2009 Nissan Xterra User Reviews

Pros

Good fuel economy for its size, good engine power, nice interior

Cons

Access to rear seat is a bit tight

Actually, this is my wife's car. I have a small 2000 Frontier. It's all I need to go back and forth to work. The Xterra is our vehicle for long trips. We've had it for some time now. It is a 2005, the first of this style. I've talked to owners of older models, and the most amazing fact about this thing is that its fuel economy is far better, even though the vehicle is larger, and the engine is larger. I believe this represents a good match of the vehicle suspension to its power plant.
This vehicle needs a tune up soon. The Service Engine Soon lights comes on from time to time. But, it still gives my wife 23 mpg on the highway, and 17 in town. To me, that is impressive.
We purchased it at West Texas Nissan in Odessa, TX (Good company) after we found that we were moving back east to a possible snow area. We are not off roader types, and it seldom leaves the pavement. On the few times it has its performance was exceptional. Based on my experience of 22 years in the U.S. Army, mainly in tank battalions, It does what we need with ease. I do not normally take a personal vehicle off road because I understand the potential extremes these things suffer. Those of you with these problems, I think, are because when used in an off-road situation you have to conduct a whole lot more preventative manitenance to keep it running good.
My wife loves it because of the availablility to see from the driver seat. This is the ONLY car she has ever been able to parallel park with no difficulty. This is the largest vehicle she has ever had, and she drives it like a pro.
This vehicle has nearly 60k miles on it, and all we've done is change the oil every 3k miles, and normal maintenance. It still has its original brakes! I expect these to be changed real soon.
This thing is a no frills package. As the commercial says, "Everything you need. Nothin' you don't." I agree with this. For our use it is near perfect. We've not had much snow where we live in Stafford, VA, but that is why we have the 4x4 in it. I turn it on every now and then to exercise it. When we have used it, it was quite capable, and completely agile in its performance. I do not think we will ever wear it out.
If you are looking at it remember this. It is a TRUCK. It will not be like a little sports car. But for what it is it is hard to beat. Thank you.

Norman Prevatte
Stafford, VA...read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy, good cargo area

Cons

suspetion and cabin have noises, traction cotrol control goes on and off with no reason,bit rough

I have always thought nissan was the best, but since the beginning it has been challenging to keep this view. The car is not what I imagine and service is not good either. If you want to order extras like fog lights, cargo cover or any other factory extras, it takes a long time and if you are lucky they find the part. Moreover, if you get the part you ordered you may loose the warranty even if you get the truck extra parts at the dealership. Also the truck has noises in the cabin and suspention... you dont expect that from a new car....read morehide

Pros

STRONG Engine, Very Versitile, Tough, Lots of Storage

Cons

None

This is my 2nd Xterra, traded the 1st in for a new one, and I love it! When the Xterra came about, the idea was that it was a true SUV and it is. There arent a lot of frills and it's made for off-road. It's designed to be rugged and tough and to be easy to clean up (especially when you opt for the mud mats for your floor board. So, if you are travelling across country you may want to choose a more luxurious vehicle, but if you want to play in the mud or in the woods or use the back as a tool box or just have a great, dependable, truck, go with the Xterra....read morehide

Pros

Junk don't buy one unless you like plastic plastic and even a plastic top motor

Cons

Junk mine quit after 230 miles had to be towed back to the dealer crank sensor out

No features just a/c and a cd radio 1 aux outlet in front dash it is the worse suv I have ever owned.......The dealer repaired it using a part off of one in inventory said you should be fine.....Inhales gas badly loose stuff just flies and rattles all over the place......

Pros

Has all the basics needed for driving.

Cons

The back seat is uncomfortable and small.

I like my Xterra, although the sterring is loose and you seem to always have to adjust the steering wheel to stay on the road even straight (test drove one, and found that the one we purchased has also loose sterring) and the back door is small. After purchasing we put a baby car seat in and because the opening to get in the back is so small it is uncomfortable to get in and out. Not just with the baby, but with people who have ridden in the back. We got a great deal on it, brand new for 19,000. Have not used the 4 wheel drive yet, but am hoping it is good, winter snow is almost here....read morehide

Pros

Rugged SUV, lots of cargo space with flat fold down seats., comfortable

Cons

none

This is a reliable SUV with a basic and rugged exterior and interior. Simplistic and functional. Its not the smoothest of SUV's on the market but if you want a car crossover then dont go with the xterra. If you want a reliable SUV that says "drive me and I'll take you there" then this is a great SUV for the price....read morehide