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Used 2012 Nissan Xterra SUV Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
15 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Pro 4 Awesomness

Brad C, 07/26/2016
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2012 Pro 4 X brand new from the dealership, I love it, best Vehicle I've ever owned. I just rolled up on 90,000 miles and the only mechanical issues I've had so far were two broken leaf springs. I cant complain about the maintenance cost because there have been almost None. If you Live in Maine you will understand we have a yearly safety inspection and the dealership always does mine and always passes with no issues. Tires, two new leaf springs and oil changes have been my only cost in the 90,000 miles. Quite a few of those miles have been off road. Its an awesome vehicle, to bad they don't import them in to the US any more.

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4 out of 5 stars

Decent bang for your buck

Granite Gargoyle, 04/15/2016
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Very dependable mechanically and holds it's resale value well.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the Xterra so far.

johnwaynext, 09/08/2012
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I have only had my Pro 4X Xterra for a few days but so far so good. I bought it for $5300 off list over Labor Day at Bommarito Nissan in Hazelwood, MO. Nissan had some great incentives then. The Xterra drives great, smooth on the highway and solid when I go off road. Fit and finish seem to be good. I like the leather seats. The upgraded sound system is wonderful, much better than the one found on the S and X models. Too early to tell about gas mileage. It will probably be comparable to my 98 GMC Jimmy at around 18 overall. I considered going to a car based CUV for better mileage but none of those seemed to be up to the capabilities of the Xterra. I will write updates regularly.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

In love

prosha28, 09/16/2012
2012 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful

I have had my xterra for about 2 weeks (1000 miles now) and so far it has been a great vehicle. I sold my 2012 camaro because I wanted something simple and less extravagant. Plus, the camaro was giving me a headache of problems and I wanted to make the switch back to import. The gas mileage of the xterra is just ok, being able to take it on recreational trips will make up for this in the long run. Also, it feels solid and very secure to the road which I like, while being able to sit up high and in a comfortable position. I love how it rides like a truck, but does not knock you around too much.

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4 out of 5 stars

Two years and 50K miles later, still satisfied

TXlawman, 12/27/2017
2012 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

Jack of all trades, master of none; but better than a master of one. Such is the Xterra. Bought it two years ago with 68K miles and put it through a lot, and I still only need to change the oil and rotate the tires at 110K. It looks absolutely awesome, I get compliments all the time. Gas mileage is decent for what it is, I pull down right around 20mpg overall at about 70% highway/30% city. Power is awesome, this thing really has guts. It’s responsive without being overpowering, really manages the weight of the truck with ease. Sounds great, love to crank the engine and listen to it run. I really would’ve liked more features; I don’t even have an aux input in my S model, so I have to wear headphones to listen to music from my phone, but I can live with that. Ride comfort is average, but it’s not a Cadillac. I’m 6’3” 235 lbs and I fit fine, plenty of headroom and legroom. Overall could be better, but I’m still happy with my purchase.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Great Car For Anyone

olaf_c, 10/30/2013
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2012 xterra pro-4x with about 9k miles on it about 4 months ago. So far the car is extremely reliable, fun to drive and looks good. The only thing I do not like about the car is the cheap interior but even then it is made up for with comfortable leather seats and a great stereo. I also take it off roading and it is extremely good. Other jeeps can barely keep up with it. If you don't have fun in this car then you haven't been off-roading in it.

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4 out of 5 stars

92k and going strong

MTK XTERRA, 07/28/2018
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Purchased new 08/12. 6 Speed manual. Fun to drive , great off road , lots of room in the back when seats are folded down, great truck for fishing ( love the roof cargo box) ,lots of power and great in the snow . The things I don’t like ..... very bumpy ride , poor gas Mileage (even with a stick, 15 city 17 highway ), interior is plain and starting to rattle , seats are cloth and are starting to wear , seats aren’t the best for long rides , not the best in the rain and it’s got rust spots in the rear bumper and roof . Overall it’s been a great truck for me . I haul a lot of stuff daily and it’s got the room and power. I’ve changed oil every 5k with Mobil 1. 3 rd set of tires, spark plugs , brakes rotors rear hatch shocks brake pedal and clutch pedal rubber shoes, 3 rd battery , new headlight bulbs , transfer case oil , rear bearings and cabin/motor air filters . For the money great truck !!!!

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

One Of The Best

Ernest Miller, 03/27/2018
updated 03/29/2021
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is designed around the outdoor sportsman. Rugged, stylish, well designed to accomodate off roading. If you are wanting a get around town SUV there are many others suited to that preference. I rate the vehicle outstanding in overall performance. Maintenance has consisted of oil changes, five years into ownership. Dependability is outstanding, it handles typical off road terrain without a problem. Another outstanding feature is the resale value. It has consistently held high resale value thus far. Cons: This is a 2012 so it was too early to get mandatory back-up navigation. Another is gas mileage. Perhaps the largest downside as it gets 16mpg in town and not much more on the highway. She's thirsty all the time. Lastly is highway performance. Freeway access speed could be improved, rapid passing is a bit challenging and requires good anticipation skills on two lane highways. None of the downsides, however, actually detract from an otherwise excellent vehicle. Rain/snow traction is smooth and easy in the Pro 4X, shifting to 4 wheel drive requires about two seconds and the flip of a switch. Thus far this has been one of the best vehicles I've owned from just about every angle.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Love/Hate

hhilde, 11/27/2012
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

If I had the need I would buy this truck again and have two of them. That means I like the truck and I am happy I can get a tuck with all its functional capability in this particular size. I feel like I can go anywhere in any condition living in MN. All the professional reviews seem accurate so use those but what they don't say that I don't like is: I think the breaks are touchy and lacking feel. I also think the accelerator is jumpy meaning when you step on the gas get ready to jump and go go go! I find this annoying when trying to get out of a parallel parking spot gracefully without hitting the car in from of me. Especially downtown Seattle on a hill. Yikes!

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4 out of 5 stars

Great 2nd Xterra

Mark Mitchell, 03/18/2019
2012 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Our 1st Xterra was a 2002 SE. We drove it 209000 miles with only a few repairs. I loved the tight turning radius, durable paint, and feel of riding high compared to other SUV's. The 2012 is more comfortable, bigger engine, and more interior room.

Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Great truck-like SUV that is very reliable

grbeaulieu, 03/18/2020
updated 09/21/2020
2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

The last of body on frame SUV (except Jeep Wrangler). Competent old school platform with new world reliability. I have owned this SUV for 3 years, ... and it runs the same as the day I bought it

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

Beware

Matt, 12/21/2017
2012 Nissan Xterra S 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful

Have a 2012 Xterra with only 47k miles and is now in shop having transmission rebuilt. No warning before breakage

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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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

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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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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