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2003 Nissan Xterra consumer reviews

$17,999–$23,399 MSRP range
side view of 2003 Xterra Nissan
(30 reviews)
96% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.3
  • Reliability 4.6
Explore the 2003 Nissan Xterra

Most reliable car I have ever had

This car is truly great. Yes there is a little cosmetic damage that could easily be fixed but over all... I love this car. I debated for along time about if I wanted to get a new car or if I wanted to put a little money into and make it look amazing. I highly recommend this vehicle. Of coarse if helps too that it is 4wd. I've always been completely comfortable in it and didn't query and my safety.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Too big and bulky

It is too big and bulky for someone shorter. There is plenty of room in the front and back and plenty of cargo space in the main back. The top rack is useful if you travel or go camping however. The 4x4 is amazing for bad weather and off road fun.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great mid sized SUV

My biggest grip is the interior display. The gauges sit back & are not well lit & neither is the audio equipment. I LOVE that there are lots of charging ports, but no waste of space on an ashtray. I like that the cup holders are removable, as are the back seats. It handles well & gets decent gas mileage for a truck that size. Plenty of power & plenty of leg room. The only reason I gave it a 4 on reliability is bc it *OLD* now!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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I Actually Own This Car

The car is a very basic one. I would say it is a safe one but overall its nothing special. Its not made to carry a lot of weight. The driver side is med size and the steering wheel has a limit on how much it can move. I got in a wreck and it damaged the other car more than I expected while I just have a messed up front bumper. It is a well made-ish car but I would ONLY recommend it if you really need a car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 1.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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A fun and unique car

This cat is a great car to own. My X is currently at 164,000 miles and I have had few issues. The only ones to speak of are the rear shocks are starting to give out, the A/C pressure switch has failed, along with the knock sensor, and one of the catalytic converters is functioning below peak efficiency. Still a fun car to see in the parking lot, and the V6 sounds great!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliable vehicle

Rides good. Great 4x4 vehicle, goes great in snow. Very roomy, fits 5 full grown adults very well. Has plenty of room in back for groceries or luggage for travel.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Versatile

2003 Xterra XE with 139,000 miles and still running well. Love the height that I am driving and handles very well in snow and rain. A lot of space especiallty in the back which is convenient especially for travel. Use it for work, fun, beach, put my 2 dogs in the back and reliable. No complaints and happy with this 14 year old car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Great xterra! Very impressed

Very great suv! Best one iv owned since 16! Iv went thru 17 cars,suvs and trucks! This one has to be the absolute best! 4wd very great! Got into some sticky situations with it! Dropped it down to bull low (4L) and she creeped out of there like nothing! Very impressed!!! Gas milage aint the best tho!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Off-roading
  • Does recommend this car
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Love this car!

My first car ever and I don't ever want to let it go. I'm going on 150k miles and I've only had to do a tune up and routine oil changes here and there.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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198k miles and still going strong

I bought this brand new, it was been everywhere from the Adirondack Mnts, to the NC Beach. 198k miles and I have only replaced the timing belt, starter and normal things like brakes and rotors. Best set of tires for it Nitto Grappler, expensive but worth every penny, 85 miles on the tires, Mnts, Sand and road. AMAZING. I have also been re-rended Twice and each time, barely any damage, other cars totaled! She is a tank

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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