2003 Nissan Xterra Review
2003 Nissan Xterra Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Rugged looks and the off-road capability to match, lots of room inside.
Cons
- Poor on-road ride and steering, four-cylinder and normally aspirated V6 lack power.
What’s new
Though the Xterra was updated just last year, Nissan has made further changes for 2003. Mechanically, the V6 has received a slight increase in power, and a stability control system (Nissan's VDC) will be a new option. Also for 2003, Xterra XE V6 models come with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and tubular step rails, and four new exterior colors are available, including Atomic Orange and Camouflage (limited and late availability). Inside, a driver seat-height and lumbar adjuster has been added to V6 models and a new roof headliner net (on nonsunroof models) and luggage side net have also been added, along with new metal ceiling tie-down hooks. A "rugged" leather package is now offered for the SE trim. Other refinements include a 300-watt rating for the Rockford Fosgate-powered eight-speaker audio system, an available tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. A heavy-duty alternator and dual 12-volt power outlets located in the engine compartment are also standard on SE trim.
Edmunds says
A truck-based compact-ute for those who actually plan to use it like it's featured in Nissan's TV commercials.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Nissan Xterra XE I4 Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$236/mo for Xterra XE
Xterra XE
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Nissan Xterra.
5 star(59%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
162 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
One of the best SUVs
xterra_ep, 08/22/2012
2003 Nissan Xterra XE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
Exceent SUV, if you take a little care of it:
First of all change to Bilsteins - it will change your driving experience 180 degrees.
Second, if you over 100K change timing belt, all other belts; watter pump, termostat.
Third, make sure your brakes are good.
Now you have a fantastic car - you have to invest a bit - but then you have a true 4x4 that will go anywhere, will start any … time, and will drive and feel like brand new.
Or much better than many brand new cars, suvs in the $20K range.
My wife wants me to change my car to twice more expensive and more cool - I love this SUV - I put some sweat to it and it is perfect now!
Love it!
4 out of 5 stars
Best car for everything!!
Bobby, 10/01/2015
2003 Nissan Xterra XE I4 Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
In all honesty it is one of the best all around cars you can buy, and cheap too! The acceleration is not bad for what it is, the teams is fantastic!! I beat on mine all the time and if you do nessesitys to maintain it will hold up forever! Mine has 220,000 miles and runs strong, only repairs are on the clutch and breaks, very solid, pretty safe is you drive normally, surprisingly hard to … flip! Reliable fun, relatively safe and 25+ mpg!!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Loved my X!
nakeshamika, 07/08/2010
2003 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4WD 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
Great mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldn't afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didn't … help. If you don't care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I can't wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best vehicle I've ever owned
masterelrond, 09/10/2011
2003 Nissan Xterra XE Rwd 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
Last year, I got a job that required a long commute, and had to get rid of my 2003 Xterra. I really miss that SUV, by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. The only maintenance that was ever required was the scheduled maintenance, I never had a single problem with it that required fixing. It drove smooth, and was surprisingly quiet for an SUV. The V6 engine was very powerful, as we towed … and carried many loads across the US without even straining it, there was always more power than we needed. By the time I traded it in after 7 years of driving, the paint was still perfect, the suspension was perfect, the engine was perfect, and the interior looked brand new. I really miss that Xterra. :(
2003 Xterra Highlights
XE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $17,999 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $236/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 44.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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