trim. Other refinements include a 300-watt rating for the Rockford Fosgate-powered eight-speaker audio system, an available tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are also standard on SE trim.

• Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.

• Poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 153.00

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  Disappointed - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Disappointed - November 24 - 4:46 pm

  I have just over 99,000 miles on my Xterra, and I have already had to replace a cracked exhaust manifold and the supercharger. Now I am being told that the head gasket is leaking. I love the styling and capability of the Xterra, but I have been very disappointed by the reliability. I dont know if the 3.3 liter engine was not properly designed for the stresses associated with the supercharger, but it has definitely not lived up to my expectations.

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  fIND A DIFFERENT SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By CHAD - May 10 - 10:00 am

  WATCH THIS TRUCK! PLEASE LOOK ONLINE AT OTHER USERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS SUV OVER A YEAR. BY STATS, MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KEEP THIS SUV OVER TWO YEARS AND SHOW A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AFTER 60K MILES. I HAD TO TAKE MY TRUCK BACK 3 TIMES TO FINALLY GET THE BRAKES TO FEEL NORMAL. I DONT THINK MY ABS IS WORKING ANYMORE AFTER BRAKE FIX TIRES LOCKUP NOW. THE SOUND WHEN I COLD START THE TRUCK, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. WINDOWS RATTLE. BAD GAS MILEAGE TOO - 16 TO 17. MY COWORKER AND I ARE BOTH LOOKING FOR A NEW VEHICAL TO WARRANT SOME PC OF MIND. FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO BUY. PLEASE CHECK MY SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS!!!!

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  Gutless Gashog - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Katie4444 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a piece. It gets horrible gas milage. For example I drove from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and filled up 6 Times fully. My fiance Drove his pontiac gran prix the same distance and filled up twice. This car is also a GUTLESS WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You pull out any where with good distance and within seconds the car you pulled out in front of is on your tail thinking your an old person when really your a 19 year old driving a big ol piece of junk. I will never buy another one of theese or recommend it to anyone. Sadly I would rather have any Jeep even though they were ranked the worst car ever built!!!!!!!!

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  Nissans Edsel - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Cycle guy - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Great looks and is fun to drive, But... TOTAL Gas pig 11-13mpg. Interior falls apart while you look at it. Door panels have fallen off twice, the carpet pills up into little fuzzy balls as you step on it. The micro thin seat padding condenses after short rides leaving your backside to bump metal. The sunroof tilts open about 2" in the back, but thats it - for all the extra bux why bother to pay for a veiw of a plastic basket! The AC system has to be on in 55 degree weather, cause the heating system pumps out hot moist air all the timne, even in the "cold" position. Its been in the shop 3 times already for stupid stuff. This thing is a mess.

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  Big Mistake - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By desertman - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Thought I wanted an SUV. Picked Xterra based on looks. Hate driving it. Gas mileage is awful and it rides like the tires are made of metal.

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  I hate this car - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By hatemyxterra - May 5 - 9:15 am

  I bought the car in December with 71,000 miles. I just put it in the shop for something (not sure yet), it was loosing power and slipping. It has NO power and the 4WD sucks. I got stuck in my driveway in 1 inch of snow for 30 minutes one day, and the tires are good on it. Its gotten stuck other times too. Ive had nothing but problems with the car since I got it, and I did my research on it before I bought it, no mechanical issues before. It has none of the benifits of an SUV. Also, it is very difficult to shift gears. I have to force it into first, second, and reverse a lot of the time.

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  wouldnt recommend - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By brooke6425 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I would not recommend this vehicle for anyone with small children or anyone that plans to be using it on long road trips. The ride is so bumpy and on long trips it can get very uncomfortable. If I had to do over I would buy something more expenisve with a smoother ride and something that was quieter on the highway.