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Used 2005 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
164 reviews

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent but for a few mech. issues

TCWTW, 05/02/2007
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This a good vehicle. If would be very good except for a few items. 1.) Sometimes takes several miles to switch out of 4 wheel drive (up to 20). 2.) The fuel level transmitter went faulty at about 53K (1.5 yrs). 3.) The front wheel bearing sounds like it is going bad. It was the best vehicle for the money when I bought it and if you want a lot of power and don't mind the poorer gas mileage, this car is for you. The seats on the base model are not that comfortable. I would highly recommend this vehicle for college students going off to college.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nissan Hit the Target With the Xterra

Will , 07/13/2007
2005 Nissan Xterra S Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

First off, the Xterra is not a vehicle for everyone. It rides like a truck, is built like a truck, and feels like a truck. So if this does not appeal to you, look elsewhere. If you like the idea of a vehicle that has a lot of storage, holds 4 people and gear in decent comfort, then the Xterra is a great choice. The vehicle is extremely useful. There are pockets, and bins all over. It is the first vehicle I have owned that lets me keep all the junk I carry with me organized.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

SOOOO UPSET ABOUT THIS TRUCK!

SeverelyDisappointed, 11/16/2007
2005 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I fully researched this truck before buying. Had given a glowing review before-now take it all back. Had it for 2.5 years, now the cam seal is leaking oil on exhaust manifold. Has totally shaken my faith in the truck. As soon as it's fixed-selling totally. Bought this truck for the rugged off road looks and sport utility features. Now it's just a sexy piece of crap. I really liked driving it-the 6 speed manual is great, and the horsepower was outstanding, until it started leaking like a sieve. My kids and I were really upset over having to give it up. After this experience, I will neever buy a Nissan again! I've had used cars that lasted longer than this!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Xterra

stultze, 11/26/2007
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great truck. Good performance, great build quality, OK gas mileage for a 6 cylinder SUV, good looks and a blast to drive both on and offroad.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Loved It But It Let Me Down

NewJeepGirl, 12/08/2007
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I really loved this truck. Had great performance-never seemed to lack HP, 6 spd tranny lots of fun. ABS computer died at 400 miles none of the gauges worked. Cam seal started leaking at 23K, then dealership couldn't get parts claiming they were hopelessly backordered. Nissan Corporate was no help either. Nice truck if you get a reliable one (good luck-it's a crap shoot). Family has had good luck with older Nissans-this one was definitely my last. Traded it for an 08 Jeep Patriot, and was so glad I did-AWD, Lifetime powertrain warentee, better ride and easier to get in/out of. Can't tow my camper like the X, but that's what my '97 Ford Expedition is for!

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Recall and all the known issues

usmcjarhead, 01/30/2012
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hardy J…in PA. Bought a 2005 Nissan X terra from Sheehy in Glen Burnie, MD. I did research on the Xterra’s before I bought the SUV and people were OK with the model and the gas mpg were crappy. I was happy with mine for months then…..the fuel sending unit went out, had the sensor recalls done, I paid for the front hubs out of my own pocket and now…..the radiator leaked into the transmission just like Nissan expected. 100’s of people texted, wrote, emailed, complained about all the known issues with the xterra’s. All the issues were like text book. Some owner issues were paid under warranty, some paid out of pocket, some had financial help from Nissan Corporate and some bit the bullet and were out of thousands like me. I can not afford to pay for the radiator replacement, new tranny and replace the catalytic converts. Contacted Nissan corp., they said I was way passed the warranty for the tranny and radiator repair. Nissan knew the Xterra had issues with the 2005 to 2007, but they would not recall all the issues. I’ve seen many sites with some pissed off owners because they are left with a lemon. I never knew I would get screwed by a car manufacture. Some owners were in the middle of the road with their families when the tranny died. Its worst than the issues with the Camrys killing people. The Xterra is a nice SUV minus the 2005 to 2007.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

ugly xterra

johnson, 06/23/2006
2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

my wife and her female friends really like it...the 265 hp v6 performs strong, it's an odd (unattractive) vehicle, cheap plastic interior, the ride reminds me of a mid 70s cj-5 i had years ago, too high price for as cheap as this X is constructed, would not recommend this vehicle.......

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Sirgwhiz, 03/20/2010
2005 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought vehicle new; mpg ratings were 16-20. Had an 03 Maxima rated at 24-28 mpg; in 45k miles avged 31.5. Expected Xterra to avg 20 or better. Highest ever was 17. Service rep said it was within specs and offered no help. Dealer couldn't reprogram. Overall it is rugged, manages very well in snow and slush and truly is a stable multiple purpose vehicle. Circuit card for fan and AC burned out, $60; clunking in drive train after 35k miles, dealer replaced front and rear drive shafts did not fix the noise. Spare tire lift mechanism broke ($140 - replaced it myself); jack is cheap and bent in use; leak in tailgate corroded lock; wheel bearing went out at 65000, tow & repair $900

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4 out of 5 stars

X-treem mommy mobile

rain_mckenna, 03/31/2005
2005 Nissan Xterra SE Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

i love this vehicle. my only problem is the looseness of the steering wheel. it did take some time getting used to, but it proved out well in our 600 mile drive to FLA for spring break.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

05 Xterra Rocks

xterraoffroader, 04/29/2005
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I Love this suv, I bought it 3 weeks ago. Gas mileage isn't bad at all very similar to my isuzu amigo. It's definetly the quickest car i've had so far. No Hesitation and it's a blast to ride. I did love my 99 Amigo but this surpasses it big time.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

very nice suv

fitty, 07/11/2005
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

great for family with dogs. easy to keep clean. fun to drive. excellent options. great value for the ride.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

not too great

dfs, 03/16/2005
2005 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

this suv is good for offroad, if u plan on driving everyday make sure u have ALOT of extra money for gas. It is unbelievable how much gas this car eats if i would have known i would not have purchased. It slides all over the place in the snow unless u put it in 4 wheel drive! even if its less then an inch of snow!!! u def. cannot fit 3 people in the back seat unless they are super skinny! so unless ur specific use for this car is off road i dont recommend it

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3 out of 5 stars

Capable but rugged

Marty, 12/31/2006
2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

We traded in a Caravan for a new 2005 Xterra. We were really tired of the minivan and wanted something with more power and something to pull our new atv's. Poor decision. The ride is anything but good. The interior is all plastic and cheap. The stereo has poor sound. Poor fuel economy. Overall the vehicle is very off-road capable and tows very well. Other than that it is definitely not something you want to take on a trip. If you don't need the offroad or towing capability, look elsewhere for something more accommodating. The ride quality alone will tire you even on a couple hour ride. Also it is very difficult to get in and out of the rear seats. Not something you want if you have kids.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Loved it, but...

citychild, 10/30/2011
2005 Nissan Xterra SE 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

We just traded it because we couldn't afford 16/mpg average. The only significant problem we had was around 88k, our A/C stopped working--crucial in Phoenix. We found out it was the radiator which was plugged at 30%. We were told since it's such a small radiator, this caused the A/C to stop working. Thankfully, we had an extended warranty because the bill for this was costly because there was a lot of figuring out what to do before they figured it out. Between the gas, the cost of tires ($200/each) and oil changes ($50 each) we traded our car. It was a sad day, but we will be happier at the gas station, that's for sure.

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