Used 2001 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews
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Great Vehicle
Bought it with 28000 miles in 2003....385k today! It’s been a great vehicle and still has a great interior ( I added leather seats) and paint is ok, but fading. Not a speck of rust and the bottom looks like new! ( Florida Car). Sadly she’s probably on her last legs, my rebuilt transmission( replaced at 225k) is slipping and suspension parts are failing! Engine still runs great, but leaks oil and it’s probably time to move on! Update:Doing some detail work. Added a few miles since the last update. I don’t drive as much as I used to and I have a Mustang convertible as my primary driver. I continue to keep her as I guess she has no trade-in value😂 and because I can’t bring myself to give her away and she still does everything I need! Great in the rain, hauling landscaping supplies etc.2025 Update: still can’t bring myself to sell her! Nothing new to report added 387,000 miles and still going!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Note on Safety
Best vehicle my wife and I ever bought. Extremely versatile for trips, vacations, camping, light towing but still practical enough for everyday use. I even hauled lumber on the roof- rack with no probelms. UNFORTUNATELY my wife was rear-ended in our last week! She left the highway sideways, went airborne and flipped three times...completely crushing the front and rear, but the seating areas both front and back were not harmed and she walked away without...well, one tiny scuff on her leg from the steering wheel. It kept her safe and we are now looking for a replacement. We love the X-terra
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,000353 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995423 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,599577 mi away
Love this car!
I have a 2001 SE 4x4. Bought it in 2005 with 64,000 miles. 5 years later and now over 175,000 miles on it, we've had no engine or transmission issues with it. I did have to replace an electrical component in the a/c this summer for about $250 but otherwise it's just been routine maintenance. It's a fun truck to drive and very reliable. Not the best backseat for carseats but it is manageable. We're in the process of selling it only because our 3rd child is on the way and we can't fit the family in this car anymore. But that is the only reason we're selling! It's been a great car.
Great truck but not without reliability glitches
I bought it used on a private sale from craigslist replacing my 1985 Toyota 4runner that I ran up 550,000km (340,000miles to you guys south of the 49th). However last year (2011) the in-tank electric turbine fuel pump unexpectedly quit (at 220,000km odometer reading) leaving me stranded on the side of highway. It wound up costing me well over $1000 in towing charges, parts and labor plus an overnight motel stay and a one day travel delay. Now that I know how to replace it I carry a spare fuel pump and screwdriver along with the spare tire....
100k+ after
I've purchased this car about 2 years ago with 100k miles on it. So far I've had to replace: Timing belt (wore out) Fog lights (burned out) A/C fan (Burned out) Leaf springs (1 snapped) Head gasket (coolant leak) Front grill (plastic pins holding it broke off) 4 small suspension parts, forgot what they were called I maintain the vehicle regularly, but a lot of parts appear to be cheap and fall apart. Especially the plastics, plenty of rattles and squeaks on every bump. Bumpers are also poorly built and fading. In the 2 years I've had the vehicle it has cost me about $3000 in repairs on top of the regular maintenance. Great off road, but poor quality parts make it less appealing.
Great 4x4, horrible gas mileage.
Wow, the gas mileage is horrible. First fill up was 16 mpg and second was 14 mpg. I could get the same in a full size truck. Other than that the suv rides well and for my purposes has plenty of interior room. Driven off road only once so far, but will put it to the test when the snow comes. Does well off road. Very quiet interior, but yes there is some squeaks now and then from the cheap plastic interior. Has decent power to get up the hills, but could use more. Clock could be brighter for use in the day. Over all a great suv, but you would expect it would get better mpg with a 3.3 L motor. Thought it should get around 18-21 mpg hyw. If you can afford the gas buy one.
Incredible vehicle
I've owned the Xterra for over 5 years at this point, bought it when it had 30,000mi. The odometer just passed the 130,000mi mark and the vehicle is still in outstanding shape. The only oddball thing I've had to replace is a bearing that supports the two-piece drive shaft, but I blame it on all the mud and water I've intentionally not avoided. I couldn't afford the insurance for 4WD when I bought it, but I certainly don't regret going with the 2WD- I've pushed this vehicle to the limit consistently on and off road, irresponsibly run the RPM's above 4K daily just to listen to the aftermarket parts work, and still, with typical maintenance (oil changes, trans flush), the X still runs strong.
I Love my Xterra
I purchased my Xterra in 2003 with 1400 miles on it. It now has 154K and still running. I've had to do a few minor things over the years, new clutch (5 speed), also the fan clutch, belts and a small leak in the windshield I fixed with sealer. But nothing major, Knock on wood. I would love to purchase another Xterra that's how much I love Nissan's quality. I've upgraded some things, running boards, new bumpers, tires.
Xstatic!
I test drove many SUV's before settling on my Xterra. It out-performed everything in its class. I too believe the seats get a bad rap - I think they're plenty comfortable. I bought my wife a Pathfinder, but I prefer my Xterra.
225,000 Miles & Still Going Strong!
Bought this Xterra new in 2001 from Al West Nissan. About a year later the dealership told me that it was recalled to correct some problems at no charge-still under warranty. Since that the only thing I had to have done besides the usual oil changes (sometimes I was a little slack on that)& and a battery here and there is points/plugs last year at about 200,000 miles!She is now 9 years old. Unbelievable! Dependable! Reliable! Love my Xterra and wish it would just keep going forever- I might just see how many miles we can get to and then go buy another new one. I've been very happy with it!
Point A to B
Reliable vehicle. I am not a big fan of SUVs, so right off the bat I'm biased, however, for the price it was worth it. It doesn't compare to the big guys in terms of comfort, the acceleration from a stop is fair at best. It does not have decent gas mileage nor, if you need it, leg room.
great buy
Had the car for almost 3 years now. No problems (knock on wood). hauls great and good room for loading things which I wouldn't expect would fit in it!
Bumpy
This was my first suv. In the begining it was great in the snow and nice sitting up high. Then I noticed that the front driver and passenger windows vibrated when down an inch or so. Was told this was normal by 3 dealerships. After about a year the suv novelty has worn off. This is a bumpy, gass- guzzler with cheap interior plastic. Don't get me wrong it looks great, just drives like crap. If your looking for an suv around $25,000 and need off road prowess, this is probably the way to go. If you don't plan much off-road actvity, can spare the room and want decent mileage, comfort, and handling, try the Excape, CRV, RAV4 or Liberty.
Xterra problems
At first I was thrilled, bought it new. But at 37000 all four automatic windows quit working and nissan said it was out of warranty by 1,000 miles so I was stuck paying for them. At 42000 miles the suspension became veryrough and after several trips to the mechanic still cant be fixed. Now at 50000 miles the air conditioning died and the back window wiper quit working. I'm trading in the end of this month for a toyota.
It will get you there.
I bought my 2001 Xterra with 73k on the O.D. after looking for a foreign 4x4 SUV it was the least expensive with the best options. I now have 155k on the Xterra and have had some very small things like a slow leak on a radiator hose that took me an hour to fix and $10. But I just had my A/C go out right before summer and we have had several 100+ days that have been miserable. Because of gas prices I want to sell it but then I get to go on a beach, camping or we get hit with a foot of snow and I fall back in love with my baby. This thing is a monster that will get you there every time. Love it and won't get rid of it.
X The Xterra
The Xterra is the most uncomfortable vehicle on the market today. Test drove it for twenty minutes before I bought it. Should have driven it for an hour so I could have found out how uncomfortable it really is. Even took it to an upholsterer to have the seat stuffed with padding...twice. Still felt like I was sitting on steel spikes pointed northward. I'm 6'4" and weigh 225lbs. Actually, I like everything about it, except the uncomfortable front seats.
Great SUV!!!
i have had my Xterra for almost a year and i love it!! it drives smooth and is fun to drive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best value for the price
Best car I've ever owned. Very happy with our Xterra. Does great driving around town, in the snow, or on the beach. 4WD works great, have never been stuck, even been thru very deep water with no problems. Lots of cargo space. Comfy seats. Didn't particularily like the industrial looking fabric at first, but we are VERY pleased with its durability and ease of cleaning. Have not had to take it back to the dealership for anything other than routine maintenance. The first aid kit is indeed gimicky but it has definately come in handy. Highly recommended!!
Great vehicle
The xterra is a solid vehicle. It's reliable and provides some off-road capabilities. The V-6 is notorious for oil leaks from the valve gaskets so be careful, maintenance costs will be higher since it's an SUV and the gas mileage isn't good. Other than that it's a good vechicle for the right price.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
xterra rating
I like the vehicle very much, Easy to handle and drive, just as good as other mid-size suv's
01 Xterra
With only 4000 miles on the vehicle, I drove it to Northern Quebec from Augusta Georgia, towing a 4000 pound trailer. The vehicle never had a problem. Towed the trailer, kept up with traffic. Gas mileage was only 10.0 mpg, but what do you expect when dragging a barn down the highway at 70 mph?
Good and Bad
I like the style of this SUV. It is kind of fun to drive, but it eats alot of gas and lack of power. the front seat are not very comfrontable at first and the cloth sucks like hell.
Best SUV on for the price
The Best SUV on the market. The price is right in the range of an average car but all the luxury's of an SUV.
1ST SUV
This was my first time owning a SUV. I fell in love until I had to fill the gas tank. The gas mileage on this SUV is very bad for a 4cyl vehicle. There is no get up and go. How could you have a visor without vanity mirrors? Take this SUV and start over from scratch. And next time have a female design it.
Reliable Transportation
I do my part, oil changes, tires, brakes, etc. and this car keeps humming along. I drive 70 to 80 miles per day at 70 plus mph. during the week and take the occasional Georgia Mt. trip over rutted red clay trails-never a problem! Tough and reliable transportation.
good reliable workhorse
It's been a good 3 yrs don't have any major complaints,haven't done any major repairs just oil changes tire rotation and front brakes.I've been towing my pop-up and boat with no problems
Another Xterra Fan
I think that the seats are fine. I do long highway drives (17 hours straight) often and rarely have to stop except for gas. However, I have to stop too often for gas.... Room inside for two bikes, camping equipment and people. Disappointed at depreciation rate. Seems much higher than comparable vehicles. Even without 4WD it handles great in snow on fairly steep rodes.
Hotttt Car
Hey, I'm seventeen and just got one. Beatiful car, all compliments to nissan on this because all i do is get compliments. Its fun, nice handling, cd quality is nice, and its awesome. Not a race car, not a monster truck, so i dont know why people think that it should be faster and more powerful.
Xterra
I love the way this vehicle rides and drives. My only complaint is the sunroof. It is extremely noisy on the highway and there is nothing you can do to fix it.
Great Little SUV
This is a terrific SUV. The acronym of Stupid Usless Vehicle does not apply to the X. It performs well on the highway, it is comfortable and nimble on the streets. If the X has a problem it is in that it is not a cheep vehicle to operate. The Gas milage is poor and the engine could use a few more CI's. The bottom line for the X is it's off road capability. This little truck has never backed up to any off road situation that I have put it into. Granted it is not a FJ40, but the unit will take you anywhere that a sane person wants to go.
Quality
I use the Xterra for work and play. It handles anything I need from towing a flatbed trailer, loading gear on the roof rack and getting to the most remote trails for off roading. Gas mileage is decent for a midsize suv and power is adequate at most. The Xterras up side far outweighs the bad. It is the most solid vehicle I have ever owned (6) and I would recommend it to people of all ages.
2001 Nissan Xterra
This vehicle has been extremely dependable! Fun to drive! I have never been stuck in this vehicle... it goes thru anything.
good vehicle less the A/C
I bought it new w/ 7 miles and it was the 1st new car I ever bought. So far it has given me no problems with the exception of the driver side window going up very slowly. Pushing the window forward fixes it until you bring it down again. My A/C went out (high side pressure line) and this is VERY common on the xterras and actually pisses me off. When I went to the dealership the girl in front of me purchased the same part and when I was in line paying a guy walked by and said "oh, you must drive an Xterra" If it's that common issue a recall. Mileage is okay and I can actually tow a little more than expected. 103k miles and I'll drive it till she dies. hopefully 300k!
Improving but not ready for prime time
This SUV will get you from A to B, it rides decently, and gets decent mileage. I had it for two years and I purchased it when it was 2 yrs old. No major problems. It's safe and designed well specifically the exterior. The interior lacks leg room, and needs more pep from a stopped position. The clutch was not as smooth as others, and the gas mileage was average. Middle of the road, not in the Toyota or other big boys league but improving.
Love this car!!
I absolutely love this car!! I love the way the Xterra handles, it drives like a car on the road. Haven't used it off road or in snow yet. I can never feel when I am speeding... the car drives so smoothly. The amount of room in this car is unbelievable... I can fit my whole life in this car. I like that the seat cushions come out of the car when you put the back seat down...allows more space than SUVs that have seats that just pull forward (like the pathfinder). I think the Xterra is the best value among SUVs. I can't imagine why anyone would purchase a pathfinder for $10,000 more than an Xterra.
Gas Guzzler
I've owned my xterra for a year and a half and am currently trading it in for a Honda CRV. The gas mileage is awful, the front seats are very uncomfortable, and the power and ride are fair. It is an excellent off road vehicle, and has a great rugged look. But if you're not planning on doing a lot of off-roading and want decent gas mileage I would not recommend this car.
XTERRA CHEAP SUV AND CHEAP RIDE
NOT TOO BAD BUT VALUE DIMINISHED AND BETTER MODELS CAME OUT TO SOON AND WAS LEFT WITH AN UNDER POWERED SUV WASTE OF MONEY LOST OVER 8,000 IN VALUE LESS THAN 2 YEARS
Just what I expected
I bought my Xterra used, and knew when I got it that the mileage was below average even for a mid-sized SUV. The trade-offs have been worth it. FUN to drive, great curb appeal, roomy cargo area, reliable engine performance. I have had ZERO problems with it mechanically, no window or CD failure here.
I'll miss my Xterra
I bought this truck new and in 4 years put over 90,000 miles on it. I knew I was getting a truck, and it rides and sounds like a truck (lots of road noise). The engine was good (a little underpowered), never giving me any problems; however the CD player borke, the power windows rarely worked after 40K miles, the A/C fan only worked on high and the gas mileage is not very good. However, I really liked this truck and if my wife was not going to be commuting 500 miles a week to grad school, I would have kept it and driven it into the ground. I'll miss this truck, and if they ever get the MPG up, would consider buying a newer model. I got a very good trade on it, $1000 above edmunds very easily.
2001 XTERRA - I Like it!
Plain Macho SUV. No frills, just clean practical design. Very reliable so far. Substantial power with V6, but needs a 6th speed for overdrive. 3000 RPM at 65 is too costly with fuel. But around the city it is fun and peppy to drive. Good value for the buck overall. But won't impress those yuppie friends of yours, my kids really like it though. Hell with the yuppie SUVs, enjoy it yourself with your family and all their loaded gear. I'd buy another new XTERRA if gas wasn't going up so much these days. RLC
Good for 20-somethings
Fast and limber. Fun to drive. Great in snow. Not super comfortable, though. Very truck-like ride. Forget this car if you're a smoker. The ash tray is almost impossible to use and the lighter broke the first month. I (a 32-year old woman) recommend this car for guys in their 20s. It's a fast and manly car...and it's easy to get a good deal. I paid $500 below invoice.
I'll give it a 9.9
The XTerra handles both onroad and offroad well. Its plenty roomy, provided that you are not over like 6'2". VERY RELIABLE! I've had it a little over 1 year and the only problem I've had is I got a traffic ticket (which I beat in court) in Cle Elum, Washington for having too much mud on it. Now the important stuff. I can throw the kayak on the roof rack, throw a couple mountain bikes, fishing poles, cooler and camping gear in the cab and head out for a week at a time out to the beach, into the mountains, or whatever. This thing handles absolutely AWESOME in the snow up in the mountains. Handles well on rainy roads also.
GREAT SUV
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE OWNED A SUV. I LOVE THE ROOM IN MY XTERRA. I HAVE RECEIVED SO MANY COMPLIMENTS FROM PASSENGERS IN THE BACKSEAT. THEY LOVE THE STADIUM STYLE SEATING. I WILL NEVER OWN A CAR AGAIN!!
Its just OK
Not for Highways, not really for off roading in the original configuration. Not for anyone over 5'6. GOD I Miss my Windstar. I cant even get a weeks work of grocery's in the back!
Buy One!
Its a fun tough off road vehicle that is incredibly reliable. Nissan really has their act together. Been in shop 2 times for rattles and blown speakers.. Went out and bought a sub woofer and no more speaker blow outs! Bought the new seat covers and interior looks lot more fun!! Very solid off road, front seats could be set higher for long distance driving. Need a/c vent for back seat. Gets hot in Arizona. Put extra window tint and is helping a lot. Gas mileage is pathetic for the lack of oower.. feels like a 4 cylinder..but still acceptable. I would buy another without a doubt!!
Xterra Xtra Special
Got my Xterra Jan 2001 and it's the best vehicle I've ever owned. Been to Nfld , Canada from Deep South Texas -8500 mi round trip & handled like a dream. I think a bigger engine is req'd, but I love my truck. We got the yellow and we still get admiring looks. Best brakes I've ever experienced. For those who find the seats bad, get out and exercise more so you can make your fat butts smaller. Great on and off road...what a blast!! Solid as a rock and suspension is great. The roads down here should qualify as off roads.
Great SUV
I have had my Xterra for just over 1 year, and think its a great car buy! Handle well in NYC traffic and long road trips. Easy to get in and out of.
kids and dogs and work too
no problems with anything until nearing the 3 year mark, 1 problem, minor this isn't luxury, this is life
Tough lil' truck
This is the fourth SUV I have owned. It handles well on the city streets of Chicago, easy to squeeze into tight parking spots. Hauls my two horse trailer with both of my horses inside with ease, although if you think the gas mileage was bad to begin with, haul a trailer! This SUV is comfortable for people of average size. Anyone over 6 foot will not enjoy the ride as they will barely fit inside.
first review
I have a 5 speed and am overall very happy about my purchase, ive put 2,000 miles on it in a month with many many more to go. The rpms on the 5 spd. Manual seem high. Maybe a 6th gear overdrive would help gas mileage. Other than that I'm averaging 300 miles to the tank and I love driving my xterra