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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  Not good for off road - 2015 Nissan Xterra
  By K Robitaille - June 21 - 12:49 am

  I had this vehicle for 3 weeks in Costa Rica. It couldn't cut the remote rugged off road nature of the country. Good on highway roads that were paved but when it came to medium maintained roads or roads that experience some wash from rain I didn't feel it was up to the task.

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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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  Great SUV if gas prices were not so high - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By HornsManiac - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately, you must burn super premium grade gas. I regularly spend $35 for a tank of gas that only gets me about 200 miles. The sun roof could have been designed better, because both the wind deflector and the basket really restrict its use. As far as the rest of the SUV goes I could not be more pleased. It has a very sporty look both inside and out. It also is very rugged looking and you can tell this SUV is much closer to being a truck than a car. Stadium style seating in the back is a plus. The Rockford Fosgate premium sound with the in dash CD changer is the best stock stereo system Ive heard.

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  Good - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By SRPatt - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We are really enjoying our new Xterra. We just took a small overnight trip about 800 miles roundtrip and was very comfortable. We drove a 1998 Chevy Tahoe before, and even my husband lover our Xterra!!! He has been amazed at all of them we pass on the roads, now that we have one. It is a great mid sized SUV.

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  overall nice car - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By raindeer - December 20 - 3:03 pm

  I have my XTerra now almost 1.5 years, and I never regret buying it. However, I think, the dealership ripped me off a bit. The car is fun to drive, just a bit hard over bumps in the road. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone with back problems. I frequently drive long distances, and Its a bit tough on gas mileage, which is even worse in the city. One tank filling lasts about 360 highway miles. The air condition is o.k., but not great during the hot season in Louisiana. Features, that I miss: The tank is not lockable, and the dealer told me not to buy a lockable tank lid, because this would not seal properly. The antenna cant be pushed in. The sound system is awful.

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  i should of kept my edge - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By narcissa1 - December 19 - 12:41 am

  i wanted a four wheel drive to get around iowas back roads during the winter with all the room of an suv could offer more then my 08 edge. i like my exterra except the fact that when im on the roads on windy days i seem to blow as much as semis do cause of the height of the truck. i was thought i could get over not being able to get powered seats, navigation in the dash, or tvs in the head rests but i cant. for the final price of all the options i could get added i wish they would of allowed or gave the choice of those three other options. im suprised nissan wouldnt give you that unless you want a murano, just really bummed over limited options

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  Great Improvement from 2004 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By BWN - December 15 - 4:03 am

  Very pleased with 2006 Xterra "S" after 4100 mi. Traded in a 2004 Xterra "X" to get much-improved new model. Best upgrades are extra HP (up to 270 hp from 170 hp!!), 6-spd manual trans and fold- flat rear seat and front psgr seat. Comfortable handling and ride. Great visibility out. Good shifting, better than some performance cars. Nice jump on acceleration. Improved visibility of gauges welcome--light background on old model invisible in bright sunlight. Like unique styling, more classy than 2004 model.

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  Its a Truck Folks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Neyland - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Xterra. People need to understand that these are off-road vehicles. If you want soft seats, lower steps, softer ride, buy a mini van. These vehicles were built to drive in regions where there are at best a rough logging road. Roll over situations are problematic of all vehicles with height. Height is needed off road. If rollover is a problem for you.. again buy a mini van. Personally we have found it performs well off road. Good hooks are a must, hard to find a good mounting point on the frame to snatching a friend with.

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  I love my XTerra!!! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By jsal74 - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the XE-V6 4x2 Auto and have driven it for about 700 miles. So far no problems, and have loved driving it around town. Build quality is excellent, and I have no doubt that Nissan quality will provide me with a long lasting, enjoyable SUV. Exterior styling is eye pleasing, with its tough, aggresive hood giving it a "masculine" look to an otherwise cutesy vehicle class. Great features, fun to drive and plenty of safety features for an average family.

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  I Love It - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Lex - December 12 - 8:00 pm

  I Love my new Niisan Xterra, It is so nice, rides so smoothly and looks like nothing else. I am so happy i got this and not the Toyota Rav 4, It is a ton better and has alot more quality!! Thanx