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Used 2012 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
35 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Xterra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Xterra since its last redesign.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Does it all for me

sanlee, 03/25/2012
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
16 of 35 people found this review helpful

I've had alot of vehicles in my driving life. Mustang GT, Maxima, alot of Nissan trucks, and this is my second Xterra. One vehicle can't do everything, but this does everything I need right now. I need 4WD for winter commutes, getting to the back of the woods, and job sites. The back cargo area is for the dog, the rear seats for gear or occasional passengers. The 6-speed manual and 260hp is for me. I have the PRO 4X and and Bilstein shocks make a BIG difference in handling and ride. Love 'em. With my 07 auto Xterra I never could get better than 19 mpg, and it was rare. With the manual I'm getting 20.5 mpg.

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5 out of 5 stars

2011 Xterra S, you won't be disappointed

One Trick Pony, 10/24/2010
2011 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 32 people found this review helpful

I've never written a review before but have read others and found them helpful. Because of other positive reviews I purchased my 2011 S model and what a GREAT vehicle. The Xterra rides great, its very quiet,the performance of the 4.0 engine and trans is impressive. I drive approx. 100 miles per day and I'm getting almost 20 mpg on the button. The brake pedal is a little spongy but not a big deal. Even the base radio isn't disappointing to listen to. I do wish they made the upgraded radio an option with the 6 disc changer for the S model. I also drive a new 2010 loaded F-150 Platinum as my tow vehicle. I've owned BMW, Porsche, Acura, Corvette's, Shelby's etc. and the Xterra will be a keeper.

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5 out of 5 stars

Old-school real SUV at a great value

Drew, 08/16/2024
2012 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My review says it all. I had a 2019 4Runner and 19 GX460 in the stable for the past few years and loved them both. Lets just be honest... they are the kings of quality and resale value. Now back to business. I realized I could get a 70k low mileage Xterra model S for half, if not 1/3 of the Toyota similar model. The truth though is the Xterra just is a lot funner to drive. It's slightly smaller, but feels much more nimble. It's still solid and well built, so a long highway trip at 80 mph is no issue. I have the S model and it could easily go beyond the GX and keep up with the 4Runner TRD. This was a great year for the Xterra and you can easily get 250k miles out of this engine and even transmission. The earlier models 2010 and below had serious automatic transmission problems. They also had timing chain related issues from poor quality parts on earlier ones. But 2012 worked all the issues out of it and was at it's best this year. The storage compartments are much better. But the interior is very basic, easy to clean, and decent comfort. The 4Runner and obviously GX are a lot nicer interiors but the Xterra interior is also built to last.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great SUV, good value, poor stereo

tomportland, 04/11/2011
2011 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good, strong SUV. Engine has great performance. Mileage within expected range. Was able to get it for about $5000 under sticker. Stereo is low quality. Sound is horrible--which explains the lack of an Aux input even in the S"S model.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

i should of kept my edge

narcissa1, 05/04/2013
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 22 people found this review helpful

i wanted a four wheel drive to get around iowa's back roads during the winter with all the room of an suv could offer more then my 08 edge. i like my exterra except the fact that when im on the roads on windy days i seem to blow as much as semis do cause of the height of the truck. i was thought i could get over not being able to get powered seats, navigation in the dash, or tvs in the head rests but i cant. for the final price of all the options i could get added i wish they would of allowed or gave the choice of those three other options. im suprised nissan wouldnt give you that unless you want a murano, just really bummed over limited options

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