2009 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

Great SUV For The Money

Written by: Rob on 09/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Overall I'm very pleased with my Xterra SE. Something I haven't seen mentioned here is a recent recall I was told about through a Nissan mailing. The mailing states that there "could be" a bad weld on the torsion bar and to schedule an appointment with the dealership and they'd diagnose and repair at no cost if necessary. The dealer informed me that they needed a special welder to do the repair and they didn't have one there. They are supposed to locate a business nearby that can handle the job and contact me. They also said that Corporate Nissan informed them that this recall is for ALL Xterra's- not some of them. I felt a bit deceived by the mailing at that point. Otherwise, I'm very happy.

Favorite Features

Sound System, Blue Tooth, XM all work great. Very happy with the exterior looks and interior versatility. I camp, mountain bike, carpool etc... and it's very capable in all areas.

Suggested Improvements

Interior could benefit with stronger plastic-seems to "ding/scratch" quite easily (I'm outdoorsie but, I'm pretty conscious about taking it easy on the overall appearance of my purchase). Exterior Temp Gauge. Rear Heat/AC Control/Vents. Front Seat Heaters.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Mixed Review

Written by: TruckLuver on 08/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased new 2009. Rockford Fosgate sound system above average, nice technology package. Combined gas mileage (20% city, 80% hwy) is 21-22 mpg. Looks nice, rides comfortably, but I'm having hard time adjusting from previous full-size pickup truck. I am 6' tall, and I feel a little closed-in. Short arm rest is more like an elbow rest... it sucks. Test drive was good, but after a month I'm not so happy. 6 cylinder engine seems to have sufficient if not awesome power. Back seats are nice to have, but not much room for rear passengers unless you scoot front seats up. Plastic console dents easily (don't drop anything on it). Vehicle is shorter than some cars. Mixed feelings, but quality vehicle

Favorite Features

Quality, gas mileage, appearance, premium sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Real armrest, longer vehicle, more legroom, tougher plastic inside. Locking console. Perhaps more ground clearance/higher ride. Better brake pads (rims get dirty quickly with break dust, much more so than in any of 6 previous vehicles I've owned). Improve safety (only 3-4 star ratings).

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Glad I bought it

Written by: Andy Kuchta on 08/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have been a Nissan Frontier owner since 1995 and have been very satisfied with the quality and engineering of Nissan vehicles. Recently I began looking at the X- Terra. I was happy to see that Nissan has continued with their quality in workmanship and "thinking of the little things" like the door in the skid plate that allows you access to the oil filter when changing your oil. The interior is well designed and the ride is comfortable. For anyone looking at a mid sized SUV I'd give the X Terra more than just a passing look.

Favorite Features

Oil filter access and ride.

Suggested Improvements

None

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Awesome All Around 4x4 SUV

Written by: DesertRatSoCal on 08/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Great news for the SUV enthusiast. Nissan has really done the trick with the Xterra. Nimble on road, capable off road, easy on the wallet, outstanding performance. I'd throw stones at similar sized SUV's by the other manufacturers. This vehicle has long been a hit for the market niche and I would recommend the average individual who needs a slightly larger vehicle to take a test drive. The fuel economy is exceptional for the type of vehicle and its capabilities.

Favorite Features

4x4 system, technology system.

Suggested Improvements

Add tow package to all of them from the factory.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Love My New Xterra

Written by: roymac on 08/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This my first Xterra but seventh Nissan. It's hard to beat a Nissan vehicle. The Xterra is a great SUV to drive. My wife calls it my "sport truck". Besides a great price my Xterra also came with $1300 of free electronics upgrades. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is great, much better than the Bose I had in my Pathfinder. The Blue Tooth hands free phone is also great as is the XM satellite radio. The Xterra handles extremely well and is a solidly built vehicle. The 261 h.p. engine is typical Nissan quality - great quality and performance. I've never had a single engine problem with all my previous Nissans. In summary, I am totally satisfied with my new Xterra.

Favorite Features

Value, quality,solidly built vehicle. especially like the R/F sound system and the Blue Tooth phone. Engine is powerful and reliable.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage with city driving.

8 out 9 people found this review helpful

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no brainer

Written by: L.A. on 07/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my second xterra, my first was a 2000 SE purchased in 99'. There is no other suv out at the moment that I would rather have (excluding the larger BMW X's and infinity QX56). My 2000 only gave me a fuel pump problem (replaced by dealer on a recall) in 100,000 of driving, with very bad maintenance record after the 2nd year, changed oil every other year. So I figured I pushed it to the max (last day came back from the jersey shore at avg.80MPH and it was time to get a new one. I love my 2009 off road - the sound system is awsome. The truck, well I'll just let it speak for itself. now if I can just pay this sucker off I would be the happiest man on the planet.

Favorite Features

Looks, ready to rock and roll like a Transformer. The engine sound when you turn the transformer on. The sound system. The am here to kick butt not to just look good attitude. The fact that everyone knows that there is more that meets the eye. The utility of the beast. It Rocks like no other.

Suggested Improvements

None, please don't make any improvements - if you place a sunroof on a new model I will make my 09 off road a convertible. Please tell me you won't do this to me. even the "skyroof" was a great item to have.

7 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Better than I expected

Written by: Tom on 05/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

We have a place in the Western NC mountains and wanted a vehicle that could handle the old forest service access trails/roads. Began looking at the FJ but the back seat just didn't cut it. I had been trying to get the off road Xterra for six months. They are hard to get right now. This truck has a much better highway ride than I expect. On mountain highways there is very little lean in the curves. Gas mileage is better than I thought. The only negative so far is the XM radio which regularly drops reception even on Interstate highways. I am going to have that checked out. BTW the short center arm rest is no problem at all.

Favorite Features

Off road lights, hill ascent and descent, off road clearance, steering wheel audio/bluetooth controls, pretty much everything else too

Suggested Improvements

XM radio ability to hold signal

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Xterra S 4x4

Written by: Mike on 04/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I initially wanted an FJ, but I checked- out the Xterra and was very pleased. I showed up at the dealer looking for an offroad and was informed they were next to impossible to get in my area. After much deliberation I opted for an S and never looked back. I'm very happy with my xterra, the night armor looks great and it is a very capable 4x4 even without the offroad package. But really I can put in an airlocker and heavy duty shocks if needed. Mine came with the free technology package and I love it, the hands free bluetooth has been great and the rockford audio is quite enjoyable. It has an actual back seat as well and four doors. The utility of the Xterra can't be beat. Has 4x4 gas mileage

Favorite Features

I love all the tie downs, the hard plastic rear and the muddy storage in the back and in the roof rack. Sound system and bluetooth, Good visibility and power. Fully loaded the S is a great performer and you can get a good deal on one.

Suggested Improvements

I don't like the mushy brake pedal, stainless steel brake lines would be great and four piston calipers would be even better.

20 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Second Xterra

Written by: Glen on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my second xterra. First was a 05 off-road 6speed. The new one is the same. 6 speed off-roads are soooo rare, had to jump at a new one. Still the best all around choice in a respectable 4x4 suv that can go "off-road" for real. But would like lower gears and a little more ground clearance. On the road, if you like power, this is the suv for the money.

Favorite Features

For under 30k you got something that really goes. Can chirp tires when you hit second. And it can go off road,even has a low range and a locker.

Suggested Improvements

If Nissan would install, or make an option, lower differential gears,like 4.10's, or better yet 4.56's with a low range in the 4to1 area the Xterra would be the number one 4x4 to have. Install taller tires and look out Rubicons and H3's.

14 out 21 people found this review helpful

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Xterra SE 4w drive

Written by: Tom on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Lots of power, handling is great, sits up high. Good vision, interior all leather great sound system. Exterior is rugged looking. Gas mileage 17.5 highway. I new that when I bought it. Wish I had heated mirrors, surprised it was not part of se package. Drove through snow storm in Michigan truck handling was super. This is very well made truck. Very happy with Nissan. Towing atv and snowmobiles and all of our gear and four adults was no problem.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, towing, great driving vision, sits up high, stereo system.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, heated mirrors, front defroster need to spread out heat better to the left and right part of the windshield.

30 out 30 people found this review helpful

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