2006 Nissan Xterra consumer reviews

I have an Xterra and i absolutely love it. its got the torque in the beginning where it really counts. In my opinion its the best car I've owned.

So, I bought this as a second vehicle, because I was moving to snow country NY and this car has not only been functionally great, but a fun time as well. I believe I have the SE with the side bars. It has good pick up, handles hills very well secondary to it's excellent torque. I have never had issues in the snow and I only use the 4WD when absolutely necessary. Referring to off-roading, this car is the snaps. We have run it through hardcore dirt roads, rocks, and the river and she isn't phase. Her strongest off-road potential is in off-roading snow. Since it is smaller it can whip around safely. Which brings me to an important point, this point does not have that horrible "I'm about to tip" feeling that I experienced with so many SUVs on test drives. I heart my Xterra, I could only find one for sale in the city I lived in at the time and I know why. My only complaint, the side bars are chipping bad, but that's an easy $100 powder coat pain job.

I recently purchased a 2006 Nissan XTerra SE for my soon to be 17 year old son. Plenty of power, but fuel economy so far only about 15 mpg around town. 4WD system for wet/snow or off road only, so have not used much yet. Somewhat noisy, but optional Rockford Fosgate sound system overpowers road noise. Excellent cargo capacity. Rear seats fold flat and passenger front seat as well. Very rugged styling, with sturdiest roof rack I have ever seen. 5 speed automatic always able to find proper gear with very little sensation of shifting. Deep tinted windows excellent for keeping interior cool, and concealing cargo. Excellent anti lock braking system stopping vehicle consistently with little if any fade.

Bought this Nissan Xterra SE new in November 2006. Since then, we've been sadly disappointed. Stock tires needed replaced at less than 17,000 mis. Paint chipped from the running boards in less than 6 months.Rust is showing through paint on the hood. Door latch malfuntioned causing the alarm to sound when the doors were locked. Front brakes (pads and rotors ) needed replaced twice in 3 years. Tranny and radiator failed at 51,000 miles requiring full replacement. Nissan did not honor the drive train warranty. Nissan Consumer Affairs Dept was unresponsive and uncaring. Buy ANYTHING else. We will!

Love this SUV, purchased it from dealer 3 years ago. It handles great on highway or hills & mountain roads. Great turning radius, which surprised me. Lots of fun to drive, especially with the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Capacity for towing and hauling gear is nice. Plenty of room for all of our stuff and easily tows our river boat. I only wish it had a thermometer to display outside temps and power seats. Otherwise seats are very comfortable for my 5'3" frame & my husband's 6'4' frame. We usually fight over who gets to drive.

2006 Nissan XTerra: At 35K + miles check engin light came on at about 1/4 tank of gas. It turns out to be the fuel sensor/gauge is faulty. Manufacturere is not doing a recall on models past 2005. Cost to repair is approx $500.

Love Xterra's look and handling (especially in snow, etc.). Purchased new in '06, have 46K on it and in the past month needed to replace belt/tensioner, propeller shaft(front), rear differential seals, and need fuel sensor so my SES light goes off and I know how much fuel I actually have!

I have owned my 06 XTerra for a little over two years now. At 11k miles my transmission went out and left my wife and I stranded on the side of the highway in the middle of no where. Since I have had it back in the shop for a new fuel gaugesensor (all of a sudden didn't know how much fuel I had), new catalytic converter, new IPDM module, and currently the dealer doesn't know what is wrong with it because they are not getting an error code on their diagnostic machine. Needless to say, I have not been pleased with the service that has been conducted, nor have I been pleased having to have it towed to the dealer four times now. Three of those four were within the same week. The feaures are great and I have enjoyed while I have driven it. I have the Rockford Fosgate system and have used it extensively for tailgating. If I didn't have the above issues, I would throughly enjoy this vehicle.

I'd recommend it! Don't buy this TRUCK if you want a Crossover SUV or a pickup truck. If you want a rugged small-size SUV this is a great option. I almost bought a Dodge Nitro, but opted for this one instead - GREAT DECISION! Buy the "X" model with the power package option ($1100) and put your own accessories on (hitch, wheels, step rails, etc.), you'll save a ton of money.

Why would anyone buy a powerful (4.0L 265hp), inexpensive ($20,000 after rebates), off-road warrior and then complain about a slightly noisy muffler, gas mileage and seats not being cushy enough? If you want a plush, fluffy street utility vehicle... buy a $35,000+ something else! This is the Swiss army knife of production SUV's. I live at the Grand Canyon and these are the choice of local explorers. Carry everything, go anywhere, hose it out when you're done. With the new vehicle dynamics control (VDC), the transition from highway to dirt goes almost without notice. The Xterra is not built to be an interstate cruiser but I travel long distances often and have no complaints. Go test drive one in the hills and on the highway. Then come back here and write a review.