Used 2002 Nissan Xterra SUV Consumer Reviews
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Tough Rig!
We bought our 2002 Xterra SE (4x4) new in 2002. So far we have logged 150k on it and outside of normal maintenance, the only thing we have had to replace was a O2 sensor. This little rig has been an absolute joy to own/drive. To say it was "Over Built" is absolutely correct. Built with the same transmission used in European 3/4 ton trucks as well as the rigid frame under it makes it as tough as you'll need. I will not hesitate to drive this vehicle on to the 200K mark. Well done Nissan.
Best thing since wrestling
Traded my Cobalt for one of these little over 4 months ago, I love it!, gas could be better but 145 miles to a half a tank of gas isnt too bad considering in my cobalt I got 205 or 225 to a half. The bad, Headliners are famous for coming loose. All the grey plastics on the bumpers, headlights, grill, roof rack, side step fade with time which is expected Stock radio unit eats CDs when too hot. The good, Engine runs strong (Had a rebuild to the cooling/air systems at 103k I bought it with 111k (I do believe this is a gremlin with these too) It looks weird which makes it awesome, This rig goes Everywhere I take it, rocks, steep hill, mud, river beds NO problems =D
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,999224 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,488257 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,777271 mi away
Still happy 4 years later
I bought my XT used in 05. Had 24K on it at the time, and I've since added another 70K. It has been very dependable, and I've only has to deal with general maintenance issues so far. I also find it funny that people are complaining about the fuel mileage. What did you expect? It's a big box sitting on a truck chassis. If you're worried about fuel economy, buy a sedan. I've actually found it to get decent mileage for what it is. There's a ton of space, it tows well, and looks good.
11 Years old and Still Squeek Free
Just bought this car Feb. with 105K miles on it. Had to change the timming belt and water pump as the previous owner had not changed these items. I could not ask for a better small SUV. It is a live axle 2wd truck, so the ride is rough but not a single piece of plastic in the vehicle makes noise. The cost to purchase these is fairly low due to most people not wanting to change the timming belt. Don't be affraid if you can do minor car repairs, this one is a breeze. Great car i would buy another in a heart beat. Uses a little more gas then expected for a V6 but it is still not bad
Still going strong after 8.5 years
I'm very happy with the Xterra 138k miles and 8.5 years later. All I've done is regular maintenance (including replacing the timing belt at 105k miles.) Occasionally during the last couple of years I've had an itch for something new(er) or different but it's hard to rationalize giving up the X when it performs without complaints, still looks good and feels just as tight as it did at 65k miles. I do need to get an upholstery shop to fix the headliner, but the seats don't show signs of wear after being a daily driver. This is a followup from my review on 05/18/2007 (same user name).
Love my Xterra
Bought it used 2 years ago w 65k, I am the 3rd owner. Now has 98k, runs very strong. A few maintenance issues that was no big deal= air conditioner recharge due to leaky hose (common on these), a full brake job, new radiator (not expected) and I fouled a plug due to running cheap gas (must use premium at ALL times with the supercharger) so that was my fault. All of these issues in my book are normal wear except the radiator. Bottom line; drives anywhere and runs over anything with no problem. First car I have owned that I can say that I drive it any way I want and it just runs no problem. With the 4x4s get a good set of all terrains and will go through anything. Mud, snow, no problem.
Was a great vehicle until it reached over 100K miles
I really loved driving my SE S/C 4WD 2002, and it was mostly problem-free except for last couple of years. One owner vehicle. Problems accelerated dramatically after 100K miles.
X-Terra
I bought the 2001 4WD SE because of its price tag and different looks. Don't go off-road. Don't agree that the front seats are uncomfortable. We took a trip (apx 1,000 miles) in it last September and found it quit comfortable and it handled well on the road. I really like the feel of it, even if it is a little "trucky" feeling. Tons of room in the back with/without seats down. Seemed to be the best buy for the amount of room you get in its price range.
I LOVE my 2002 Xterra!
I love my xterra! I would fully recommend this suv to anyone. I bought mine used in 2012 with 140k miles on it (highway miles). I have put over 10,000 on it since and we're still going strong. When I purchased the vehicle I had it tuned up and old hoses replaced, but only because I was unsure of how long how it had been since it was serviced, since it was pre-owned. The only thing I could complain about is the poor gas mileage that comes with driving any SUV; however, it gets better gas mileage than most other SUV's i've driven. Over all I am happy with my xterra's performance and would fully recommend it to anyone!
Missing my Xterra
Bought this beautiful SUV used with 40k miles on it. Never had a single problem with it. I loved this car. I say loved because someone ran a red light and broadsided me last week. I rolled 1 1/2 times and came to stop on the drivers side. Climbed out of the passenger door without a scratch. The side door beams did their job - you would never have known someone hit me going 40mph.
Everything I need, nothing I don't.
My wife & I purchased the Xterra to replace a 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4. We've logged about 34,000 miles in 3 years. I LOVED my 4Runner, but the Xterra has proven to be superior in every way. It has been a bulletproof mechanical tank [We took a 2,700+ mile road trip last year with no issues or complaints!]. Mileage here in the Denver Area generally averages 17-18 mpg. I'm easily able to strap just about anything to the roof rack, like a 10 ft. ladder, many queen size mattresses, & even a 13 ft. Christmas tree! Once I purchased a set of A/T tires, snow/ice performance has been unparalleled by any other vehicle I've ever driven. Way to go Nissan, you've made a believer out of me!
Excellent 4x4
I bought the X because the price point was very attractive to me. I didn't want to spend 30k on an SUV that I intended to take off road. I have been in the mud, sand and dirt and this truck out preformed my friends Mitsu Montero and a Toyota Tacoma..both cost considerable more...I didn't get the supercharger but it would be nice to have, dont know if it's worth the xtra dough....
It's a Truck Folks
I really like the Xterra. People need to understand that these are off-road vehicles. If you want soft seats, lower steps, softer ride, buy a mini van. These vehicles were built to drive in regions where there are at best a rough logging road. Roll over situations are problematic of all vehicles with height. Height is needed off road. If rollover is a problem for you.. again buy a mini van. Personally we have found it performs well off road. Good hooks are a must, hard to find a good mounting point on the frame to snatching a friend with.
Problems
In 2002 I bought new Nissan Xterra hoping that this car will be reliable. I bought an extended warranty to protect myself from any potential problems. Just before the warranty expired I have noticed some intermittent noise coming from the engine, I went to the dealer to have it check but they did not hear any unusual noises. Of course after my warranty expire the noise became louder and then the dealer diagnosed a manifold issue, they did not care that I was there before with the some issues (before the warranty expired), so the cost of repair was over $800 dollars. One month later my torsion bar broke and that was another $800 (with front shocks replaced), now I have found out that I need
Excellent Vehicle
I love my new Silver Xterra. I love the ride height and the stadium seating in the rear. Controls are set out thoughtfully. Great Sound system. Very quiet ride and great handling. I had a Dodge Durango and the Xterra kicks its butt in all categories.
my first new car
I've had my car since late 2001 and I just hit 90K on the mileage. Considering the last 20K have been in the last 10 months, the car is doing very well. I replaced the tires twice, brake pads once, and had the belts changed recently. I also had the factory recommended 90K service completed. It set me back quite a bit, but considering the car has held up since '01, I'm not complaining. I will probably drive it another year or two before seriously starting to look for a replacement. The exterior paint still looks good after a wash/wax, minus the dings you get from people who park next to you and open their doors too wide.
Xterra-Best buy in class of it's own.
Xterra is HANDS DOWN the best buy for the money. If you complain about the ride, buy a car, it's not an SUV if it's not built on a truck frame. The more I researched this vehicle the more it stood out, if you're looking for an SUV that's affordable and can perform like a true SUV this is it. Look at the numbers, the X stands up to many others that cost a lot more. It does ride like a truck, but still is smooth. The CRV, RAV4, Escape, Tribute,-all big cars and compared with the X often, technically, they aren't in the same class with Xterra. Xterra gives a no BS, skip the leather and wood trim dash answer to the affordable & highly capable SUV.
Xterra World Championship Edition
This is a great all around SUV. It gives enough space for cargo or people with out being excessive. The V6 gives it get up and go power when needed. It handles the highways well and off road even better.
2002 Xterra XE
This is a great buy. I was planning on buying a used Xterra, a 2000 with 45K miles, fully loaded with a V6, but i saw a brand new 2002 XE 4cyl for just over the price of the used one. I opted for the new one, wondering about the power difference. It isn't too bad. It handles very well both on and off-road, and it is a very stylish ride. I enjoy the high clearance, and being so high off the ground. I used to think my old car, a blazer, was high off the ground, but once you sit inside the Xterra, you'll know differently. There is nothing you can't do in it, and it is a great car for teenagers
ol' trusty
Bought this baby new in Sept 01. Other then couple of small issues, this thing is tough an reliable. Put off- road tires on and now ok in snow and mud-the General OEM tires sucked for traction. I have 120,000 on it now and definitely think I will get to 200,000.
2002 Nissan Xterra
The perfect vehicle for me, it's great on the beach, in the mud, or on the rough high terrain of the mountains. No matter where you are driving, it delivers the goods, comfort, quality, and durability. Now, here comes the best part, I recently totaled it while coming home from work one late evening. I hit a ditch head on at 50 mph, shortly after hitting a tree, and also flipped front over back. When the SUV finally came to a rolling stop on the roof, I unbuckled my seat belt and climbed out. I suffered only mild back pain from the accident. The frame and build of the Xterra saved my life. Soon after I bought a 2003 model, and I love it just as much as my original. - Thanks Nissan!
So reliable
I have had the Xterra since new and love it. I have had only one mechanical issue and that was the A/C TCA (thermal control amplifier)causing the a/c compressor to kick on and off. I changed it myself. I carry all my sporting goods in the back with plenty of space left over. Backseat passengers have plenty of legroom. The front seats are extremely comfortable for long trips. For those complaining of interior plastic, I use Aerospace 303 on all plastic surfaces and they all look new. The paint has looked great since day one. I upgraded the sound system as stock system was lacking. It is extremely cheap to maintain. Parts are dirt cheap for it.
nissan exterra disposable
after 5 yrs of maintenance, it now needs 5000$ worth of work just to be safe on the road. I have kept it maintained...costed more than my toyota tundra which is older and still like brand new
Looks good... rides bad
I bought the xterra with high hopes. I fell in love with its looks and was hooked. I knew going into it that it would get bad mpg and require premium gas but even then was surprised. I had heard 18-21 mpg or so... i was lucky if I got 15 average (and I drive 80% highway and very conservatively). However I was even willing to look past this fact were it not for the absolutely terrible reliability. In the six months I owned the car it cost me over $4000 in repairs! Twice it died on me on the road (once was camping in the woods 3 hrs from home). Bottom line is, only get one if you have a lot of extra money for gas and high priced, frequent repairs.
Upgrade to the Supercharger!
My Xterra has been great! You can't get this much truck at the same price from another manufacturer. I bought the SE/SC with the optional 17' wheels and have found the extra sticker price to be worth the fun factor. This truck has exceptional stop light accelaration and plenty of power when passing on the highway. I test drove the standard V6 before I drove the supercharged version, don't waist your time with it, get a mini-van a save your cash. The larger wheels give it a look that sets it apart from the other Xterras. It is worth it!
No Lemons Here
At least, not from the beautifully designed Nissan Xterra that I purchased last year. I only wish I could say the same for the dealership that I bought it from. I financed the truck in June 2004 from I am still having problems with my dealership today. After my monthly payment being raised three times and the harrassing phone calls at work for more money I was almost fed up enough to just give up. All it takes though is a short drive in Xterra and the world is a much brighter and more exciting place. So I urge ya'll to proceed w/caution when it comes to Nissan dealers.
It's been a ROCK
Gotta say this has been a solid truck. Bought new in late 02 and ever since my XT has been very reliable. It's no-nonsense and does what it's supposed to do. Off-roading is a blast when we ride the dunes on the beach and it is a tank in the snow. My 1st set of tires got 50+ on them and 2nd sets of Coopers got 60+. It hauls everything I've needed - dishwashers, plywood, kids, vacay stuff to the brim. Love my XT but may have to part with it soon since I need something that will tow a heavier boat! Great truck, so long as it's properly maintained.
COMMENTS
WORST VEHICLE IN MY 40YEARS OF DRIVING, WITH 12MILE TRANSFER CASE LEAKED OIL. HAD TO GET REPAIRED 3 TIMES.NISSAN SAID THEY NEW ABOUT PROBLEM. TOLD DEALER FOR ME TO KEEP DRIVING IT AND JUST KEEP PUTTING OIL IN. YOU BET! PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF ROAD AND PUT OIL IN A TRANSFER CASE.BIGGEST BUNCH OF JERKS I EVER HEARD OFF. NISSAN IS AN OVER-RATED, LOSSY CAR COMPANY.
Shouldn't have done it
Shouldn't have bid on E-bay and certainly not on this vechile. After replacing a starter,headlight assembly, exhaust system, tires, and battery I MAY have a car. Nissan wouldn't include the starter in the 5/60 powertrain warranty. I got 14OK out of the one in my GMC. Nissan quality is subpar.
Disappointed
We have had this SUV for two years. This is a truck based SUV and therefore, not always a comfortable ride. The gas mileage is horrible and the V6 engine isn't very responsive. At 45,000 miles, air conditioning started messing up. It only works half of the time and we are still trying to figure out what is wrong. Very disappointed with the overall performance and reliability of this Japanese vehicle.
Much better than a lot of 4x4s
I just purchased this vehicle not that long ago after having a 2000 ford ranger with the works done to it. Same size gas tank but the Xterra goes at least 100 miles more on a tank and the cab noise, ride quality, and acceleration are much better than that on the ranger. Keeps up with the average car on the highway very easily and so much fun to drive. I highly recommend.
Xterra Fun!
After my VW died with 200,000 plus miles on it, we thought long and hard about an SUV. This one is fun, handles like a truck (much different than my golf, and different is good!). It's got the clearance I need, but I wish I could go farther on one tank of gas! The emissions test rated lower than our golf, which is a plus. Room for 2 dogs in the cargo space!
2nd Xterra
My 2000 Xterra was so much fun and so reliable that it made it easy for us to step up and trade it in for a new SC Xterra. While we looked at other more expensive suv's we opted for what we felt was imo obviously the best deal, and for the vehicle that would most facilitate our active lifestyle and our adventurous spirit.
Real Off Road Machine - Out of the Box
I wanted a vehicle to take me to and from work everyday and be able to play offroad on the weekends all at a reasonable price. Hands down this vehicle is it. The supercharger is a wonderful feature for highway driving and passing. The fact that this machine has a full box ladder frame makes it perfect for real offroading. Aftermarket parts are also becoming more widely available. My only complaint would be fuel economy but if that was my main concern I wouldn't have bought this vehicle in the first place.
The X-terrible
I mean X-terrible in a good way like not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good (Run DMC). This is a fun to drive great to look at vehicle. Forget going over $30K for a few meaningless bells and whistles, this truck has and does all that those trucks do. Plus it looks tough, this is no Estrogen-UV like some of the other, wimpier looking new entries into the market. Keep those jacked up mini-vans and give me a truck with raised white lettered tires and aggresive styling. The dirtier it gets, the better it looks. Rock on in your X- terrible.
looks are deceiving
looks great, but don't judge a book by its cover. Ride is fatiguing and don't even mention wet roads with the General Tires. Overall I would never recommed this vehicle to anyone....even my enemies. Stay away!
2002 102,000 miles bought it new
In 19 years if I put $2000 into this vehicle I would probably over guessing. Beside preventive maintenance: oil.tires timing belt and other fluids, it cost me nothing. If it wasn't for the fact a tree and electrical transformer fell on the vehicle and it caught fire I would still be driving it...... On here looking for another one
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun Mobile
Just got My Xterra last week. Went off-road and had a blast. It is a little piggy when it comes to gas, but I knew that would be the case. It handles quite well, much better than some reviews that I've read lead me to believe. It also has enough power, even without the super charger. I having that commanding view of the road. This is the best SUV for the money.
rollovers
Please visit this site to see the safety record of this vehicle - www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.htm l. We loved our Xterra but were recently involved in a rollover accident caused by road/weather conditions that sustained the driver with serious but not life threatening head injuries. We wish we'd known the safety issues prior to buying. We loved this vehicle but would never have bought it had we known it was one of the lowest rated in regards to safety.
Car Saved My Life
Sadly I only owned this car for 2 months. I had an accident and flipped on a very dangerous road where I lived. People who passed by thought the driver would have died, but I only had a bruise on my knee. The roll ability was great and the cabin stayed intact (no denting in from the top or sides). I feel very lucky to be alive and believe the safety features on this Xterra are why.
cheap seats
I've had over 20 different cars and these are by far the WORST!!!! The foam is like a marshmellow. If I would have known how bad I would have never bought the car and probably will not keep the car...I can't believe the in dash ash tray is an accessory so you have a hole in the dash that looks like crap.. I'm really disapointed with this car, I know it's not a luxury car but please....Oh by the way this is not my first suv it's my third...
Just got my Solar Yellow SE SC 5spd...
I thought that I was going to feel like I've sacrificed performance, since I just traded in a '99 Maxima SE, but this thing hauls and handles remarkably well. (I wasn't able to test drive a 5 spd Supercharged, so I went on blind faith and had one built at the factory.) Velvet shift, stylish interior, killer good looks....Gotta love it!
Xcomfort
Take a long test drive before you buy. The front seats are HORRIBLE!!! Learn from my mistake; look at all the others before you decide. I'm getting 12-13MPG at best, and it's not really very fun to drive on the highway. Not happy with this purchase.
Solid
Purchased my Xterra in the summer of 01. It has been a reliable and durable truck. It's suffered the scorching summers of Phoenix, Az and the freezing winters of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and has never left us stranded. All parts still work. With regular maintenance it'll last forever. At 110K still runs strong no big repairs except for a high hose leak in the air conditioner, the power steering pump leaks but was fixed with a $10 additive and the rear main seal (common amongst Nissan trucks) is leaking oil but was fixed with another $10 additive I picked up. Overall been a fantastic vehicle. You can always depend on your Xterra
Best SUV Ever!!
Bought he used in o4 with 34,000 miles on her and just totaled her two weeks agao on and ice covered bridge. Drove her for 6 years and put 105,000 miles on her. NEVER had any problems!!! Replaced the battery at 100,000 along with the break pads and new tires but that's all she ever needed. Would buy another if I could afford the gas!! Loved every min. in her, drove across the country several times in her, i'm talking thousand mile journeys here, and was safe, comfy and happy the whole way! Looking at and Altama or Versa now.
Too expensive to fill up the tank!
When I bought my Xterra, I was unaware the of the horrible gas mileage that it got. Typically it will get 12 miles to the gallon and it takes premium fuel to fill up. Here in California, we are approaching $3/gallon. I won't be able to afford the cost of driving it.
ex-terra-ah!!!!!!
Excellent styling, handeling, and upper body roomieness. Sub-optimal (at best!) drivers side leg room. Brake, gas pedals and the center consel are crowded for feet and lower leg movement during driving. 170 hp V-6 is somewhat under powered for acceleration, but cruises effortlessly. Gas milage rivals a Sherman Tank! Good sound system. Archaic power knobs for mirrors / windows.
Switched engine?
Looked at 2002 xterra extreme bright Yellow. Engine looked old rusty and not like the engine in other pictures made me think its an older engine. the instrument panel lights were really dim can't hardly tell they're on excelleration terrible brakes lots of play in peddle headliner was fine but viper clip busted on driver side. The side mirror control cumbersome Dealer offered no warranty at all I can see why. Beware
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Truck Build to last
This truck is a looker. It has more to it than plin rugged looks. Its Xtreamely capable off the road. It has take me to the trails personality. It has the Nissan reliability and the proven and tested old Pathy engine.
Fun, Fun, Fun,Fun, FUn
This is the all time best SUV I've ever driven. It handles like a car more than a truck. I love the off road ability I now have. The team at North Texas Nissan was great the sales person Wendt really knew her stuff. This car get two thumbs up from me