Used 2009 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Xterra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Xterra since its last redesign.
Very pleased, minor complaints
SgtJoe, 12/12/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Xterra, it was very affordable and meets all of my needs. The only complaints are the seats are kinda cheap. Material for seats get worn fast. The other complaint is that the X model did not come with crossbars for the roof rack! Why have a roof rack without cross members and they cost almost $250. All and all I love my Xterra and the six speed makes it very fun to drive.
My Xterra rocks!
Ken, 12/29/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned everything from a Toyota Corolla to a BMW. As I have gotten older practicality and reliability are huge factors in my decision making now. The Xterra is the best midsize SUV on the market. It is also the best value. Do your own research and see for yourself. Depending on where you are in the country you should be able to get a new one at or under invoice if rebates are included. Major improvement over the old body style and engines.
Wow I Love this Xterra!
Xtremely Happy, 02/27/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Decided on the Xterra after looking at Honda CR-V, Acura RDX, Toyota Highlander, etc. The Xterra may seem not fancy enough for some folks, but seriously it's got everything you need. I've been extremely pleased with this Xterra, it's such a great all round vehicle, easy to drive and not a ginormous vehicle. It's straightforward, drives great and has not given me one moment's trouble in 5 months of daily driving.
most versatile vehicle I've ever owned
john, 03/08/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my offroad exterra new. After comparing and testing to the fj cruiser. I found that the exterra was much more versatile and tougher built. I drive my vehicle every day on and offroad. With the back seat folded down there is almost the same amount of room as a small truck, with the convenience of being able to put the seats back up for passengers. I've owned this vehicle for over a year and nothing slows it down. You can Cruise comfortably on the freeway, and then switch to 4 wheel drive and travel over the roughest terrain. Also it has good towing capabilities. Considering that the v-6 is more powerful than most v-8s and that it is an offroad 4x4 it gets great mpg w/out being boring.
Gets the job done
jayhawk, 03/20/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wanted a vehicle that would not leave me stuck on some remote ranch road and would tow a decent sized trailer. I added mud terrain tires. It has done all I have wanted and I am still pushing the limits.
Happy Owner
englishauto, 03/24/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the first test drive I fell in love with this machine. It will go anywhere and delivers unexpected comfort on road and off.
Better Than Expected..!
RSchools, 04/27/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been test driving Xterras every year since their inception (2000?) and have always wanted one. When gas went to over $4.00 a gallon in Aug 08 I knew that it was a buyers market and purchased a new 08 for $18K even, or more than 9k off the sticker price -- WHAT A STEAL..!! Overall, I am exceptionally pleased with my Xterra. It gets 17+ mpg around town and just over 21 on the hwy. It is a very comfortable vehicle, even on long trips, and the versatility of the rear cargo area is wonderful. Some folks have complained about its interior plastic, but I luv it, as all it takes is a wet cloth to clean it in a snap. The only negative is that I didn't buy two of them when they were CHEAP!
Off road enthusiasts rejoice!
koobsw, 05/07/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well I am a camper, hunter, and an outdoorsmen and this vehicle does it all. I also needed something to tow my two atv's to the sand dunes and with a 5,500 lb. towing capacity it is a breeze. I also considered the fj cruiser but after test driving both this was the clear choice. the xterra has more horsepower more torque and similar features, but is alot cheaper. the fuel economy is bad but for me it is worth the 265 hp and 281 ft. lb. torque. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who needs a daily driver but also spends a considerable amount of time off road.
overall nice car
raindeer, 06/02/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have my XTerra now almost 1.5 years, and I never regret buying it. However, I think, the dealership ripped me off a bit. The car is fun to drive, just a bit hard over bumps in the road. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone with back problems. I frequently drive long distances, and It's a bit tough on gas mileage, which is even worse in the city. One tank filling lasts about 360 highway miles. The air condition is o.k., but not great during the hot season in Louisiana. Features, that I miss: The tank is not lockable, and the dealer told me not to buy a lockable tank lid, because this would not seal properly. The antenna can't be pushed in. The sound system is awful.
X-tra Special Xterra 2008
Debbie, 01/03/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I truly love the way the X-Terra handles and drives compared to the 2003 I had. I like it being bigger and wider.
Not the "family" vehicle...
Family Guy, 01/16/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No question that the Xterra is fun to drive; it is rugged and has presence. Keep in mind that this SUV is built for an active lifestyle and all of its features and capabilities are on target. Vehicle handles well, sport-like in how responsive it is when weaving in and out of traffic. Smooth ride, even on uneven pavement. Truck-like in that the engine is more than enough output, very quick acceleration, powerful V6. Interior space is a bit tight, comfortable for 4. Cloth seats are comfortable and make sense for those X-treme adventures. You are seated high in the cabin, but rear seats are too upright. Lots of plastic used in the interior, but it's the best (real) SUV bargain.
2nd Xterra
Xterra#2 4me, 09/29/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Xterra purchase. I bought a 2000 when they first came out. The changes and improvements are generous. The horse power increase is terrific. The A/C is improved and cargo area is easier to work with. I have had my new one since Feb 2008 and love it. The only change I did was buy an automatic, I have to deal with stop and go traffic in my commute.
Greatest Bargain SUV out there
carmoose0082, 10/27/2009
2008 Nissan Xterra X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this SUV. Very rugged yet great on or off the road. Great list of standard features for a $20K base price mid size SUV. No money wasters on this one only the things you need. Not one complaint in almost 2 years of driving and 25K miles. 4.0L VQ engine is awesome, pulls hard and tows great and quiet to boot.
Nissan Is #1
Beverly Edwards, 01/16/2010
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is 2nd X-terra - my first was not a four wheel drive - but she traveled extremely well - the one i own now is a four wheel drive and i love her even more - i can not imagine owning another vehicle but if i do somewhere down the line - i promise it will be a Nissan - i will never go back to any other vehicle - Nissan is the best made auto!!!
Awesome!!
kolzilla, 03/11/2010
2008 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just recently bought my Nissan and Love it. It's so comfortable and handles the road like I was driving my Mustang. I wanted something a little bigger than what i had which was chev blazer and with a little more horsepower. Even tho I got a used car with low mileage it's still a great purchase. I recommend this vehicle to anyone..
More holes in your wallet
Sherpa, 02/01/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my '08 Off-Road edition in Dec 2007. I have driven it on both city streets and highway, and have been on a few long road trips. For being a truck, Xterra offers a very comfortable ride. At the end of my longest trip, six hours, I still felt very relaxed with no sore muscles. On the highway, this vehicle will not disappoint you. Those little hills on the highway won't be a problem at all and passing other vehicles is a breeze. In the city, it's amazing. If I am stopped at a light and the light turns green and I step on the gas, it just goes! One thing I hate is the cold weather driving. It feels a little sluggish until the engine reaches the optimal level. Waiting to offroad now.
Loving my Xterra
Daily Driver, 02/03/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased by Xterra in 12/07 and love driving it. The whole family fights to get to drive it places. On an average day I drive 50-80 freeway miles and 10-15 in the neighborhood. I am getting 22-23 mpg. I am getting better than expected, because I expected it to the 12-13 like my dad's Titan. TPremium fuel helps dramatically on the Nissans, and most Nissan owner manuals require it.
Pretty Nice truck
kev2011, 01/25/2011
2008 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ive been a maxima owner for the last 10 yrs and this is quite a switch. im starting a biz this spring and need the towing. i hope it is up to the task. the car rides nice for a truck but is uncomfortable for long drives which i do every day. the armrest makes me twist my body to use it. the seats are ok. the roof rattles over bumps. the stereo is not even close to the BOSE in a maxima. adjusting to much less creature comforts has taken some time, but i do like the truck. snow is no match for it. i pulled my 20ft boat with it this summer and hardly noticed i was towing anything. i hope its half as good as my maxima.
2008 Nissan Xterra
Xtrapol8, 02/16/2008
2008 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am completely satisfied. I can happily go canoeing virtually anywhere. X and I can return afterward to my wife and 2 small children and life is still great and still fully enabled. Make yourself a mat for the back (<$20). The Xterra's solid build quality, go-anywhere capability, versatile nature, and aggressive looks make it a must-drive if you're in the market. This vehicle is what it purports to be - a means to an end... any end I choose.
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.
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Very Well Made Xterra
Pete, 07/28/2023
updated 01/29/2025
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 2009 Nissan Xterra--I could not be more pleased with my vehicle! Plus it's a tough rig, I honestly think it is better built than some Toyotas of the same year.
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Blinking 4 wheel drive light no 4vwheel drive
Cyndy, 03/02/2019
2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Having alot of issues with a s a vdc off light staying on an try to put in 4 wheel drive an just blinks doesnt engage still haven't figured out why an nissan doesnt help they told us an demanded it was a wheel bearing an no.trnsfercase switches caliber all new an nothing you try to ask people at nissan an they are rude needless to say still not fixed an alot of money put into it so far
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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!