2005-2008 Nissan Xterra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Passenger room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Instruments/controls
- Steering feel
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan redesigned the least-expensive of its three midsize SUVs for 2005. More powerful and slightly larger than the 2000-2004 Xterra, the '05 shared a platform with Nissan's Pathfinder, though with a solid rear axle vs. Pathfinder's independent rear suspension. Both were based on a smaller version of the company's Armada large-SUV platform. Xterra seated five; no 3rd-row seat was offered. The only engine was a 265-hp V6. S, Off-Road, and SE models were offered. S and Off-Road versions were available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic; the SE came with automatic only. All offered rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard. An antiskid system was optional on S, standard on Off-Road and SE. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows were optional on all. Off-Road models had all-terrain tires, Bilstein-brand shock absorbers, and underbody skid plates. Four-wheel-drive Off-Roads had a locking rear differential. Versions with automatic transmission had Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. SEs had 17-inch wheels; the others had 16s. A roof rack was standard.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Xterra 4WD SE with Automatic Transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Nissan Xterra:
An entry level X model was added to the Xterra lineup.
2007 Nissan Xterra:
Xterra carried over unchanged.
2008 Nissan Xterra:
The 2008 Nissan Xterra added a few new available features to its lineup, like a wireless cell phone link.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
With either transmission Xterra feels strong, from a stop and around town. A Consumer Guide test automatic-transmission 2WD SE clocked a commendable 7.1 sec 0-60 mph. The automatic transmission reacts quickly enough to throttle inputs, but passing at highway speeds can be a bit labored with either transmission. Xterra is lighter than Pathfinder, and predictably more frugal. Our test automatic-transmission 4WD SE averaged 18.2 mpg in mostly highway driving, and 15.8 mpg with more city work. Our test 2WD SE averaged 16.8 mpg in mixed driving that included gas-eating performance runs. A firm suspension and short wheelbase make for a choppy ride on all but the smoothest roads. The ride is a bit more comfortable with the 16-inch tires versus the SE's less forgiving 17-inchers. Handling is on par for the class, with fast corners inducing marked body lean. The steering is typical as well, feeling slow in parking and quick direction changes, while a turning circle confounds close-quarters maneuverability. Noise levels are fairly modest at highway speed, but the gruff-sounding engine is fairly loud at full throttle. Wind rush is also pronounced over 55 mph. There's marked road rumble, too, especially from Off-Road's aggressive-tread tires. Inside, a simple, handy control layout simplifies driving. The simple interior decor matches Xterra's utilitarian aims, but there's too much hard plastic. Up front there's plenty of head and leg room, though some tall drivers may feel too close to steering wheel. The seats are comfortable, but need more side bolstering to hold passengers in place through turns. Rear roof styling and wide windshield pillars hamper outward visibility. Passengers will find plenty of headroom in back, but just adequate toe and leg space. And the seat cushions are too flat for best comfort on long trips. Xterra's tall ride height and narrow door bottoms make entry/exit unusually tough. Already good cargo space becomes generous with rear seats folded. The available fold-flat right-front seat allows carrying objects up to 9 ft long.
Value for the Money
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for sub par ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready character means there are few luxury touches. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level.
Xterra is slightly smaller than most in the midsize SUV class, hence the somewhat tight interior space. Its off-road orientation accounts for sub par ride comfort, and its backwoods-ready character means there are few luxury touches. Indeed, it's that rugged demeanor, cargo versatility, and youthful appeal that makes it a Recommended pick at this price level.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Xterra 4WD SE with Automatic Transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Xterra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Xterra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Cold-starting problems:
In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2003-06)
Electrical problem:
The electrical system could be damaged or even start a fire due to a short if trailer wiring is connected wrong. The company was updating earlier models with revised body control module and wiring harness, but only on vehicles that entered the shop so it is important to check that this service was performed. (2005)
Engine knock:
Some vehicles with the V6 engine may have a knocking noise just above idle speed. It is not a mechanical problem, but is caused by a noisy purge valve in the emission control system and upgraded replacement parts are available. (1999-02)
Engine noise:
Noise from the 3.0L engine, especially when started cold, due to a faulty timing belt tensioner. (2000-04)
Engine noise:
Chirping noise, especially on startup, on 4.0L V6 due to drive belt slippage requiring revised belt and tensioner. (2005-07)
Seat:
On trucks with manual seats, the seat back may not move fore and aft, due to separation of the linkage, which must be replaced. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $720 |
| Alternator | $390 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,870 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $910 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,840 |
| Exhaust System | $930 |
| Radiator | $510 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $650 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $760 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Xterra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Xterra | $15,500-20,000 | $14,100-18,200 | $9,900-12,800 |
| Xterra Off-Road, SE | $18,300-21,500 | $16,800-19,800 | $11,700-13,800 |
| 2007 | |||
| Xterra | $13,000-16,800 | $11,800-15,300 | $7,500-9,700 |
| Xterra Off-Road, SE | $15,500-18,500 | $14,100-16,800 | $9,900-11,800 |
| 2006 | |||
| Xterra | $11,500-15,000 | $10,400-13,500 | $6,300-8,300 |
| Xterra Off-Road, SE | $13,300-16,500 | $12,100-15,000 | $7,800-9,700 |
| 2005 | |||
| Xterra | $10,500-14,000 | $9,500-12,600 | $5,600-7,400 |
| Xterra SE | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Xterra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.7 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.8 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4347 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 65.7 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 2.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.3 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Xterra comes with a 265-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission and 5-speed automatic are available.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 4.0 / 241 | 265 | 284 | 6-speed manual: 17/21 5-speed automatic: 16/21 |
6-speed manual: 15.8 5-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Xterra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Xterra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Nissan Xterra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2008:
The antilock brake system/vehicle dynamic control (ABS/VDC) actuator may have been manufactured incorrectly, decreasing brake effectiveness. Dealers will replace the ABS/VDC actuator with a new one.
2008:
The tire information label lists an incorrect vehicle capacity weight, according to Federal regulations. Nissan will mail a correct tire information label and installation instructions to owners of the affected vehicles.
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