Used 2009 Nissan Xterra SUV Consumer Reviews
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Great Vehicle With Minor Flaws
Brian, 07/28/2017
updated 01/01/2020
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
Overall, this has been a great vehicle since being purchased used with 56,000 miles. Our Xterra is currently ready to hit 90,000 miles, and we have been happy with the reliability and performance of the vehicle. The engine provides sufficient power to get up and go. The Xterra can tow up to 5,500 pounds, although we have yet to use ours for this purpose. Handling in the snow is perfect when in 4WD (can be a bit sketchy in 2WD due to being RWD). We have had zero problems with the drivetrain, however, this Xterra had the issue with coolant leaking into the transmission prior to our purchase. The radiator, transaxle, and differential were all replaced by the previous owner. If you do purchase an Xterra, make sure this problem was resolved or you could end up paying big money to fix these issues. Our only other complaint about the Xterra has been some electrical issues. We had to replace an airbag sensor that went bad and Nissan refused to pay for it because the VIN of our Xterra was not included in the recall on this even though it fell within the years that were recalled for this issue. The lock on the hatch quit working and the motor on the driver's door also quit. As many have mentioned, the interior quality is pretty cheap (plastics scratch easily), but that is not a big issue for our family. These things will last 200,000 plus if you take care of them and provide the necessary maintenance. UPDATE 12/31/19 The Xterra continues to perform beyond my expectations. Since my last review, we have had 0 problems with the SUV. We replaced a pair of horrible Yokohama Geolander HTS tires (like ice skates in the snow) with a set of Nokian WRG3 tires. This has made a world of difference when driving in snowy weather conditions. Getting ready to change the spark plugs and serpentine belt. The reliability and cost of maintenance have made this an exceptional vehicle. Don't hesitate to purchase one if it has been taken care of by previous owners.
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- Reliability
Second Xterra
Glen, 03/03/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
This is my second xterra. First was a 05 off-road 6speed. The new one is the same. 6 speed off-roads are soooo rare, had to jump at a new one. Still the best all around choice in a respectable 4x4 suv that can go "off-road" for real. But would like lower gears and a little more ground clearance. On the road, if you like power, this is the suv for the money.
2009 Xterra
George, 09/12/2008
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I have the S with tech package, 4WD, 6M. I rented a 2006 and traveled 2000+ miles and it was a rough ride at that time. Nissan has made some wonderful changes in the suspension and engine power. The 2009 is more sports car than SUV. A true joy to drive. Very little road noise. Hands free blue tooth is great. The Rockford Fosgate music system is out of this world 8 speakers and a sub-woofer. The back seats are stadium placed so that the back seats are higher than the front. Lots of cargo area. This is my 3rd Nissan the other 2 (Stanza & Altima) I got 190,000+ miles out of them. I know that this one will do the same. A week is hard to tell much about a car, but it's long enough to say it's great
Happy Camper
Jack Kansas, 08/27/2010
2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
A solid unit that tows like there is nothing behind. Two road trips of 2500 miles and was very pleased with the comfort for a truck that also is a tank off road. Handles much better in snow than my old G Cherokee. I looked at the fj, H3 and others but the visibility on the X was a huge selling point. If you want an "out door" vehicle it's nice to see it. I would recommend and buy again. A good value.
Mixed Review
TruckLuver, 08/27/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Purchased new 2009. Rockford Fosgate sound system above average, nice technology package. Combined gas mileage (20% city, 80% hwy) is 21-22 mpg. Looks nice, rides comfortably, but I'm having hard time adjusting from previous full-size pickup truck. I am 6' tall, and I feel a little closed-in. Short arm rest is more like an elbow rest... it sucks. Test drive was good, but after a month I'm not so happy. 6 cylinder engine seems to have sufficient if not awesome power. Back seats are nice to have, but not much room for rear passengers unless you scoot front seats up. Plastic console dents easily (don't drop anything on it). Vehicle is shorter than some cars. Mixed feelings, but quality vehicle
Great SUV For The Money
Rob, 09/19/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Overall I'm very pleased with my Xterra SE. Something I haven't seen mentioned here is a recent recall I was told about through a Nissan mailing. The mailing states that there "could be" a bad weld on the torsion bar and to schedule an appointment with the dealership and they'd diagnose and repair at no cost if necessary. The dealer informed me that they needed a special welder to do the repair and they didn't have one there. They are supposed to locate a business nearby that can handle the job and contact me. They also said that Corporate Nissan informed them that this recall is for ALL Xterra's- not some of them. I felt a bit deceived by the mailing at that point. Otherwise, I'm very happy.
beast 4x4
jag, 02/12/2010
2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I did my home work compare and test drive a jeep, fj and blazer and i decided to get a xterra. drove it in ohio winter storm with 24 inches of snow off road no problem still lots of power its a beast for a 4x4. i love it hope they have a bigger tires and higher ground clearance.:)
Xterra S 4x4
Mike, 04/04/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I initially wanted an FJ, but I checked- out the Xterra and was very pleased. I showed up at the dealer looking for an offroad and was informed they were next to impossible to get in my area. After much deliberation I opted for an S and never looked back. I'm very happy with my xterra, the night armor looks great and it is a very capable 4x4 even without the offroad package. But really I can put in an airlocker and heavy duty shocks if needed. Mine came with the free technology package and I love it, the hands free bluetooth has been great and the rockford audio is quite enjoyable. It has an actual back seat as well and four doors. The utility of the Xterra can't be beat. Has 4x4 gas mileage
Xterra SE 4w drive
Tom, 02/20/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra SE 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Lots of power, handling is great, sits up high. Good vision, interior all leather great sound system. Exterior is rugged looking. Gas mileage 17.5 highway. I new that when I bought it. Wish I had heated mirrors, surprised it was not part of se package. Drove through snow storm in Michigan truck handling was super. This is very well made truck. Very happy with Nissan. Towing atv and snowmobiles and all of our gear and four adults was no problem.
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 2WD V6 Auto
Glenda, 01/05/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Awesome. I purchased the S with tech package (Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, 6 CD). This is my second Xterra. I previously owned a 2002 for four years. Love the sharp interior styling. I am still exploring the many features of the newest Xterra in Red Brick (gorgeous!). I love the molded water bottle holders in the doors and the tucked away cup holders in the back and several well-placed areas for all the things you need to take with you. Great change is the hard plastic lined cargo area (beats previous carpeted cargo area). I loved my 2002 and I know that the 2009 will not disappoint. Plenty of power and room. Fun to drive.
Better than I expected
Tom, 05/20/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have a place in the Western NC mountains and wanted a vehicle that could handle the old forest service access trails/roads. Began looking at the FJ but the back seat just didn't cut it. I had been trying to get the off road Xterra for six months. They are hard to get right now. This truck has a much better highway ride than I expect. On mountain highways there is very little lean in the curves. Gas mileage is better than I thought. The only negative so far is the XM radio which regularly drops reception even on Interstate highways. I am going to have that checked out. BTW the short center arm rest is no problem at all.
no brainer
L.A., 07/09/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my second xterra, my first was a 2000 SE purchased in 99'. There is no other suv out at the moment that I would rather have (excluding the larger BMW X's and infinity QX56). My 2000 only gave me a fuel pump problem (replaced by dealer on a recall) in 100,000 of driving, with very bad maintenance record after the 2nd year, changed oil every other year. So I figured I pushed it to the max (last day came back from the jersey shore at avg.80MPH and it was time to get a new one. I love my 2009 off road - the sound system is awsome. The truck, well I'll just let it speak for itself. now if I can just pay this sucker off I would be the happiest man on the planet.
Love My New Xterra
roymac, 08/03/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This my first Xterra but seventh Nissan. It's hard to beat a Nissan vehicle. The Xterra is a great SUV to drive. My wife calls it my "sport truck". Besides a great price my Xterra also came with $1300 of free electronics upgrades. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is great, much better than the Bose I had in my Pathfinder. The Blue Tooth hands free phone is also great as is the XM satellite radio. The Xterra handles extremely well and is a solidly built vehicle. The 261 h.p. engine is typical Nissan quality - great quality and performance. I've never had a single engine problem with all my previous Nissans. In summary, I am totally satisfied with my new Xterra.
Awesome All Around 4x4 SUV
DesertRatSoCal, 08/12/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great news for the SUV enthusiast. Nissan has really done the trick with the Xterra. Nimble on road, capable off road, easy on the wallet, outstanding performance. I'd throw stones at similar sized SUV's by the other manufacturers. This vehicle has long been a hit for the market niche and I would recommend the average individual who needs a slightly larger vehicle to take a test drive. The fuel economy is exceptional for the type of vehicle and its capabilities.
Glad I bought it
Andy Kuchta, 08/15/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have been a Nissan Frontier owner since 1995 and have been very satisfied with the quality and engineering of Nissan vehicles. Recently I began looking at the X- Terra. I was happy to see that Nissan has continued with their quality in workmanship and "thinking of the little things" like the door in the skid plate that allows you access to the oil filter when changing your oil. The interior is well designed and the ride is comfortable. For anyone looking at a mid sized SUV I'd give the X Terra more than just a passing look.
One of the last real SUVs
MissouriX, 11/22/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Nissan Xterra is one of the last real SUVs, that is capable of being a daily driver AND going off road on the weekends (try that with a Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Rav4). Ride is definitely truck-like (and should be, since it's based on a truck platform), but still gives a quiet and smooth ride on the interstate. The Technology package is awesome, and the Bluetooth and Rockford Fosgate system are great options. I love my X. It's equally suited to long road-trips and deep woods excursions. I wouldn't want anything else.
2009 Nissan Xterra
Maria, 01/02/2018
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my Xterra ... This is my 3rd winter in Maine and I am coming across issues w/ not starting on very cold mornings (we haven't seen a winter like this in Maine is 15years). I've been told this is a known issue w/ the Xterra's and the ECM (google it). Besides this one issue I love it, great power ! Handles the road great !.
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Cool truck, but not great quality
cobra7, 01/09/2010
2009 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck and loved it for the first 13,000 miles or so. The RF stereo sounds great, the Bluetooth phone system is great and the potential capability of the truck is excellent. However, at around 13,000 miles, the vibrations and squeaks started making me question the long term quality. There is an odd metallic vibration that comes from the front of the truck when the engine hits about 1750 RPMs when driving. Also, while I don't mind the appearance of the hard plastic interior materials, they do scratch easily. This is mostly a problem in the cargo area, where hauling basic, normal will leave it scratched up after only a couple of times. The roof rack is fantastic, though.
Awesome!!
Phil, 02/16/2009
2009 Nissan Xterra Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow, is all I can say about this new Xterra. I just got this 09 Off Road X and I think it was the best decision I could have made. I traded in a 06 Rubicon; the Rubicon was a sweet ride but not travel friendly! Really bad gas mileage; like 9.4 miles per gallon on the highway. I got rid of the jeep and thought I was going to get the Toyota FJ, but ended up coming home with the Xterra. Reasons: I can see out of the X, the X doesn't need premium gas, the X has four doors, and the off road packages for both are the same. After driving each for a whole day the winner was the Xterra.
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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