Nissan Xterra

Name: 2003 Nissan Xterra
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Xterra's major advantages over the alternatives are its greater towing and cargo capacity, as well as its ability to tackle serious off-road terrain. If on-road performance is more important to you, you'll find better ride, handling, acceleration, and comfort in other vehicles.

2003 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Nissan Xterra

vs. Similar Cars

Honda CR-V

Subaru Forester

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2003

2004

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2003 Compact SUVs Ratings

2003 Nissan Xterra

$3,350 - $4,550

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Escape

$3,000 - $3,250

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda CR-V

$4,475 - $4,800

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Element

$4,025 - $5,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jeep Liberty

$3,100 - $3,425

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Jeep Wrangler

$5,325 - $7,975

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Sorento

$2,825 - $3,125

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mazda Tribute

$3,150 - $3,475

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,000 - $3,400

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Aztek

$2,800 - $3,075

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saturn Vue

$2,775 - $3,150

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Forester

$3,500 - $4,225

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota RAV4

$4,425 - $4,900

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.4-liter 4 (143 hp)
3.3-liter V6 (180 hp)
3.3-liter V6 supercharged (210 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2005-2015

2005 Redesign Year

The 2005 Xterra was larger in all dimensions and much more civilized, while retaining the off-road capability for which the model is renowned. Improvements include a refined engine and responsive, secure handling -- thanks to the addition of electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment. Side- and curtain airbags are standard with this generation. The strong 4.0-liter V6 engine delivers quick acceleration, but overall mileage is just 17 mpg. The four-wheel drive system remains part-time only. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats expands the cargo area to 45.5 cubic feet. Payload capacity is 920 pounds and towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. The cargo floor has a rail system for securing objects and a storage space underneath. Bluetooth was introduced to most trim levels for 2015, after which the model was discontinued.

2000-2004

2000 Redesign Year

The Nissan Xterra debuted as a 2000 model. Based on Nissan's Frontier pickup, it was made to be a rugged, basic, truck-ish SUV to serve as a less-expensive alternative to the Pathfinder. Highs include good off-roading and towing capacity. The cockpit has a clean, no-frills look. Storage includes bins, cubbies and deep pockets in the front doors. Gauges are clearly legible and the controls generally work well. With the rear seat folded, Xterra holds an enormous amount of cargo for a vehicle in this price range. Payload capacity is 885 pounds, 125 of which can be loaded onto the roof. However, ride, handling, braking, and fuel economy are subpar. If on-road performance is more important to you, you'll find better dynamics in other vehicles.