Used 2008 Nissan Xterra SUV Consumer Reviews
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4 Guys and Their Stuff - Anywhere!
Xtrapol8, 02/21/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The FJ Cruiser and the 4-door Rubicon are both excellent vehicles that also have serious off-road capabilities and a manual transmission ... but I've made the right choice for me. Three other 6' 200lb guys can accompany me into oblivion for a 5-day canoe trip and return home again nothing but pleased with the Xterra. On the flipside, my 5'2" 100lb wife and my 4 and 7 year old children love it too. Soon I'll get some proper rock sliders that they can use as a step up into the truck. For a truck that you sit ON and command, and that will do almost anything, the Xterra is remarkably quiet and easy to drive in town and on the highway. High end stereo/CD/MP3/iPod helps too.
After 100 miles
Happysofar, 02/23/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wanted the best of both worlds - hauling / towing power, decent fuel economy & off-road ability. Looked at the Toyota FJ which is not a vehicle for a family. Went back to Edmunds and saw the xterra FJ comparison. Bought the X manual 6 spd. It drives very well, it's comfortable, great visibility & a fun ride. Interior is more than sufficient for our needs. Not sure what the "cheap plastic" complaint means. I can't see anything wrong with the vehicle - I really like everything about it.
2008 replacement of 2005
Spunoffandaway, 03/01/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Another great car! The 2008 may be the last in this series, so I had to buy before they change it into a cross-over! I drive a lot of interstate miles, and feel safe with higher assurance of returning if hit. Sort of a small tank. No fear of muddy country roads with the great 4wd. Did have to give up a power plug for the MP3 plug-in (bummer)!The 08 has added XM radio and does offer some good entertainment while on trips. Almost same as 05, slight loss of build quality. Noticeable looseness in rear torque conversion around 35 mph or so, not in 05. Maybe it will go away with time. Still could not get side airbag option, must be a myth, like GPS. Not an economy car. Feels secure on the road.
Could be perfect, but needs some tweaks
Vincent Johnson, 11/19/2007
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 08 Xterra Off Road is almost the perfect SUV for those of us who use it like a sport utility vehicle. It will go almost anywhere you want it to. It does ride more like a truck than other SUVs, but it also looks less like a minivan than other SUVs. You also feel like you're in a truck. The ground clearance is nice (no sharp corners anymore) and the seats make you feel like you need to duck when going into the garage. The horse power is more than you ever need on a daily basis. This is truly a rough and rugged truck. My biggest disappointment with the Xterra has been the estimated gas mileage. Sticker says 16/20, but it's more like 12/16. I get 15-16 at best on the highway.
08 xterra off road automatic
Zee06Mikey, 03/24/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truck is built very well. Good brakes, handling and performance. Seats are comfortable. Paint and build quality is spot on perfect. After a couple days of ownership noticed a rumble vibration at 35 mph and after a couple of trips back to the dealer service and driving other new ones all xterras 2008 seem to have this noise. Hopefully there will be a TSB soon to address this noise.
Fun to drive and reliable
DSuteu, 03/29/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I live in New England, and used to own a Ford Mustang :(. After a really bad snow storm last December, I decided that owning a 4X4 vehicle is a MUST, so I purchased the Xterra. What a fun SUV to drive! Coming from a smaller car I was worried about its size and visibility, but after only a week of driving it, it felt like I've been driving it forever. It is fast on highway, and quick to respond in city traffic; smooth acceleration, great braking, not to mention the 4X4 performance in snowy conditions. Its gas mileage improved significantly from about 14mi/g to almost 17mi/g (I now have 3k miles on it). I truly like it!
2008 Xterra Off Road Auto
DaPir8, 04/06/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Initial impressions - well built, impressive engine. So far so good. Having come from an original 1998 Frontier I realize how many advancements have occurred in 10 years. This vehicle gives confidence on and off road - something my old truck lacked. Looked at the FJ but the Xterra is the better value.
As Advertised
Ironhead in CT, 04/17/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just turned 5K on the odometer and overall I am satisfied though not thrilled with this vehicle. I did get exactly "as advertised" however. After much research, I went with the Xterra for two main reasons: I needed a vehicle that would handle New England winters and could also tow at least 5K lbs. It does both very well. At 6'1", the drivers seating is cramped. Rear seating is also cramped for anyone 5'10"+, with the front seats back. They should have added 6" of leg room in front and back. Running board is useless to me. Very tough for kids to get in/out without help. Drives more like a truck than car. Should have gone with SE model. S model=no frills. MPG is "as advertised", 14/17
Excellent
Marcel, 05/19/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Xterra in December 2007 after been around dealers because I wanted a real good SUV safe and stable in the highways. After reviewing dealer by dealer all the SUVs in the market this one was the more affordable and comfortable. Is excellent, the only thing I will love to add on my X is a moonroof!! Other then that, excellent.
Late to the party
Dick Biscuits, 11/24/2022
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my SE a few months ago very used- had 158K on the OD but I always wanted one and this one was in good shape despite the miles. Had to replace shocks/ struts as the original suspension was shot, but otherwise a professional detail was all else she really needed. So yeah I love this truck. Like, in an unhealthy way. Last night I hugged it. Coming from years of driving an Infiniti G sedan it first felt huge- like I was driving a parade float. Then I quickly got used to it. The front seats are very comfortable, provide a commanding view of the road, it handles really well (for a truck) and accelerates surprisingly quickly. Yeah fuel economy sucks and the interior is very plastic and rudimentary- basic controls, nothing complicated- but that's what kept this vehicle affordable for many. I joke with my Wife that it's kind of like a Tonka truck. But it switches on the fly ( up to 60MPH) from rear to 4WD with just the flip of an easy to reach dial, and in that mode the thing pulls like a tractor through dirt/ gravel/ snow. Living in Colorado I feel like I'm in a club- there's a lot of these on the road. Testimony to their longevity and quality build. I plan on driving this truck 'til the wheels fly off.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Paint Problems
baileyz, 12/11/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Other than the problems with the hood paint we love the xterra. The hood has factory damage which appears as light swirls under the clear coat but on top of the paint. There is also environmental damage which appears as a bubble in the paint on the hood, which I am told will come off and leave exposed metal. I feel that the damage came from the dealer as the car sat on their lot for quite awhile before I purchased it. I have spoken to dealer and Nissan and they only offer to repaint. I don't want a repainted vehicle... I would take another hood off of another vehicle or a trade up with paying some of the difference if there was any. Not satisfied brand new and suggesting repaint. UGGGHHHH!