Used 2005 Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M) Consumer Reviews
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Still an excellent, versatile backcountry SUV!
michael sanders, Albuquerque, NM, 04/08/2016
updated 04/19/2024
Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
38 of 38 people found this review helpful
Purchased used in 2009, 48K miles, now 178000 miles. replaced clutch (premature failure, undersized original clutch, design defect, Nissan would not acknowledge or repair) at about 55K with non-Nissan appropriately-robust clutch parts from Jim Wolf Technology, San Diego, no further clutch issues to date. Interior fabric holding up very well but did have drivers seat upholstery redone recently. Timing chains, guides, water pump etc replaced at 177500-$2600. Didnt want to risk a timing chain break which probably would wreck the engine. Spark plugs replaced at this time too-$850. For my needs (emphasized), continues to be an excellent off-road and backcountry vehicle. Very functional multi-use, versatile SUV. Still gets 23 mpg highway with 6 speed manual-quite good for a truck based SUV. Short wheel Base and tight turning radius makes for a nimble vehicle. Easily removed back seat bottom cushions allows conversion to an almost 7’ long flat sleeping platform. October 2018 update: X now has 131K+ miles. No other significant mechanical issues since the premature clutch failure other than mostly routine stuff. Replacement clutch with non-Nissan Jim Wolf Technology components has been trouble-free so far. I'm still vy impressed with the overall versatility and attention to detail of this vehicle given my specific needs, and plan to drive it until the "doors fall off". And it still consistently gets an average of about 23 mpg (ranges from 22 to 24+) with the standard tranny, which again is excellent for this type of truck-based 4wd rock crawler type vehicle. Bummer that Nissan stopped making Xterras in 2016, but not enough demand apparently. Maybe the next version will be a hybrid?? Oct 2021 review: Still going strong at about 160k miles. Jim Wolf Technology replacement clutch (at 55k miles) still working just fine. Clutch starter safety switch failed. Easy fix by mechanic but vehicle disabled and had to be towed. No other significant problems so far. Still vy pleased at the general quality and versatility of this vehicle. Still plan to use until no longer practical from a repair standpoint.
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Outstanding transportation
Norman Prevatt, 10/13/2008
Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my wife's car. We purchased it for our move to N.VA from TX, because we would be back in snowy country in winter. She loves this vehicle, and it performs best in her hands. Her last trip to GA produced 23 mpg, with the "service engine soon" light on. I expect to keep this vehicle for many years unless gas goes over $5/gal. It is highly dependable, and perfect for our travels. Many will complain about performance/comfort issues, but most of these are people who are ignorant of what this thing is. It is a TRUCK! It is supposed to be tough. It's supposed to be rugged. The commercial says it best, "Everything you need. Nothin' you don't." Thank you.
Nothing beats the Goat
LuvmyXterra, 08/21/2007
Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My husband and I refer to my truck as the Billy Goat or the X-terrible, because it gets out of anything. Frankly, it's unstoppable. We tow our 24 foot trailer with it, and can get out of any snowy condition. I totally disagree with some of the other comments about the ride-we have 2 kids who love taking trips in our X. We recently took ours from CT to Penn, VT and RI. It's plenty comfortable, and we love the great capabilities and thoughtful extras. It was the only man shift available that could tow 5K lbs. It's got so much pickup, that it never seems winded on the hwy. Great multi-purpose ute. Great machine - buy it. What other vehicle has a tent that you can hook to the back?
470,000 Km. Still running strong.
Happy off road driver, 08/18/2021
Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My vehicle has four hundred and seventy thousand kilometres on it and still can out accelerate most 8 cylinder pick up trucks. She does not burn any oil and shifts very well. Traction and off road performance is. Ery good. The suspension still is tight and the ride quality good for a truck. Exterior body shows no rust or paint flaws. HOWEVER she burns a lot of gas and is a very heavy vehicle with high wind resistance which not helped by the built in roof top storage. Steering is excellent but it takes room. It is a very large station wagon , more realistically a stout like up truck. Brakes can be a problem particularly if you experience a high idle rpm ( hitch can be re-taught by following a long 3 step process. Exhaust and battery have been replaced in the last 12 month. Locks and tailgate problem are common. I do not know anyone who still pretends the back tailgate works. They corrode and their is no factory interior mechanism to open the tailgate although many people have used the flair kit recess in the rear tailgate to install a implement rod release from that recess. Nail a major component breaks down I will continue to use it qlthough for longer trips the Nissan Rogue costs about 50% of the fuel costs of the Xterra.
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Fun to drive with a few tradeoffs
tnwea1, 12/17/2008
Nissan Xterra S 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The drivetrain of the Xterra is great. The engine/ transmission work together well and the 4x4 works great. Rear seat entry is tough but roomy once you get in (I'm 6'2"). The plastic interior is easily scratched. We've had problems with a squeak in the hood latch and a noise from the fuel pump. Both of these noises were loud and took a while for the dealer to fix. Overall the Xterra has been a decent vehicle with a few minor problems.
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