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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  Bought a 2003 Xterra XE with 100,000 miles - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Rich - June 4 - 7:32 pm

  Bought Xterra XE with 100,000 miles. Terrific in the snow, handles well, excellent vision, need only 87 gas not premium, excellent storage space, stereo system with 6 speakers, nice roof rack, and pretty easy car to work on. Anybody who gets an Xterra in the 100,000 mile range.be ready for a new timing belt and will cost between $600 to. $1,000. Other costs in the 100 -125K mileage range include new starter ($400 - $500) and new plugs ($200). If you buy a 100,000+ Xterra check the timing belt, starter, plugs and it can save you a lot of money. 265 size tires are in the $400 - $500 range. Its a SUV built on a truck with 16 city/ 20 higjway mileage and if you take care of it, the Xterra is pretty reliable.

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  Cant WAIT to get rid of it! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By crzymomma - May 30 - 2:23 am

  Nothing but trouble! For starters, the a/c sucks! I blow cooler air then my Xterra. We have had the a/c charged & it made the issue worse. It also doesnt blow hard enough for my kids in the back seat to even feel it at all. The sunroof leaks. Ive replaced the starter, battery, connector cables, timing belt, and radiator multiple times & we still get stranded. It doesnt crank 50% of time. Was told it has mechanical issues. Im waiting on it to catch fire!The front grey bumper fades & chips & looks awful! & the sad thing is, we just now hit 103,000 miles. The window motors are going out & the seal on windows leak and make lots of air noise when driving. I hate this thing! My kids hate it too!

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  Not impressed - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Paul99 - August 19 - 4:40 pm

  My main complaint is the engine and transmission. Reliability is good, only replacing the exhaust manifold in 85,000 miles. But the engine is extremely weak (I have SC model), and the 4 speed auto transmission shifts very rough. Engine takes 15 minutes to "warm up" before the engine and trans are even acceptable for use. The supercharged engine only performs well in dry 60-70 degree weather. I live in Michigan, and we rarely have dry 60-70 degree weather. If I ride alone and temp is optimal, the car is fun to drive, but if i carry passengers, its sluggish at best. Gas mileage is unacceptable for a V6! I rarely get over 13mpg in city driving even when i baby it! Highway mileage is no better!

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  2003 Nissan Xterra is a winner - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ramin - November 4 - 12:50 am

  This was the first time I bought an SUV.My first choice was a Hummer but the price was too high for me. My second choice was an Xterra. I bought this vehicle because I believe it delivers what it claims to. I enjoy driving it a lot but the front seats are too small and not comfortable as comfortable as they should be. The fron seats leg rooms are not sufficient. The engine could have used much more HP. 189 HP is too weak for the weight of this SUV. Fuel consumption is very high for a vehicle of this size. So far I have had one recall and two minor service works done. I am told that 2005 model is a much improved vehicle. Will I buy another one? Yes,I will.

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  BAD MILAGE 10 MPG CITY- SUPER CHARGED - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By xterragirl - October 2 - 10:00 am

  2002 6 cyl. Super Charged. Specs say 15/18 est. milage. I get 10 mpg and 7 mpg towing. The service department said everything is within specs. Did I get a lemon? I am under the 12/12000. Domestic v8s get better milage than this. This is the 4th Nissan I have owned, and the last if this isnt resolved. I love the Xterra, this is the second one I have owned, but the milage is KILLING ME!

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  my xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By trippchris - April 1 - 10:00 am

  it is ok not the best not the worst

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  Poor performance - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By mark78 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  MAJOR power steering problems. Not a smooth ride. Great sound system. I average 16.2 mpg between city & freeway. For optimal performance of supercharge, you need premium gas. The extra money you pay for supercharge is not worth it compared to the regular model.

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  Xterra - Rough but ready - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bowler - April 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is reliable but needs improvement on gas mileage and smoother riding. It is not comfortable on a long trip, nor is it gas stingy. It is, however, a good vehicle in which to haul goods, passengers. The high step to it often bothers shorter people.

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  This suv is built poorly - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Dr. Barry - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Since I have purchased this vehicle it has been in for repairs 12 times for numerous electrical problems as well as problems with the transmission, air conditioning, and rattles/squeeks. I filed a lemon law claim which was dismissed by Nissan and I am now in the process of suing them. It also gets horrible gas mileage for an suv of this size.I am extremely disappointed with this vehicle especially since I have owned many Nissan vehicles in the past with good results. I will never buy another Nissan again after seeing how they treat loyal customers that do have problems. I would urge anyone to think twice before purchasing this vehicle!