2003 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
15 - 19 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(138 Total Reviews)
Love my Xterra
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Review
I really love my Xterra. The only fault I see with this truck is gas mileage! I have had all of my service done on time, but gas mileage continues to diminish. We drove this vehicle on a 500 mile trip and got 11 miles to the gallon highway. I hate to get rid of my truck, but I'm gonna have to. It has been parked for 2 months because of the gas mileage. It's hard to pay for something you can't afford to drive. The major problem I am having is finding something that I like as much or better than my Xterra. There's not much out there.
Favorite Features
Rockford stereo system ROCKS!!! Great SUV look, I don't like other SUVs, because they look more luxury. I want sport utility look. Rugged!!!
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage, gas mileage, gas mileage. Did I mention gas mileage.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Great small SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought it in Jan 2004, and have loved it ever since. The "stadium" seating in the back is great for passengers - it lets them see, plus it adds a cool exterior styling, which turned me on to the vehicle in the first place. The interior is pretty basic, but functional. I have had no major issues, with it, just a couple of things: I had a check engine light come on frequently, it ended up being my catalytic converter, which was replaced under warrantee. I also needed a front brake job at 35000 miles, which seemed a bit early. Other than that, the truck has been bulletproof. I only wish it had more power and better gas mileage.
Favorite Features
Exterior style. The off-road capabilites are awesome for a small SUV. Great in the snow in 4WD. Easy to maintain.
Suggested Improvements
More power and better fuel economy.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
No Regrets!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my SE 4X4 new and no complaints. Yeah, some people complain about the gas mileage, well, it's no Corolla but guess what no true SUV is. If you want great gas mileage, don't buy an SUV. But, I cannot say enough good things about this truck. It is good in city driving as well as perfectly capable in off roading situations. I get decent mileage about 19 in city, 25 on highway but I don't drive like a race car driver either. The interior is spare because that's part of the look. If you want luxury and 4X4 buy something else. Overall, I LOVE my Xterra and cannot seriously criticize it!
Favorite Features
Design, capability, reliability. Comfortable enough for moderate-length roadtrips. No nonsense character and straightforwardness of what it is... a sport utility vehicle meant for fun and utility.
Suggested Improvements
An intermittent rear wiper would be dandy, but adventurous folk can get one aftermarket. An easier to remove roof basket would be a good addition. Short friends of mine would like a ladder to get in and out but its the right size for me (6'2").
5 out 5 people found this review helpful
Great SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this SUV to be able to get up the hills around here (VA) in the snow. Now have 91,000 miles on it, it has been great both off road, and in reqular use. Get 18.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. This truck is fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, and it does everything I expected. I have had no problems and would get another one in a heartbeat.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive, great off-road and bad weather capability.
Suggested Improvements
More power and smoother ride (this has been addressed in the new model)
7 out 8 people found this review helpful
Nissan is a name you can trust!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This is Xterra #2 for me. My first was a 2000 XE V6 which I thoroughly enjoyed. I had it around two years and put around 30,000 miles on it before I needed money for getting married and buying a house. Now a couple of years later I've replaced my lost treasure with a 2003 SE 4x4 V6. There's really no difference inside except for the gauges and radio package. The Fosgate sound system is awesome and the sub really hits nicely. The transfer case shifts nice and smooth with easy transistions between 2 and 4 wheel. This X has really lived up to the expectations and quality that I know to expect from Nissan.
Favorite Features
Fosgate sound system rocks! Adding a brush guard and rear light guards really gives the exterior a "tough" look.
Suggested Improvements
Better fuel economy. The guages are too dark due to the "tunnels". Heavier seats with better cushion.
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
Xterra Rocks
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra SE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I wanted tough style (didn't want people to confuse it with a family car), storage space (for weekend get- aways), dependability, and the feel of fun when driving anywhere. I got all four. My SE trim Super Black Xterra is still to me the best looking SUV around, with its brash and bold look and its shine when the Super black color is waxed, along with the tall charcoal wheels and rugged tires with the raised white letters. It drives like a Truck, which suits this TEXAN just fine.
Favorite Features
Tall, broad stature, and Rockford Fosgate stereo systems that ROCKS! Looks nothing like any other SUV. At 52K miles, all I have had to do is put gas in it, change the oil/filter, and try to keep it clean! Steering wheel controls rule! Can't live without them now.
Suggested Improvements
Better gas mileage, more horse power, but these are minor and the positives outweigh this by a long shot.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
opinion
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
car performance good.excellent for snow driving. turns easily. compares to others cars. poor gas mileage.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
1 out 3 people found this review helpful
Can't be happier
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have never had a single problem with my Xterra. The gas mileage is not the best, but I knew that going in. This type of truck is going to be thirsty. I take it in for every service and that seems to be helping since like I said NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!! I would recomend this to everyone.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
nissan xterra
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE I4 Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
everyone knows the Nissan Xterra that its reliable, strong and vary roomy. i haven't had avy problems with the car even though gas intake could be better but that goes far any car....
Favorite Features
everything
Suggested Improvements
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Luv my Xterra !
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Nissan Xterra XE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I am past the "soccer mom" stage and wanted something FUN to drive. My entire family drives, or has previously driven, Nissans so the choice was easy. I would only trade my 2003 Xterra for a new one. It is the perfect weekend and/or tailgate vehicle. The seats are a bit uncomfortable but the Rockford Fosgate stereo ROCKS ! You don't buy an Xterra for the mileage but it is as good or better than most SUV's. I highly recommend the Nissan Xterra !
Favorite Features
The stereo is GREAT, instrument panel is easy to read, steering is comfortable.
Suggested Improvements
More comfortable seating and better gas mileage.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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