Owners' Reviews

For some reason my XTerra is going through brake calipers at a rate of once a year. In July 2011 I was told it was because I need to change them at the same time so I forked out the money and changed both. Now it is January 2013 and my right caliber is sticking and the vehicle is not driveable. I guess I will be shelling out another 500+ bucks. I will never own another Nissan.

I bought my 2004 Nissan Xterra 4x4 SE about two and a half years ago with about 69,000 miles on it, it now has 92,580 miles. It has been an overall good car just certain things that you would think wouldn't be an issue are when your a full time student already struggling to make ends meet. Although not the cars fault right after purchasing it I found out the dealership from which it was purchased didn't replace the timing belt so that was an immediate $580 bucks. The exterior plastics does not hold up well in the heat or the sun period they fade faster than any car I've ever owned prior and I always keep it in the garage. another issue is the air conditioning went out just last year luckily right after the extreme summer heat, but is somewhat of a big deal seeing as I live in blistering Phoenix. I was quoted around $950- 1100 to replace, something to do with the fan clutch and compressor, so needless to say I've had to hold off on that whole ordeal. Now it is slightly lifted and I have taken it on a trail or two but is extremely well maintained and I've only put synthetic fluids in it since I've owned it. But before I decided to get it lifted one of my leaf springs snapped while on my way to work it completely caught me off guard and this was only a month or two after I bought it. So overall good trucks just cheap finishings and poor workmanship in the suspension and engine electrical areas.

2005 Nissan Xterra has been seriously one of the best decisions we've made. GREAT vehicle. Yes, it does drive/ride more like a truck, but I actually wanted that. It's got the BEST ground clearance around. We take it camping and on dirt roads frequently in the summer and the ride and storage on it is great. One MAJOR complaint: Emissions. NIGHTMARE. I believe after doing research - ALOT of research - that it's just the 2004/2005 models that have this much of an issue. Apparently the fuel sensors in these models were placed on the inside of the fuel tank vs the outside - I'm not a mechanical genuis, but this somehow caused a problem. Bottomline: Constant "service engine now" light on, and anyone who lives in an Emissions Area knows, this is an absolute nightmare. $$$$$ later, plus two traffic violations (for expired registration, b/c it couldn't pass emissions) later.. Nissan finally fixed it for free. FINALLY. After over a year of arguing with them. The year following: Cat converter went. $1400 more on that. Now, the heat is blowing cold air. I looked on the forums.. also seems to be a "known issue" but no recall, there will be more $$ coming out of my pocket. Overall - yes - I'd recommend the Xterra. If I had to do it over, though, I'd probably stay away from the 2004/2005's.. Just sayin'. :-)

Alarm went off for no reason. Lights in dash stay on and engine continues to run after key was removed from ignition! Had to reinsert key, turn slightly, then to off to turn off engine. ??

I purchased my Xterra new in 2004. This has been probably the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Solid mechanical performance with no repairs. I have used synthetic fluids in the crankcase and transmission since 3,500 miles. I switched to a permanent cleanable air filter for long term use. My goal is 250,000 miles on this car. I am confident that the car will make it. Downsides are all cosmetic. I live and Florida and the sun has ruined the plastic covered bumpers and the fascia under the wipers. The door side moldings and fender trim has also suffered under the hot Florida sun. This vehicle has neve been garaged and the plastic does not hold up well in the sun. I am planning to have all the plastic trim removed, painted and reinstalled. I suspect I will spend $500 - $750 for this. The front grill looks absolutely horrible due to sun and environmental damage so I will have it painted as well. The plastic features inside the car do not hold up well over time. There is a lot of cheap fit and finish with this car inside and out. The front lights have yellowed and faded in the sun. I paid $150 to have them cleaned about 1-1/2 years ago and they are yellowing again. I will actually look into replacing them because I plan to drive this car for another 5 to 6 years. I think it will be worth the investment. I have towed boats and jetskis with the aftermarket tow hitch with no issues or problems. The most I have towed is around 4,000 pounds and the vehicle is rated to 5,000 pounds towing capacity. Recommendation for replacing the timing belt is at 60,000 miles but I stalled until 94,000 miles. Replaced the timing belt, water pump and had the head gaskets replaced. Also repaired a leak in the rear main seal. Quoted nearly $2,700 with labor and my local dealer discounted the work down to $1,500. (It pays to have a good relationship and prior service at a local dealer). Even if I had paid the full price that would be $2700/7 years = $385 annual maintenance costs. To that you can add my other maintenance of approximately $1,500. That works out to $3,780 over 7 years for a total maitenance costs of $540 annually. I think that is great. I only wish that the Xterra had stronger cosmetic constitution. My other complaint is that the dash lights seem to have dimmed over the years. I understand that I can have the dash lights replaced and I am investigating that cost to determine if it is worthwhile for me. Overall I have been pleased because I bought this car strictly for utilitarian use and it has servec me extremely well. If I were in the market today or certainly when I am I will look immediately to Nissan or even Infiniti as I will then move to a near luxury sedan or coupe.

The nissan xterra is a great vehicle I bought mine in 2000 now its asking for new parts it has 102,000 miles and I was told that I need to replace timing belt they r charging me between 1,100-1,400 which I believe is way to much reason being that I looked up prices for timing belt kits and there under $75.00

2006 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 75K, On-Road and Off-Road usage. Pros: Great Engine, excellent layout for large dogs, great Off-Road manners, very room inside as compared to FJ Cruiser, super visibility for driver position (no blind-spots) Cons: Fuel Sensor issues @ 60K, cheap mud-flaps(one plastic screw), expensive front hub assembly part (@72K, $500.00), A/C does not shutoff when switched off, Bilstein shocks started leaking @40K Wishes: All-Wheel drive at all speeds (4WD limited to 57 mph and is part-time) [better system for drifting snow and ice] Would recommend this vehicle for mixed road usages.

My XTerra is just great, bought it in 2004 and still doing good, the only thing is the lights on panel go off completely and i go for days without being able to read any gauge, good thing I know my speed pretty well.

I love my Xterra! It is now 10 years old and I have not had any problems with it. Would I buy another one? Absolutely!

Love my Xterra (2000). She's been the best automobile I've owned, few minor nuisances like the dash lights flickering out then back on a few minutes later, but apart from that, beautiful.

Overall I am very happy with the 06 Xterra. I have the Off Road package and I have taken it trail riding on several occasions and it has always performed well. The second generation Xterra addressed many of the shortcomings seen in the first generation model. PROS: Engine (great power & torque), Dana Locker, Skids, Undercarriage Layout, adequate ground clearance, cargo room. CONS: Soft Suspension (even with Bilstien Shocks), Annoying VDC, and the fact that this vehicle absolutely hates cold weather. I live in North Dakota and during the winter the Xterra struggles. If the temperature is below 0 expect the following: The rear hatch will not stay up or even close properly. The clutch will stay depressed even after you remove your foot. The vehicle will not easily enter first gear or reverse until it reaches normal operating temperature. Finally, if you try to drive with gloves on, you will flip on the wipers and lights every time you turn because the controls are too close to the steering wheel.

I've had my Xterra for 2 years and I love it. It's great for taking my dogs to the park and for hauling my son and his friends around. I love sitting up high enough to see everything better than before. The only problem with my Xterra is the dash gauges will sometimes go out, but they come back on usually within a couple of minutes.

love my xterra

Car has been great since we purchased that car. Strange gurgling noise when the A/C is on during the summer, but not very noticable.