Skip to main content

Used 2006 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
121 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

The Swiss Army Knife of SUV's

Kendall, 08/01/2006
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

In comparison to my previous SUV purchases, 1) Jeep: The worst automotive experience I've ever had, and 2) Mitsubishi Montero: A mediocre performer, the 2006 Xterra is the perfect blend of performance and comfort for thousands less. The 265 HP engine makes freeway blending a breeze and provides smooth power for backcountry exploration here at the Grand Canyon. There are dozens of easy and inexpensive add-on racks, nets and carriers for every toy I want to strap on, plus a 5000 lb. towing capacity.

Report Abuse

4.25 out of 5 stars

2006 Xterra

Mike, 09/14/2006
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Find this a great ride. Didn't realize the rear windows only went 1/2 way down because of the design of the door. Love the response off the lights and the ride off road. I put a set of LT tires on when I bought it and they are harder riding than the stock P tires that came on it, knew this at the start. Dealer is 28 miles away from my home so I had to buy 10 Nissan oil filters and let the local Jiffy Lube do the changes. Jiffy lube was 15 bucks cheaper also. The performance is exceptional even when compared to my 02 Tacoma I traded in .

Report Abuse
2006 Nissan Xterra for sale near you
Showing 3 of 62 listings
See all 62 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

Absolutely awesome

doublemp2262, 01/05/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've never been so eager to drive. This truck is fun both on and off road! Perfect for camping, traveling or just daily driving, and the base price is a lot of bang for your buck.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

Nice truck

Grouch, 03/21/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Lots of room inside, though difficult to get in and out of rear seats. Confident and sure footed ride. Really enjoying it.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

scott661, 03/16/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I never thought about owning a Xterra, but after test driving this baby, I just had to have it. The ride and power are great. Wife doesn't want me to drive so she can enjoy. Great SUV for the dough!!

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

nice suv

sledhead, 03/29/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive in all weather conditions. Four wheel drive works great. Engine has plenty of power even with 3000 lb trailer in tow, still accelerates uphills with no problem unlike our past v6 explorer. Somewhat of a stiff ride but that is what we like, its a truck not a car. Just put 10,000 miles on it with no problems so far.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

JSG, 07/11/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I recently purchased my Xterra, so I do not know much about "true" reliability yet. My experience so far has not had anything to suggest that reliability will be poor, so I am giving it the benefit of the doubt in that area. The Xterra has done exactly what I have asked it to do so far. I have put 1600 miles on the vehicle in a short time. In that time I have been impressed by the ground clearance as well as overall 4X4 capability. The Xterra was able to go places that other vehicles couldn't (or wouldn't). I was able to pull a full size truck out of the mud with no trouble at all (the truck was stuck in a stretch of mud that the Xterra just went through). Has full size power, midsize thirst!

Report Abuse
3.63 out of 5 stars

2006 Nissan Xterra

EX, 09/23/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I owned a 94 Camry for 13 years prior to this and needed a better vehicle to haul camping equipment and handle forest roads. I loved the style and power of the 06 Nissan and it got the best SUV of 2006 award so I went with it. I bought it with 17k on it at a pretty good price at that time ($20800). Before 18K, it needed the valve covers replaced! Though they were under warranty I was not impressed! The plastic interior is wimpy and heaven help you if you have dogs! The exterior paint is lame too! Gas mileage is not as good as they claim in the city (more like 12) but the highway is pretty accurate at 21. The wet cargo area above would be better served by a sunroof.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Buy

Matt, 03/03/2008
2006 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This SUV is a great purchase. It's functional and looks great. It handles perfectly off road. Even in a 2 ft. snowstorm it had no problems while other suv's were in the ditch. I wish the gearing in the transmission was set up a little different, but otherwise I love this car and will keep it until it dies.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Love it!

pinkyjones, 11/01/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got my Xterra last November and love it! I never had an SUV before and was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it. It handles great and is easy to drive. The gas mileage is not the greatest but is better than I expected. Tons of cargo room and lots of extras like extra outlets to charge stuff, cargo tie downs and netting to hold groceries. My only complaint is the stock tires. They do not grip well when it is wet. I also replaced the radio since the stock radio was lame.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Good Xterra

jmwsandan, 03/17/2008
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall we are very happy with our 2006 Xterra. Our only complaints are minor. Fuel economy isn't great, but we knew it wouldn't be good going in. We are also less then thrilled with the back seat. Once you're in, it's comfortable, but getting in and out is a hassle with the rear wheelhouse in the way.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

My second Xterra (after the original)

Jay, 05/27/2008
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Having previously owned the original model, I was not looking to buy another one until I test drove this beast. I was so impressed by the power and torque and the fact that the salesman let me drive it home for a whole day! That night I took it close by to a favorite hiking trail and was impressed by the off-road capability and just the overall comfort and convenience. I've now had it for 2 years and still loving it. I've taken it to numerous camping/backpacking trip, off-roading, hauling furniture and it has passed with flying colors. This is one vehicle that lives up to its ads and commercials-great job Nissan!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great 2006 Nissan Exterra Off Road

Gordon Martin, 10/04/2019
2006 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great size, not too big and not too small. Lots of power, carries a lot of stuff with second seats down, good off road capability (skid plates great), rugged construction, comfortable front and second row seats. A bit noisy but I've got rugged tread off road tires so with normal tires less noise. I'd buy another one if Nissan still made them. 130,000 miles and still going strong.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

150k+ miles and still going

Vance, 11/06/2021
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So i've owned my 2006 Xterra 4x4 since it was brand new, now 15 years later I can say it has been a wonderful vehicle. Sure stuff has gone wrong but stuff that will go wrong with any vehicle when it gets above 100k miles. I have yet to have anything major go wrong with the engine or the transmission, the 4WD system still works well. I spend probably 1k a year on overall maintenance since 100k+ but it's stuff that is expected on a high mileage vehicle. If you are in the market for a used 2006 Xterra make sure one owner and that it hasn't been abused or in accidents or used as an off-road stomper (and make sure to see if timing belt has been replaced). I think someone on a tight budget can have a really good high mileage Xterra for an excellent price and it will last for a good deal longer. I plan on keeping mine to 500k.

Report Abuse
1 out of 5 stars

Lemons Every one of them

Aaron, 07/13/2022
2006 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Nissan has always been in my mind up there with Toyota, but after dealing with the major design flaw of the radiator poisoning with the transmission failing - I am saddened that Nissan and the dealership never fixed the simple fix - I will never buy another Nissan knowing that go with cheap parts and cheap transmissions and bad customer service

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Plenty Happy

SteveD.1911, 01/08/2010
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought brand new and this X has never disappointed! Taken it cross country (NC-OR, NC-AZ) 3 times and have never had one issue! Rides like a truck and thats what I wanted. The factory suspension in the rear is lacking and bottoms out fairly easy. Easy fix with some good Timbren bumpstops. Have never had a major issue with it yet, just routine maintenance. Fuel economy is average but thats what is expected from a 265HP 4x4. If you want to wheel your rig hard then expect the front diff to fail since they are weak and you will most likely have warranty issues from the dealer if they know you go wheeling. Overall It is a great truck and I love mine!

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Bought another one

modern nissan, 11/19/2010
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love how it handles, and I feel good in the xterra. It has masculine lines, and gives me confidence in my surroundings. The gas milage is good if you know how to drive the Exterra. I had a 2006 Exterra and traded it in for a FX35 Infinity which is smaller that i thought. But great car. just not for me. The cost of the Exterra is well worth the money. I purchased another one just this week, and I hope they will still make them in the future.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Xterra

BL, 03/06/2006
2006 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nissan has built an outstanding vehicle! Smooth ride, quiet, powerful, roomy, and easy to drive. My only complaint is the stock radio - it's, well, cheap.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Function over Form

JB, 08/02/2007
2006 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Had it for 10 months (17,000 mi), and I love it just as much as the day I drove it off the lot. This vehicle is for "outdoorsy" pragmatists who crave functionality and are willing to give up some bells and whistles (leather, GPS, etc.) for performance at a great price. Other than lack of auxiliary jack, gas mileage (I get 17 city/20 hwy) is only real drawback, but you get a whole lot of performance for it. Many have knocked all the hard plastic in the cockpit, but I'd rather have extra money in my wallet than upgraded trim. The Xterra offers excellent visibility, ground clearance, handling, and acceleration, which make it fun to drive both on and off-road. The consumer ratings say it all.

Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Good automobile. Bad transmission

Scuba_do, 08/13/2019
updated 08/16/2021
2006 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

It's a shame the vehicle, with a good, well maintained motor was only worth the value of a defective transmission. The transmissions in XTerras from 2006 - 2010 had known manufacturing defects that Nissan chose not to recall. When mine failed at about 225K miles, the engine ran very well and the automobile body was in good shape. The estimate on replacing the transmission was $5800. That was significantly more than the resale value of the automobile. I ended up junking the XTerra with good miles remaining on the engine.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Known transmission issues from 2004 - 2008.

Scuba_do, 08/13/2019
updated 02/21/2020
2006 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

After my last review at 200+ thousand miles, my transmission began to slip and jerk at times. My wife called a transmission repair shop for an appointment, and when she said it was for a Nissan XTerra, the technician said "Let me guess, it is between 2004 and 2008?". My wife said "yes. 2006.". He told her over the phone that there was a manufacturing defect on those years and the manufacturer knew about it. He told her exactly what we would find if we opened the radiator cap (a pinkish globby substance where the transmission fluid entered the radiator). He also told her the cost of repair was mostly cost prohibitive because it would result in a new Transmission and a new Radiator. He estimated the cost to be $5800 for repair. The resale value was far less than that so it now sits in our driveway waiting on someone who wants it for parts. Good news is, after 217000 miles, the engine still runs well. It just overheats due to transmission fluid in the radiator. I took very good care of that automobile, and therefore the engine outlived the support functions. I'm disappointed.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
50