2000 - 2004 Nissan Xterra review

Overview

2003 Nissan Xterra (Photo: Nissan Canada) 2001 Nissan Xterra (Photo: Nissan Canada) Nissan Xterra interior. (Photo: Nissan Canada) The rugged Xterra with its great ground clearance and sporty look almost asks to take it on a camping trip or off-road. The 2000-2004 Xterra is a solidly built truck-based SUV with good off-road capability and plenty of cargo space. Although thirsty on gas, it is a simple and for the most part reliable truck. Based on the Frontier pick-up truck, the 2000-2004 Xterra has body-on-frame construction with double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle with leaf springs in the rear. The Xterra was available as a rear- or four-wheel drive; with a 3.3L V6 or 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic or five speed manual transmission. The Anti-lock brakes were standard. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System as well as curtain side-impact air bags were available on some models. Inside, the Xterra looks very basic, with a simple dash and easy to use controls. Sitting up high it's easy to see the road ahead. The rear seat space is limited though. The rear seatbacks fold flat, but to do that you have to remove the bottom seat cushions. With its great ground clearance and body-on-frame construction, the Xterra drives like a truck. Overall, the ride is comfortable though. Surprisingly this truck feels very maneuverable.

Engine

The 2000-2004 Nissan Xterra was offered with a 2.4L 4-cylinder (KA24DE) or 3.3L V6 (VG33E) engine. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engine was a pretty good reliable engine, but for this truck, it was underpowered. This engine has a long-lasting timing chain - there is no timing belt to replace.
The 3.3-liter V6 SOHC was also a bit slow on pick-up, but for daily use, it was good, durable, simple engine. The 3.3L V6 engine has a timing belt that needs to be replaced at recommended intervals. The SE model offered a supercharged version (VG33ER ) of the same engine with more power.

Pros

- Rugged look
- Affordable, good value for the money
- Simple and easy to maintain
- Good off-road capability
- Maneuverable
- Plenty of cargo space
- Strong roof rack
- Fairly reliable and dependable

Cons

- Poor gas mileage
- Could use stronger engine
- Seats are not very comfortable on a long trip
- Bulky ride
- Quality of interior materials could be better
- To fold the rear seatbacks , the seat cushion needs to be removed.

Overall

2003 Nissan Xterra (Photo: Nissan) The 2000-2004 Xterra is a fairly reliable, simple and easy to maintain truck with good off-road capability and plenty of cargo space. When you see it on the road, the Xterra sure catches the eye with its rugged look and that signature roof rack. I had a chance to drive the Xterra in a medium off-road situation, and it felt very comfortable. Just looking at this toy-truck, I want to pack it up and go somewhere far. Of course, don't expect to save on gas driving this truck, the Xterra is thirsty. I'd recommend to avoid models with a supercharger - it adds too much load on the engine causing it to wear faster. In addition, models with supercharger require premium gasoline.

What to look for buying a used Nissan Xterra

Check the previous history of the truck using its VIN number to find out about reported accidents or other issues a truck had in the past; learn how: checking used car history.
A black soot in the exhaust or a blue smoke may indicate excessive oil consumption. Watch for signs of corrosion. Check if the parking brake works properly; sometimes the brake cable or the rear wheel brake assembly parts can seize from corrosion. During a test drive, watch for the binding sensation from the drivetrain. Driveline vibration could be caused by bad u-joints. Watch for coolant leaks, they are not uncommon; low coolant level can cause overheating of the engine. If the Service Engine Soon light is on, have it checked out; some problems are expensive to fix. Check all the electrical equipment, like the rear wiper, CD player, etc. Check if the timing belt has been replaced, it's a quite an expensive job. Learn more what to look for when buying a used vehicle. Before buying, have the truck inspected by a knowledgeable mechanic; many components (e.g. 4WD, steering, suspension, brakes) can only be inspected in a garage. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.

Maintenance tips

Wash and wax your truck regularly to protect the paint. Properly done undercoating can help to protect the truck's body and the frame from corrosion. Read more how to take care of a car body. To keep your engine running longer, change the oil at recommended intervals. Keep the engine coolant level full; overheating can cause serious engine problems. Read more how to keep your truck running longer. Keep the tires properly inflated, the correct tire pressure is listed on the tire placard that is usually affixed to the inside of the glove box lid. The Xterra's rear drum brakes need periodical servicing. Change transmission fluid regularly using the right type of transmission fluid. Don't forget, the front and the rear differentials as well as the transfer case also have the gear oil that must be changed in recommended intervals. If your Xterra has a limited-slip differential, make sure to use the correct gear oil; there is a special oil for a limited-slip differential. Check your owner's manual for details. Here is the link if you don't have an owner's manual: where to download an owner's manual. At least once a year have your truck inspected in a garage on the lift to keep it safe. Check more car maintenance tips. If your Service Engine Soon light comes on, read what it means here: Service Engine Soon light. If you know the trouble code read here: engine OBDII trouble codes. Follow this link: online repair manual if you need a DIY service and repair information.

2004 Nissan Xterra specifications