2005 Nissan Xterra Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 17 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
With newfound power under the hood, a more refined suspension underneath and more passenger space inside, Nissan addresses all the shortcomings of the previous Xterra without taking away any of the appealing attitude that made it a hit in the first place.
Pros
One of the most powerful V6s in the class, above average off-road capability, solid passenger room, innovative cargo features.
Cons
Still not what we would call refined on the street, a few instances of low-grade interior materials.
What's New for 2005
The Xterra has been fully redesigned for 2005 with a new platform, a more powerful V6 and a more spacious interior.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
2005 Xterra - Still runs great!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My 2005 "S" Xterra 4WD with all the options of the "SE" still runs great and is fun to drive! I don't have fog lights and never found a pre-fab kit to install or I would have installed them. The only failures was the original battery - as usual on all new cars and the rear shocks had to be replaced at about 55,000 miles. The Xterra tows my 19' Bayliner just fine. Plenty of power every where I go. Off road is a blast! Now I have over 80,000 miles on the SUV and haven't had a brake job! (Had to have one every 25,000 miles on my GM cars.) I hope to buy a new Xterra in a couple of years. Nissan makes a great car/SUV. NOTE: THIS IS AN AUTOMATIC!
Favorite Features
4WD, 265HP, easy to clean - inside & out, tows great.
Suggested Improvements
More room for CDs in console. A little more room in the back seat (hard to get in/out over wheel well). Fog lights standard. Millage isn't great but the power is there. Secure rear hatch panel better as it will get loose and squeak after a couple of years.
dependable workhorse
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Xterra S Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
nice. nice. nice. bought this vehicle to help me rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The shock came when I was able to haul a 5ft patio door with ease.
Favorite Features
cargo space
Suggested Improvements
better sound system
great rugged truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Xterra SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The Nissan xterra has been a great truck, 70,000 miles and no problems, still have the factory breaks, just now had to replace the tires. Truck does great in all weather, im in the army and currently living in Kansas, lots of snow and ice in the winter, truck does better than a lot of 4x4 trucks, I pass them all the time on the roads stuck in the snow, mpg not as good as I would like but is not bad considering the engine size and h. P. All and all great truck!
Favorite Features
lots of power for towing my 4wheeler, and pure outdoor ruggedness.
Suggested Improvements
fuel economy, independent rear suspension, SE with manual tranny
Quality Of Parts Questionable.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The rear bumper started rusting after just 3 years. This is a car that is garage kept. Now the fuel gauge doesn't work because the fuel level sensor is defective. It's a $600 fix that has been a problem with Nissans since 2000. So why do they continue to install defective parts year after year? And there are lots of rattles. No more Nissans for me.
Favorite Features
Does well in pulling a trailer. Fits well into the garage.
Suggested Improvements
Make the rear bumper rust proof. And start installing a fuel level sensor that is not defective.
Just purchased - initial reactions
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I'd been casually shopping for a 2003-2005 Xterra for a few months. I really prefer the body style of the 2005-2009s so I've been looking for one within my budget. Now that I have it, I couldn't be happier. I read a lot of reviews on the model so had a good idea of what to expect. The "get up and go" is fantastic. I'm coming from driving a VW GTI, so I needed something with a little "oomph" that I was used to. I really like all of the clever compartments throughout the car (2 glove boxes, roof rack storage box, floor storage compartment under hatch bed, etc.). If you have a lot in your car, It helps to stay clean and organized.
Favorite Features
Exterior look, storage and compartments, power and speed, simple mechanical knobs for heater and AC, lumbar support in driver seat, driver seat roominess/comfort(other reviews had mentioned it being cramped, but I'm 6'2 and I've got plenty of room), fold flat rear seats.
Suggested Improvements
Make running boards standard with all models. MPG. Vanity mirrors on visors (my wife's only disappointment thus far). I'm reaching here, I love this car.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Nissan Xterra
- 2009 Nissan Xterra
- 2008 Nissan Xterra
- 2007 Nissan Xterra
- 2006 Nissan Xterra
- 2005 Nissan Xterra
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