2002 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

Looks good... rides bad

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)

Review

I bought the xterra with high hopes. I fell in love with its looks and was hooked. I knew going into it that it would get bad mpg and require premium gas but even then was surprised. I had heard 18-21 mpg or so... i was lucky if I got 15 average (and I drive 80% highway and very conservatively). However I was even willing to look past this fact were it not for the absolutely terrible reliability. In the six months I owned the car it cost me over $4000 in repairs! Twice it died on me on the road (once was camping in the woods 3 hrs from home). Bottom line is, only get one if you have a lot of extra money for gas and high priced, frequent repairs.
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Still going strong after 8.5 years

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I'm very happy with the Xterra 138k miles and 8.5 years later. All I've done is regular maintenance (including replacing the timing belt at 105k miles.) Occasionally during the last couple of years I've had an itch for something new(er) or different but it's hard to rationalize giving up the X when it performs without complaints, still looks good and feels just as tight as it did at 65k miles. I do need to get an upholstery shop to fix the headliner, but the seats don't show signs of wear after being a daily driver. This is a followup from my review on 05/18/2007 (same user name).
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my first new car

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra XE-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've had my car since late 2001 and I just hit 90K on the mileage. Considering the last 20K have been in the last 10 months, the car is doing very well. I replaced the tires twice, brake pads once, and had the belts changed recently. I also had the factory recommended 90K service completed. It set me back quite a bit, but considering the car has held up since '01, I'm not complaining. I will probably drive it another year or two before seriously starting to look for a replacement. The exterior paint still looks good after a wash/wax, minus the dings you get from people who park next to you and open their doors too wide.
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Everything I need, nothing I don't.

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

My wife & I purchased the Xterra to replace a 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4. We've logged about 34,000 miles in 3 years. I LOVED my 4Runner, but the Xterra has proven to be superior in every way. It has been a bulletproof mechanical tank [We took a 2,700+ mile road trip last year with no issues or complaints!]. Mileage here in the Denver Area generally averages 17-18 mpg. I'm easily able to strap just about anything to the roof rack, like a 10 ft. ladder, many queen size mattresses, & even a 13 ft. Christmas tree! Once I purchased a set of A/T tires, snow/ice performance has been unparalleled by any other vehicle I've ever driven. Way to go Nissan, you've made a believer out of me!
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Best SUV Ever!!

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought he used in o4 with 34,000 miles on her and just totaled her two weeks agao on and ice covered bridge. Drove her for 6 years and put 105,000 miles on her. NEVER had any problems!!! Replaced the battery at 100,000 along with the break pads and new tires but that's all she ever needed. Would buy another if I could afford the gas!! Loved every min. in her, drove across the country several times in her, i'm talking thousand mile journeys here, and was safe, comfy and happy the whole way! Looking at and Altama or Versa now.
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So reliable

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

I have had the Xterra since new and love it. I have had only one mechanical issue and that was the A/C TCA (thermal control amplifier)causing the a/c compressor to kick on and off. I changed it myself. I carry all my sporting goods in the back with plenty of space left over. Backseat passengers have plenty of legroom. The front seats are extremely comfortable for long trips. For those complaining of interior plastic, I use Aerospace 303 on all plastic surfaces and they all look new. The paint has looked great since day one. I upgraded the sound system as stock system was lacking. It is extremely cheap to maintain. Parts are dirt cheap for it.
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Missing my Xterra

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)

Review

Bought this beautiful SUV used with 40k miles on it. Never had a single problem with it. I loved this car. I say loved because someone ran a red light and broadsided me last week. I rolled 1 1/2 times and came to stop on the drivers side. Climbed out of the passenger door without a scratch. The side door beams did their job - you would never have known someone hit me going 40mph.
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ol' trusty

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra XE-V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this baby new in Sept 01. Other then couple of small issues, this thing is tough an reliable. Put off- road tires on and now ok in snow and mud-the General OEM tires sucked for traction. I have 120,000 on it now and definitely think I will get to 200,000.
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Still happy 4 years later

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)

Review

I bought my XT used in 05. Had 24K on it at the time, and I've since added another 70K. It has been very dependable, and I've only has to deal with general maintenance issues so far. I also find it funny that people are complaining about the fuel mileage. What did you expect? It's a big box sitting on a truck chassis. If you're worried about fuel economy, buy a sedan. I've actually found it to get decent mileage for what it is. There's a ton of space, it tows well, and looks good.
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Love my Xterra

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)

Review

Bought it used 2 years ago w 65k, I am the 3rd owner. Now has 98k, runs very strong. A few maintenance issues that was no big deal= air conditioner recharge due to leaky hose (common on these), a full brake job, new radiator (not expected) and I fouled a plug due to running cheap gas (must use premium at ALL times with the supercharger) so that was my fault. All of these issues in my book are normal wear except the radiator. Bottom line; drives anywhere and runs over anything with no problem. First car I have owned that I can say that I drive it any way I want and it just runs no problem. With the 4x4s get a good set of all terrains and will go through anything. Mud, snow, no problem.
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