2008 Nissan Xterra User Reviews

Pros

very versatile

Cons

parts of interior scratches easily

Purchased As New

This is easily the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. As an every day driver , it is great you can haul 5 people comfortably. If you fold down the rear seats the corgo area is almost a big as a small pickup with the convenience of being able to put the seats back up for people. The V-6 is more powerful than most V-8s. Considering the high horse power and that it is an offroad 4x4, this vehicle gets great mpg. If you want more, then maybe you should get a boring toyota corola. personally I enjoy being able to go off road whenever I want. This truck also has good towing capabilities. I have owned this vehicle for over a year now and I have no complaints. I keep finding more things that I can do with it....read morehide

Pros

Rugged, reliable, comfortable and fun to drive.

Cons

Could use a larger gas tank for better range.

Purchased As New

When my wife was stranded on the side of the road for the thousandth time while driving her previous vehicle we decided to shop for something new. She wanted an SUV rather than the sedan that she had been used to and the Xterra quickly came up as an option within our budget. After driving an S model we both agreed that we didn't need to look any further. The only hesitation I had was that in 06 it was the new year for the current model and I was hesitant to purchase a vehicle that had not been on the road long enough to have proved itself. (not the Xterra in general but the new model) My wife talked me into the decision to trust that it would not have any issues and after two and a half years and 45k miles i can't believe how well it has held up. It drives like the day we bought it, and have had absolutely no issue whatsoever with the Xterra. I could not be more pleased with the vehicle. We have taken several road trips including some out of the country. It has seen some off road trails, rough foreign country roads as well as plenty of city commuting. I have been so pleased that when my dad asked for advise when he needed a new vehicle last week, the first place I referred him to was his local Nissan dealer and specifically to test drive the Xterra. He drove it and decided not to consider anything else. He purchased a new 2008 S 4x2 and has had it for 5 days now. He is on his first road trip this week. Can't say enough. Excellent vehicle for the money. Roomier than most in its class and definitely the most attractive of the bunch. Hope to keep it for myself long after my wife wants something new. This one is a keeper in the garage... no trade-in!...read morehide

Pros

Many comfort features. Lots of clearance. Many aftermarket off road accessories available

Cons

Only one tow hook available, Active Brake Limited Slip Diffs don't work

Purchased As New

Truck looks great. Many comfort features for an SUV. The active brake limited slip doesnt work well (I don't even think it works at all so I'm bringing it to the dealer to look at), Also there is only one front tow hook available on the passenger side (nissan doesn't make one for the driver's side) and the tire air pressure monitor doesn't work properly either (reports low pressure when the tire pressure okay). GET THE OFF ROAD VERSION because it has an electronic rear locking differential (push button). This will get you unstuck with the active brack limited slip differential doesn't work....read morehide

Pros

Excellent 4wd system, Comfortable interior, Logical placement of controls, Good brakes!

Cons

WOT restriction, low armrest, lower than advertised MPG

To find a balance between a solid and reliable SUV while still maintaining some of the human aspects necessary for a commute or a touch of comfort is the balance Nissan has found with this generation of the Xterra. Its a well appointed SUV for one that is given the perception of being both spartan and rough. I think the best way to rate such a truck is for it to be given the title of 'workhorse'.

It takes everything I throw at it and comes back for more, it looks aggressive and stands tall and firm. The wheels on my Off-Road edition are unique to the 4 available trims and it backs up its trim. I use it for off-road duty often, and I'm sure, because of its consumer use, given a better set of tires it could be used anywhere in the world. Its not gimmicky but has a few neat attributes to it and has storage in all thought of and not though of places to boot.

Give the car a swift jam on the pedal and it throws you back in your seat, the 4.0 litre VQ engine feels like a V8 and has 260hp to get you where you need to go. Did I mention that of all the SUV's I've driven (quite a few) this is the closest one to handling like a car? I live in the Northeast and the longest stretch of road you can find has dozens of curves with a true mix of inclines and declines to help you remember that there is some life in the jungle, albeit the city.

I know its mpg is nothing to envy, however, neither is the fact that the price you'll pay for it new is worth every penny. It runs on 87 octane and doesnt fool you one bit. It will give you the mileage you seek if you plan on taking extended highway trips, however, in city traffic, its thirst really shows, however the power you get in return from its thirsty combustion more than makes up for the few extra dollars you have to spend to fill its belly.

From a utility perspective, it rocks, from a cost to dollars spent perspective, it rocks, from a road to dirt perspective, it never relents. I wont complain because I knew what I was buying when I bought it, however, remember to buy a locking gas cap from one of the many online Nissan dealers and you're golden!...read morehide

Pros

Good Power,GreAT RIDE

Cons

poor grip on wet roads

It has best power
A real excellent offroad capable truck
Low ROAD GRIP AND DULL INTERIOR

Pros

this vehicle is great on gas if you know how to ride, if you have a heavy foot it wont work for you.

Cons

this vehicle is great on the road and off road you wont even notice that you are not on the regular

i just bought this xterra 3 months ago, i wasnt a fan of the xterra, actually mi wife bought the truck, because i am deployed, when i went home on vacation i saw the new suv and i was kind of scared, but when i got on the suv and road it, i was amazed, it actually feels like you are on a sport car, the engine has lots of torque and power, i took it for a good ride on the highway and it just amazed me, it went from 60 to 120 in seconds, then after that i new that it was a great truck, the only thing that i will change on it, it will be the brakes, it brakes good but i feel that i have to stop before what mi actually stop would it be before, but its great,...read morehide

Pros

Utility, Space, Comfort, Handling, Horsepower

Cons

Fuel Mileage

I recently purchased my 2008 Nissan Xterra Off Road in August. I researched this vehicle against the FJ Cruiser and 4 Runner, but found this to be the best fit for my needs. I absolutely love this vehicle. It has everything I could possibly want from power windows, locks, cruise control, and bluetooth all the way to exceptional road feel and handling. The acceleration and Horsepower of the V6 is also great, having the most in its class. I love the utility as well, as there are numerous tie down points and cargo options around the vehicle. The only negative is gas mileage, where I average around 18-21 miles per gallon. I have yet to do some off road driving, but I can't wait!!! Awesome vehicle, would recommend it to anyone....read morehide

Pros

Great powertrain, like the looks, tight turning circle, good ride-even with the off-road package

Cons

Needs a grab handles for rear passengers to get in, no outside temp. gauge, no auto up/down windows

Cons(cont): Center arm rest too low and short, no locking gas cap (got aftermarket unit).

Great deals on Xterras right now. Vehicle has been reliable so far.
A fun to drive vehicle on or off road

Pros

Reliable, Innovative, Comfortable, Roomy.

Cons

Bad MPG (to be expected from an SUV)

I can tell you honestly that after having driven a few different brands of trucks, the Nissan is my favorite. I have come from ultra-luxury and the Nissan fits me like a glove. It is roomy, has enough comfort and features for my daughter and I, however, it still functions as the rugged rider it should be for my business uses. I am very pleased with the truck and am looking forward to buying a 2nd for my business very soon....read morehide

Pros

Roomy, smooth ride, plenty of power

Cons

No cons...I love it

Just bought my second Xterra. I'm a realtor and owned a Mercedes for awhile but being in a mountainous area, I found myself unable to feel good about taking the car to some of the properties I list and show. I bought the Xterra and it will go anywhere I need to, plenty of room to carry passengers, great for my grandkids...I would recommend this vehichle........read morehide