2003 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

Best vehicle I've ever owned

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Last year, I got a job that required a long commute, and had to get rid of my 2003 Xterra. I really miss that SUV, by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only maintenance that was ever required was the scheduled maintenance, I never had a single problem with it that required fixing. It drove smooth, and was surprisingly quiet for an SUV. The V6 engine was very powerful, as we towed and carried many loads across the US without even straining it, there was always more power than we needed. By the time I traded it in after 7 years of driving, the paint was still perfect, the suspension was perfect, the engine was perfect, and the interior looked brand new. I really miss that Xterra. :(
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Mountain Goat

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love this vehicle. Exterior silver w/brush guards, roof rack w/tray. Interior rare black leather interior w/heated seats. Kids love visibility from tiered second row. Rear compartment provides plenty of storage for baseball equipment, etc. Added Bilstein shocks to smooth ride. Adding catback & CAI to address substandard fuel economy & provide boost to slightly underpowered 3.3 liter engine. An issue, not a problem. Currently 20/17 mpg w/conservative use. Handles blizzards with confidence. Climbed NYC snowbank to create parking spot! Nissan should consider turbo diesel engine for this tree-climbing Billy Goat. Love it
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Will NOT let this one go!!

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I've owned my 2003 Xterra since new in 2003 and I can't say enough good things about this vehicle. Eight years of ownership, driven every day, long trips, short trips, on light trails and pavement. Knock sensor went bad at 92,000 miles. That's it...........my only repair. Of course there is the standard replacements, like air filter, oil changes and brakes, but the knock sensor has been the only mechanical failure. Oh yeah, I got 74,000 out of the front pads and the rear pads still look great at 105,000 miles. My daughter is turning 16 in a few months and this will be her vehicle. I feel very confident that this vehicle will provide her with safe, reliable transportation for years to come.
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Xterra

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Our Xterra new in '03 had major mech issues right away. Dealer would not admit the engine knock until 20K when it got really severe. Horrible experience dealing with dealer and Nissan USA to get new engine approved, they held the vehicle for weeks before starting work even though parts were at the local distro hub. This turned me off from Nissan forever. Also had bearing in rear diff fail at 8k miles, replaced under warranty no prob, but weird to have this many issues. Since, the Xterra has been quite reliable to current 90k miles. Several leaks (oil pan, valve cover) which are due to the eng replacement at 20ku, but nothing severe. Looks and runs great now
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Disappointed

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

I have just over 99,000 miles on my Xterra, and I have already had to replace a cracked exhaust manifold and the supercharger. Now I am being told that the head gasket is leaking. I love the styling and capability of the Xterra, but I have been very disappointed by the reliability. I don't know if the 3.3 liter engine was not properly designed for the stresses associated with the supercharger, but it has definitely not lived up to my expectations.
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Loved my X!

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

Great mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldn't afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didn't help. If you don't care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I can't wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!
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Top Of The World

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I traded my 04 FX35 with 59k on a 5 speed,03 Xterra with 103k miles in March 2010. Did a major service with timing belt and the works then put a set of beautifully aggressive and very quiet Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac 265/75/16 tires on it, drove it from Los Angeles to Moab,Utah for the Easter Jeep Safari. I completed the "Top Of The World" and "Fins and things" trails which are rated difficult with this awesome show room stock vehicle. This vehicle is absolutely impressive and I do not impress easily having owned a few "built" off road rides. Now back in L.A. and drive it daily about 50 miles in total comfort. I love my Xterra more than anything I have owned. Nissan has created a gem.
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Not impressed

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)

Review

My main complaint is the engine and transmission. Reliability is good, only replacing the exhaust manifold in 85,000 miles. But the engine is extremely weak (I have SC model), and the 4 speed auto transmission shifts very rough. Engine takes 15 minutes to "warm up" before the engine and trans are even acceptable for use. The supercharged engine only performs well in dry 60-70 degree weather. I live in Michigan, and we rarely have dry 60-70 degree weather. If I ride alone and temp is optimal, the car is fun to drive, but if i carry passengers, its sluggish at best. Gas mileage is unacceptable for a V6! I rarely get over 13mpg in city driving even when i baby it! Highway mileage is no better!
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Fun and Dependable!

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I never owned a vehicle more than 1 yr prior to the x-terra. The X-terra has lasted me more than 5 years & it's been a fun ride. I recently got in a car accident and totaled my x-terra. I was barely scratched & it kept me safe during the ordeal. My next car... an 2009 x-terra!
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Good enough to keep

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Had some issues with the power windows and had them replaced under warranty. Still have occasional problems with it. Had a significant problem with the A/C, basically had it replaced only after 3 years. The first repair under warranty was poorly done by dealer. So, I had to pay out of pocket. I drive several hours at a time occasionally and would like to have a more comfortable seat. Fuel economy approaches 20 at 65 using fully synthetic oil. Needs a bit more highway merging power about 15-20% would do.
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