Used 2004 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews
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300,000 miles
routine maintenance goes a long way nothing major brakes-rotors-belts-fluids and lots of gas and tires bought new 2003
great SUV for the money
i picked up my Xterra used in 2008 with 12k and now im up to 70k. i use full synthetic oil and so far maintenance has been super cheap. ive only done basic maintenance stuff with no repairs in 58k miles! the stock tires suck, but if you invest in a decent set of all terrains, this truck cant be beat for the price. acceleration is lacking, but you sacrifice giddy up for economy. ive gotten up to 20mpg out of this SUV no problem. AC and heater work great. 4wd is great. creeks, mud, water up to the doors. pulls through it all (if you know how to drive off road properly).
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,49973 mi away
- XE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,788155 mi away
- SE 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,500212 mi away
Good SUV Startup vehicle
I just got my X-Terra, I drove it to the Grand Canyon. While it could only do 60MPH going uphill, on the flat road it handled very well, for a 4 cyl. It was comfortable to ridee in it. Roomy for all my gear, fuel consuption was very good when speeds were kept to at least 75MPH. Doing 80 - 90MPH and your fuel consuption will still not be too bad. While more power would be great, all and all the X-Terra (4cyl)is not a bad investment for what you get.
Xterra has stood up to my bad habits, Great Truck
This vehicle had been through the mill, I have put 250,000 miles on it and replaced the tires twice, changed the oil lots and now have to replace the rear shocks. Along with driving constantly in bad weather, I have towed very heavy equipment and up to 23' boats on a regular basis. I have the 3.3 in it which makes it a bit of a slug off the line, but the power is there when you need it. (well geared) While not towing I get around 28 mpg and can go from Kingston On. to Boston Mass. on 1 tank of fuel.
Xterra the best car ever
I bought my xterra new and use it for work and do a lot of driving . I have 210,990 miles and do all the required maint. Oil every 4-5000 miles. Trans fluid every 50k. Tune-up was done at 150k w/timing belt. Didn't need water pump but changed it anyway. Shocks (factory stock at 40k not that good ) but since then) kyb's no prob!The only prob is break dust on front rims, hard to keep clean. Breaks every 30k easy to do my self. Engine strong overall very strong .
Nice Vehicle even as "bare bones" model
Bought vehicle used with 39,000 miles. Now it has 84,000 miles. So far, only part replaced was thermal sensor for the fuel injector, A.K.A. "wax kit", which measures engine heat for the fuel injector through a radiator hose. Wax kit, dealer installed, was $230.00. Covered under accessory warranty (3yrs/36K miles), not under drivetrain warranty (5 yrs/60,000 miles). The 4 cyl/5 spd manual is nice and economical with hwy/city mileage almost always 20 MPG with regular gasoline. It's easy to work on mechanically, with a lot of extra room in the engine compartment. Rides nice and secure on the highway. The 4 cyl / 5 spd manual is an excellent value, even if purchased brand new.
High Value (For people who plan to use 4-low)
If I wasn't in to upland game bird hunting, fly fishing, mountain biking, and such-like, I wouldn't own anything as truculent as a truck. Since I am into those things, I've had some kind of low range, four-wheel drive vehicle since I was 21 years old, starting with an '87 Samurai, followed by an '89 Isuzu Trooper RS short-wheelbase 2DR, a '73 Bronco, an '88 Montero 2DR, and '87 Pathfinder, a '97 TJ Jeep, a 2007 4X4 Ranger, and, finally, my 2004 Xterra. I have a 2002 Mustang to drive every day. I only use the Xterra when my motoring plans require four-wheel drive, or I need to pull my M-416 cargo trailer to the home improvement store for a load of fertilizer for my garden, or get my boat to the water, in the water, and out of it. I was in the market for a gen-one Discovery or Discovery II when I came across my 2004 Xterra with 160,000 miles on it for $3,000.00. It had the same "command seating" position that I like in the Discovery/Discovery II. It has a similar "stadium seating" arrangement for the rear seat, too. It's a little narrower and less tall, which is nice on some of the trails I run, and it has a tighter turning radius, too. My Xterra also presents near-new, inside and out, and unlike pretty much every Discovery / Discovery II I've been in that wasn't new, my Xterra has zero squeaks and rattles. It also has the ground clearance I need to get where I want to go on the stock 31" tall tires and stock suspension and can take a 32" tall 265/75 -16 with no lift. A Discovery / Discovery II can't. PROS: Trail-friendly dimensions, command seating position, stadium seating for rear passengers lets them see what's coming on the trail; trail-worthy ground clearance, approach, departure, and breakover angles, in stock form; tight turning radius, good interior room, plus useful cargo capacity behind rear seat; highly functional factory roof rack; limited-slip rear differential; sufficient capability to handle majority of legal, open routes on BLM and Forest Service land; easy to clean, durable interior materials; a very easy to shift transfer case lever; a sweet-shifting five-speed manual gear box; acceptable 19-20 mpg Interstate fuel economy; comfortable ride on all road surfaces; currently enjoys good parts availability for a near 20 year old vehicle. Cons: The factory LSD could do a better job of sending torque across the rear axle. I wish it had 4:1 or even 3:1 low range gears instead of 2:1 as a lower low range would make my life on the trail a bit easier with my five-speed manual gearbox. Steering components, like tie rods, seem a little undersized and weak. It could use about 40 more horsepower and 40 more foot-pounds of torque. The engine bay is an unorganized mess of excessive wires and hoses and is a bit cramped for D.I.Y. wrenching. Stop and go city fuel economy is dismal and I average about 11 mpg when putzing along trails in low range and first, second, and third in the main box. Automatic freewheeling hubs kinda suck. Will replace with Warn manual units at some point. Not keen on factory location of spare tire. Common Problems I Know About: Leaky valve cover gaskets (mine were replaced by prior owner shortly before I bought my Xterra) that piss oil on the starter and cause that to fail, too. Exhaust manifolds crack and fail, catalytic converters fail ($3,100 in genuine Nissan parts to fix, plus another grand in genuine Nissan dealer labor); knock sensor failure; distributors sometimes eat themselves alive; plastic-tank radiator is no more or less reliable than Ford's. The engine is an "interference type" with belt-driven overhead cams. If you buy one of these, get proof (like I did) that the "front of engine service" was done at the recommended interval or budget to do it or have it done as soon as you buy. A broken cam drive belt in an interference engine can lead to serious internal engine damage. The Xterra isn't the sort of vehicle I'd personally want to drive every single day of my life. But, if you are the kind of person who has a use for the low-range four-wheel drive capability the vehicle has, the Xterra is something of a bargain considering what they go for now compared to how well they perform on the trail in stock form. Figure about 3K to get in to one, and another 3K to catch up on prior owner neglect, and you'll have a vehicle that will do everything a new Toyota 4-Runner will at a mere fraction of the price. As one of the last of the true off-pavement capable, body-on frame SUV's with low-range four-wheel drive, I expect that we're at the bottom of the value curve on these and clean, well-cared for ones will soon start seeing a rise in asking prices. Mine is worth a whole lot more to me than what I am into it for.
Great Mid-Sized SUV
I bought a 2004 Xterra brand new and it was a great car until a patch of black ice and a telephone pole last week. Very safe vehicle, as I was uninjured from the crash. I had racked up close to 170,000 miles without any major issues, just your usual suspects (brakes, tires, etc.). Engine and transmission were still running great. The only thing I had noticed was the heater/AC blower motor would only work on high (seems to be a recurring Nissan problem, I've had it happen to 2 other Nissans). Other than that, a great car! I'm seriously considering buying another one to replace it.
Everything you need, nothing you don't
I bought my 04 new over 12 years ago. It now has 188,000 miles and still has the original clutch and rear brakes. It has been extremely easy to maintain and is the best vehicle I have ever owned and it may last another 100,000 miles. Only complaint I really have is the poor acceleration in the quarter mile and for passing. If you want a back to basics SUV that is tough, affordable, and cool the X may work out for you. It's a good little beast in 4wd.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
If you want a TRUE S.U.V.
I compared the Saturn Vue and the Hyundai Sante Fe before making my decision on the Xterra. The Xterra has a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. while the others have only 1,200 lbs. The ground clearance and cargo capacity is larger than the others too. Get the 4 cyl 5 speed manual if you want the power. It does seem underpowered at first and it took me three days to get used to the shifts. Now I can make this truck fly fast. It has three regular V belts instead of 1 long serpentine belt so no worries if you run into deep water. Nissan built a real SUV.
Dependable
Bought used with aprox. 20,000 miles, in 2006. Now has 80,000 in 2010. I have only changed the oil, the air filter, the head lights, wipers, and battery. Did every thing but the oil myself with ease. My good friend, a mechanic, recommended I buy an Xterra. I am glad I did. I owned a 2000 Frontier that never gave me a problem either, so I was happy to by another Nissan. I'd bet it has the same 2.4 litter engine, but geared lower. I removed the roof rack air dam for better mileage.
T's "Terra"
I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I've driven Nissans before and I always said that I would get another one. I went to the dealership to get an Altima and left with an Xterra. It is SHARP,CUTE and I know for a fact that all nissans are dependable. I have been looking at the Xterra since it came out in 2000. I have always adored it. It has great storage the seats letting down was also a perk. To me, it's a step down from the Armada. Yes, I said it. I have teenage and a school age children, plus a dog and we all love it. Try cruising in it on a pretty Spring day and everybody has a window. Then you will know what you are missing. This is 1 SUV that is worth the money. I chose this over Honda HAPPILY!!!
2004 replaces the 2000
Well I sold my 2000 with 300k and it was still running great and now its time to run the 2004 Which is basically the same vehicle with minor changes cosmetically to front end and instrumentation. This one has163k on it so far so good, its seems like it could be just as great as other one but I miss the steel front bumper and this one doesn't have the sunroof. UPDATE: 2004 with the 3.3 /automatic. I drive it 106 miles per day 5 days a week, I change oil every 3-4 thousand miles, all major components still operating as they should. This is not a 4 runner you will put money into it but for what I paid it evens out. I bought it with 132k it now has 285k during this time besides normal maintenace Ive put injectors, 1 convertor 1 starter and rear springs on it.They are notorious for check engine light being on. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined they are pretty easy to work on 2000-2004 are best ones to own
Great SUV Great looks Xterra
I purchased My Xterra New in 2004 i towed a pair of Yamaha sky's for about 7 years also towed trailers sometimes nothing to heavy always did the job no issues went to the river and local lakes many times never had a problem launching the sky's or on the road Vargas many times. 2 timing belts 1 radiator tune up every 100k regular oil changes 3500 to 4000 miles trans flushed once rear end never changed 210k looks and runs great Best vehicle ever..
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
SUV that is really solid, not fake
I have owned this car for 6 months now, and have no complaints at all so far, is solid like a rock, and very fun to drive. Is not like one of those SUV that look much more like a sedan on the inside, is rather basic and rough, but is still very quiet in the inside, seats are comfortable, and has a lot of pockets and compartments all over. AC and heater are great, factory stereo has a decent sound, manual transmission is smooth (for an off-road SUV) and looks fantastic, all your neighbors will notice it, that's for sure.
What an SUV used to be
At one time an SUV was an on/off road vehicle. Now they are simply status symbols. If you are in the market for what an SUV was origonally intended for, then this is for you. It rides well on and off road. We added a tow package, Power Package, and a Sport Package all of which are a must. We never got the Electrochromic mirror which was not offered on the model we got. I think it is a must if you want to be off road and in the bush
xterra
most dependable, comfy and fun to drive vehicle i ever owned...just wish it had a bigger fuel tank and better mileage...i admit it is the supercharged version and love to kick it at red lights but the overall economy is low to say the least....don't expect more than 13mpg city or highway....
Nissan Xterra buyer for life
Nissan Xterra is the best vehicle I have ever owned, I have driven over 30,000 mile in 6mo without any types of problems. I am a nissan buyer for life.
Still love my X!
I bought a new 2004 Xterra SE 4WD over 2.5 years ago. I still own it and drive it part-time. So this is a retrospective review. Overall, I'm happy with this Xterra. I've driven to rugged areas and didn't worry about the Xterra being able to get me through. The engine reliability has been perfect. Have had only minor cosmetic and noncritical problems. The Xterra makes you want to roll down the windows and cruise along, which is what I do in mild weather. I drove my Xterra from Oklahoma to Colorado to California and back, just cruising along enjoying the scenery. It was not an uncomfortable trip. I've had more comfortable vehicles but this was a great trip in the Xterra.
Solid 4X4
I bought my Xterra after carefully researching the vehicle, and scrutinizing the condition of the car itself. For the most part, I agree with most of the reviews. The ride is a bit stiff, which is good for a true SUV. The steering can be a bit squirrely, especially at lower speeds, but it is fine once you adjust to it. One point I wholly agree with is the underpowered engine. A truck like this should have a 4.0 as base, not an upgrade. The interior is comfortable, if a little sparse, save for the power windows and locks. I'd also like more up front storage. So despite it's few shortcomings, it's a great truck. I really, really like it. After all, Dogs love trucks!
Great Nissan Product
Purchased this SUV in December of 2009. Bought it because of its looks and the great price that the dealership was asking for it. Also that it has a full warranty. The Xterra has 70,000 miles on it and drives like a new car. I get great mileage averages about 24 to 25 mpg. Also love its rugged looks. Get many compliments when driving around in this vehicle. Have also spoken with many other Xterra Owners about their Cars. Everyone I have spoken with Love this Vehicle and would buy it again. Well done Nissan Product. Only thing I hope: Is that the Car will last me for many years to come.
Xterra!
This is my primary car. I have owned the car only for a couple months. I really enjoy how the SUV is a manual, which makes it really fun to drive! The gas mileage is not too horrible, but could be improved. The car seems a bit basic, but I LOVE the 4x4. This car has been the best car I have ever had.
Buy this SUV
This is my 2nd Xterra. First one was 2wheel drive, this one is 4 wheel drive. Looks like major changes to exterior of the 2005 models. I don't know about them, but I have been very happy with my 2003 and 2004. Its supposed to be marketed to kids but I'm 50 and lovin it. Don't be afraid to buy this SUV. Its just as sexy as a Toyota and more dependable than a Chevy, and $5000 less than either one. Shop at the last of the month and add factory incentives, you could bring one of these 4X4's home for around $21000. I did.
Safety first
I was in a horrible head on collision in Dec. Everyone told me the only reason I was alive was because of my car! In my opinion, the XTERRA is the safest car on the road.
great suv
I got my x brand new in 2003, I drive a lot on the road with work, I have 201,001 miles on it, I get it serviced once a year, I use only bf goodwich tires ruggend trail, so these people saying they got stuck in the mud and snow, can u drive, I like to fish, go go down in the ditch and the x brings me back out, ive driven my x in 32 states in the rain, snow, ice, I've had no problems. And the super charger has no problem getting up and going. Besides normal wear and tear, I have no problems with my suv, I use full syn oil and fuilds, I only changed my oil once ever 10-12,000 miles, I get 17- 21 miles per gal, if u want a good suv for yrs to come this is it, I'm over 200k and running strong!
Grows on you.
At first I had some issues with the Xterra. I thought that fuel economy was bad and that it had a tough ride. I found these 2 issues to be the only problems with the vehicle and they turned out to be personal issues. I bought a truck based SUV and I have owned cars in the past. I had to go through a learning curve and after I have accepted this, I really love the truck-key is truck. It is a great buy and I am glad I bought it. The R.F. stereo is excellent too.
Mixed Emotions
I love the utility of this truck.Great for loading up the dog and the girl and heading up the White Mts for long weekends of hiking and camping, etc. Great for packing a lot of gear. The dog loves it, too. Only a few complaints..which really bug me...its loud driving on wet roads...sounds like a door is open in the back. Also, the thing lacks pick up on the low gears. No muscle.(I traded in my TACOMA for this dog of a truck.) It doesn't seem so strongly built either. The fenders are weak. Overall, it is a strong like. But, it aint no TACOMA TRD.
A Bit Disappointed in Nissan
Reliability has been great and it has definitely hauled a lot of items for me. Very easy to steer and turns on a dime. However, I'm very disappointed in Nissan craftmanship. Front grille immediately faded within 6 months. I was told by dealer that this was part of the "rugged" look and they wouldn't replace it. Seats are very hard and uncomfortable for travel. Windows have poor insulation - wind is howling. No mirrors even on the visors! Back seat doors are made for people smaller than a size ten (and younger than 50) to squeeze through to get into the backseat. But I guess you pay for what you get.
Excellent SUV
I've been very happy with this SUV since I bought it new in 2005. It has never given me a single problem and has performed amazingly in both snow and sand. This thing practically has claws for tires.
MY CAR DIGGITY
couldn't ask for a better car
Missed the little things
have had to go back to the dealership a lot for little things like cold air around the handles and window trim falling off. the window motors are too light weight and are troublesome. Fuel economy is nothing like I expected to get, average 15.3 and that's with a lot of highway miles, you would think that with that kind of mileage it would have some power but the engine is starving for power. The A/C runs even when the system is not activated, they claim it's due to the defrost system but I think they screwed up in the design and it's Nissan's way of getting out of a repair charge.
Great Ride
Love this ride. It's fun - It's goodlooking - Large cargo space with really usable roof rack. Very functional interior layout. Great ride for camping, getting to the hiking trails, or any offroad activity. Cleans up easily inside after those offroad activities because of the material that covers the seats. Not bad for gas milage for what it is. If one is worried about the money for gas, an SUV should not even be an option considered. It gets about 20mpg but my foot gets heavy sometimes. When the cruise control is used and I keep it on 55 it does better.
Gas Mileage sucks
This car is good for getting from point a to point b but anything else it lacks. You can get a better deal on a nicer suv. The car is actually not bad to drive but severely lacks in power and gas mileage. The most I have gotten in mileage on the road is 18 with cruise control at 65-70. At gas prices today, I would get another suv that's nicer even though they get the same mileage.
The war pony
I LOVE my Xterra. I call it the War Pony. Because it,ll go anywhere I ask it to, at any time, in any weather. I used to own a full size lifted Bronco. I am now a 52 year old grandmother and needed a smaller 4 door. I did not think any thing could replace my big truck. Then I found the xterra. I strap my grand children into the back and away we go. No more getting out to lock in hubs. The ground clearence is fine the power is perfect. The interior cleans well. The gas mileage is good. Drivers comfort is great. Room in the back seat is good. I can see all around . the sound syatem bumps too. I LOVE my War Pony!!! I would recomend the Xterra to any one who wants a true 4x4with extras buy it!!!
Gotta Love it
I love my truck. Its rough but its not meant for comfort. Nothing i cant go over and nothing i cant clear. TIGHT vehicle. Its a gasaholic. I knew that though when i bought it. Everything i would want such as more storage and easier fold down rear were addressed in the second generation model. Its a Ballsy Truck.
Capable Off-Road Vehicle
Very happy with the handling of this SUV both on and off-road. Steering is tight and responsive. I've heard previous years had problems with this, but it seem Nissan has fixed the problem. I also feel the 180 HP V-6 has plenty of power for this size vehicle. I'm very happy with responsivness of the engine. The 205 ft.lbs. of torque help acceleration too.
Love My XTerra
I really love my Xterra. I got it mainly for the looks, the durability, and the Nissan reliability. I was disappointed that leather seats were not an option, and it is a total pain to have to take out the back seat cushions to lower the back part flat. It has been very reliable, and kept me safe and unharmed in quite an impactive auto accident. I will seriously consider upgrading to the new model of XTerra, in the next few years, after I get this one paid off! It is very competitive in price, and I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking in the mid-size SUV market.
rating of 2004 xterra
this suv combines a rugged truck style with a suv size. the ride isn't build for comfort. rough bumpy ride as a truck would have.
A Sporty Sport Utility
Perfect if you want a SUV that can go off road without hurting its feelings and you want to feel like you are in something sporty. Drives like compact pickups (well that is what it is built off of). Plenty of places to tie down cargo inside and out. Dont get it if you plan to stay in the suburbs all your driving time. Perfect if you are into the outdoors like hiking, biking, camping, hunting, fishing, etc.
Very dependable
Bought mine new and have had no problems at all. It has 106,000 miles on it now. Besides regular maintenance no one problem at all! Good truck very reliable.
Durable, Functional, and a Great Ride
After test driving the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and sitting in a myriad of its competitors, I chose the Xterra for its durability, funtional interior, REAL 4X4, and masculine good looks. This is a truck and can be used like one, yet the ride is suprisingly smooth and comfortable. Something to note, the Tribute and Escape may seem to have "smoother, car- like rides", but in a world of Midwestern pot-holed streets, the Tribute and Escape's short wheelbase and compromised suspension leave the driver bouncing up and down constantly, in a choppy fashion. The Xterra soaks up bumps, distributing them through the solid truck frame.
A truck with a cabin and a V6stick shift
The tow rating is marked down 1500lbs in the manual, becuase people just don't know how to drive it. Excelleration is excellent, top end isn't bad...but it's high. But, it's also a truck, not a car on stilts. Don't buy this truck if you want luxury, or are just going to stay on- road. It's plainly ugly, but it does go every where and anywhere. I love the practicality and ruggedness of this truck.
number 1
The Nissan Xterra, is buy far the best off-roading/in-town suv in its price range. Although lacking in comfort during long road trips, the standard V6 offers enough power to get you anywhere. Good preformance on and offroad, I personaly have left many of my friends SUVs in the dust, weather on or off road. The best choice for the active, go get it lifestyle. I love it!
Best All around SUV.
Great in the snow and in the mountains. The gas mileage isn't the best but its a great car for any outdoor enthusiast and it's still a great daily driver. It can handle any terrain you put in front of it and you can still get leather, a great stereo and comfortable ride even for long trips.
Fun Wheels
This is my first SUV, and fun to drive. A week after purchasing it, we had snow, the 4x4 makes it fun
Not well-rounded enough
I bought the Nissan 6 months ago and have not been disappointed. It delivered its promise: cool exterior, great image and capable offroad. However anyone driving this thing around town, like I do should think twice. Ride is uncomfortable, at least compared to a CR-V fuel milage is poor and the worst thing is engine performance. Shortly, this vehicle is very slow! I'm glad Nissan will improve on that for 2005, because while the numbers are impressive on paper, this is a very heavy SUV and hence simply slow. Before you buy it, test drive a Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4 and Ford Escape. They cost about the same and should meet your needs just fine. Do not spend money on image alone!
Terrible Experience!
I used to own this car and even though it's great looking and fun to drive, my engine blew... timing belt was ripped off and they told me they needed to replace whole engine! Just reading from other reviews I see this is a common problem for 2004 Nissan Xterra so just be careful when buying!!!!
Great SUV for the $$
Very happy with this purchase. We drove numerous SUV's before buying the Xterra. All others we tested were in the $30-40k range, but didn't see the point in paying that kind of money with the depreciation rate. Rugged design is nice and performance is very good. Turning capabilities are excellent and it handles very well on any type of road. Rides a little rougher since it's based on truck chassis. Storage is ample with the seats folded down.
Some X's are better than others, I wasn't lucky
I bought my X in 2004, at first everything went great. I have 167 K miles on mine and it wasn't a walk in the park. Where do I start, at 120k miles i spent 1500 dollars repairing the entire cluth assy. At 130 K the entire brake system went to hell ( another 1200 dollars. at 135 k miles the shocks went to hell ( another 900 dollars). At 138k miles or so 150 to replace the liner. Long story short...I replaced the compressor ( 900 dollars) , the water pump ( 700 dollars) , I replaced the radio ( 130 dollars) , the catalyst converter ( 900 dollars or so) , I had to replace the starter ( 800 dollars) . Now at 167 K miles , the only thing I haven't replaced is the cup holder..IT SUCKS!
Loves Petro
This vehicle is one of the most confusing things I have ever owned. To have a small 170 hp v6 this thing drinks more gas and puts out less power than anything out on the road.It is hard to love a car that on it's best day gets 19 mpg and needs a good half mile of clear highway to pass another motorist. It is a joy to drive around town running errons but besides that it stay in my garage, I would never recomamend this one to anyone.