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2003 Nissan Xterra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 Nissan Xterra is no pretender. It looks like an SUV and acts like an SUV, in an era when such vehicles are becoming increasingly emasculated and suburbanized. The compact SUV built on a truck frame seeks lovers of an active lifestyle need something that can take the surfer across sandy beaches, the mountain biker up unpaved inclines, or the skier through a snowstorm. For 2003, the Xterra adds more options to improve performance in such conditions, such as a new tire pressure monitor, and optional traction and stability control. These go with the already standard ABS brakes and dual front airbags.
The 2003 Xterra comes in XE and SE trims in either rear-wheel or 4WD. The XE comes with a choice of a 143-hp 2.4-liter I4 engine (2WD only) or 3.3-liter V6 rated, getting a horsepower boost this year to 180-hp. A supercharged version is also available, hitting 210-hp. The SE comes standard with the naturally aspirated V6, but the supercharged engine is optional. A 5-speed manual is standard on the XE, and a 4-speed auto tran on the SE. Other new additions this year include 16-inch alloy wheels and step rails on the XE, previously only available as an option. The SE also gets a limited slip differential to help with off-roading performance, which is truly possible in the Xterra due to low-range gearing in the 4WD. New cargo nets in the headliner and 44-cubic foot cargo area add to the storage already provided by the adjustable roof rails and built-in basket.
Even though it's more rugged than the Pathfinder, you won't miss out on comforts such as power features, cruise control, a 6-CD player, leather-wrapped wheel, keyless entry, and steering wheel-mounted controls. All of these are standard on the SE and optional for the XE. Drivers love that they can take the 2003 Xterra off-road and that the storage (66 cubic feet with the seats down) is big enough to carry everything they need for outdoor fun. The sporty styling is also a big draw. Downsides are its underpowered engine choices, low fuel economy, uncomfortable seats that need more cushioning for the truck-like ride, and the plastic-looking interior materials.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Nissan Xterra
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Teresa B
Dec 15, 2024
Nice size, starting SUV is enough room for hauling recycles or car camping. Rugged and reliable. Make sure to try the 4wdDec 15, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 14, 2022
vehicle had alot of rust issues, inside roof was hanging down. Feb 14, 2022
by dwight r
Oct 05, 2020
For the money there’s no better suv for its age. Is the Right size and really dependable even with 200,000 miles plus Oct 05, 2020
User rating:
by Teresa B
Dec 15, 2024
Nice size, starting SUV is enough room for hauling recycles or car camping. Rugged and reliable. Make sure to try the 4wdDec 15, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 14, 2022
vehicle had alot of rust issues, inside roof was hanging down. Feb 14, 2022
by dwight r
Oct 05, 2020
For the money there’s no better suv for its age. Is the Right size and really dependable even with 200,000 miles plus Oct 05, 2020
by Amanda E
Mar 02, 2020
Got to the car lot and they told me it didnt even runMar 02, 2020
by Rolando C
Apr 10, 2015
what i like it fits my family of 3 quit well its sporty & its offroad,what i dont like its very costly for parts,but it is a foreign car.i like the body of it &the sporty luggage rack &the cargo space is just right,also has a tow bar!Apr 10, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2014
top heavy in the wind, I have a morning commute of 60 miles a day and would like a vehicle more car like. i am shorter and have to climb into and out of the vehicle to take care of my baby? Mar 18, 2014
by Anonymous
Feb 07, 2014
I like the way it looks, I like that we can tow our trailer (mobile grill) and I like that it has a hatchback. I don't like how the back seats sit so high. It doesn't seem to handle real well, seems almost like top heavy. Our car in particular is slow to accelerate and the breaks are super touchy. We didn't shop around for this car, a friend was selling it and we needed a second car, that's why we bought it.Feb 07, 2014
by Katie B
Jan 01, 2014
Love this car, I had a manual transmission, and it was pretty good, sometimes the transmission sticks, but it's also an 11year old car so take that with a grain of salt. Loved the handling in inclement weather, and was great for hauling people/stuff. The gas mileage was a little much to compete with, especially when gas prices spike, but it is an SUV so it was mostly expected. Loved the easy to read gauges, and no stupid touch screens! Easy to maintain, and fairly easy on the wallet. It is a very fun car to drive, and I felt very safe, though I did have a few moments of irrational fear that I was going to roll it (operator error, nothing mechanical/structural.) Jan 01, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 22, 2013
Handles well in all weather. Acceleration is poor due to it's small engine vs. heavy frame but it's worth it for the better fuel economy.
Wheels sold me on this truck. Usually these Xterra's have tall, skinny tires/wheels. This has lower wider profile wheels that make the truck look so much better.
I needed a cruise control so I added a Rostra cruise control.Aug 22, 2013
by Fred S
Jun 30, 2013
This has just been a super car that has lasted 150000 with very little problems. Air went out and had to replace the compressor but that's about it. The drawback is that the mileage is not so good. Great car!!!Jun 30, 2013
by Reza K
Apr 16, 2013
This car was very comfortable, easy to get in and out of. Kid friendly! Maitenance was very minimal for the car which made it worth the money. I have had 2 of these cars now and may get a 3rd when the time comes. Great for off roading even with out the 4 wheel drive.Apr 16, 2013
by Stacey V
Oct 24, 2012
I have always loved the appearance of this car. SUV's can sometimes resemble minivans, but the Xterra looks rugged, but attractive at the same time. My favorite aspects of this car was how well it handled on the ice/snow and how high off the road I was. I felt powerful. This car has been in my family for almost 8 years now and it will be sad seeing her go. I know that whoever buys it will take comfort in the safety it provides, just like I did.Oct 24, 2012
by Ryan R
Jul 02, 2012
Love this SUV! Great for in town, or highway driving. Enough room for a few kids too. Gas mileage isnt to great but its not the worst either. You wont have to stop at every gas station. ;) I'd buy another Xterra.
Jul 02, 2012
by Matthew C
Sep 24, 2011
Nothing much that I don't like about this SUV. It's Sporty, fun to drive, has good power to weight ration and the styling is classic. Xterra's are a reliable SUV and more fun to drive than comparable models in it's class. Sep 24, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 09, 2011
The car is extremely reliable- starts up no
problem every time. It stops on a dime, and
although it takes a bit to accelerate, once it
gets to the desired speed it handles
fantasticly! The car is built sturdy and looks
good on the inside and out. Costs can be a bit
pricey for driving in city- but long range
trips it does great and the gas goes a long
way.Mar 09, 2011
by Lone J
Apr 03, 2010
This would have been the perfect vehicle for my family if we had been able to input the options we wanted. Instead we bought it second hand and whoever had selected the options before hand was an ignorant ass.
Beside with the strange option selections the previous owner picked I would say this Vehicle has been a 10/10. I have only had to do one major repair in 7 years. it went from the dry heat of AZ to the soggy wet of England and has not had a single issue other than the one.
It is incredibly fun to drive. hold a lot of people, groceries, pets... it looks sharp and the cost of ownership is negligible.Apr 03, 2010
by Kent T
Nov 11, 2009
Performance: The only beef I have with this vehicle is the lack of power considering that this vehicle is supercharged. Not to much get up and go at around 110km/h.
Aside from that, this Nissan drives smooth and rides great! Feels like a great quality vehicle!Nov 11, 2009
by Robert S
Aug 08, 2009
supercharger give it some extra kick, it pulls fairly nice, and can seat 5. also rides nice, looks good, and likes dirt. sucks on gas milage, but preforms well. pretty reliable so far. stuff. things. this. that. giggity. we. yes.
Aug 08, 2009
by Nicolas A
Aug 02, 2009
Es un auto muy potente pero tambien muy gastador, la cilindrada es de 3.3 pero el motor de la x terra supercharged ademas tiene un supercargador de 5000 dolares lo que la hace mucho mas poderosa. este modelo de nissan ademas es de muy buena apariencia.Aug 02, 2009
by Anonymous
May 11, 2009
Needs a little more power. Other then that its an Xcellent car! Had the Xterra for 6 years and its still going strong only regular problems. Never had to put it in the shop! Gas is not horrible compared to other midsize SUV's.May 11, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 05, 2009
Not the greatest SUV for a rugged person. I was hoping for something tough and fun to drive. It's good for the fun part, but as far as tough...not at all. Every time I take it off-road, something winds up broken. Gas mileage is like that of a full-size truck, without the power or strength. My favorite part...it looks good.Feb 05, 2009
by Anson M
Jul 23, 2008
Excellent off-road and snow paving machine. ;) Lots of room for hualing stuff. Gas mileage is near average @ 16-18mpg mixed driving behavior. Road noise is below average. I can hear my Brigdestone Dueller A/T Revo whining! lol Great towing vehicle rated @ 5,000 lbs strength. Body style is still great even after a total makeover in 2006.Jul 23, 2008
by Sydney H
Jun 17, 2008
Love everything.Jun 17, 2008
by Phil T
Apr 04, 2008
Runs great, holds all of my stuff and friends for any trip.Apr 04, 2008
by Rob T
Dec 18, 2007
Great Suv terrible on gasDec 18, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 20, 2007
I bought my 2003 Xterra brand new off of the lot with only 12 factory miles. I've taken
special care to get every service, including suggested (possibly unnecessary) services, and
have had no issues whatsoever with the vehicle. I would not recommend you purchase the 5
speed stick shift version that I have if you live in Los Angeles, as stop and go traffic tends to
wear the sole of your left shoe out. This truck has treated me great on road trips and is the
perfect medium sized SUV for living in the city. Oct 20, 2007
What users have asked
slgenweitshawn@gmail.com
My battery has full charge everything lights up all the fuses are good but when I turn the key my car won't start it won't even turn over what can I do to fix it
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Xterra won't start
So, I got stuck last night for 3 hours because my Xterra wouldn't start. It did it a week ago and a mechanic told us to go out and unlock the trunk then lock unlock the driver side then lock the driver side then unlock the driver side and it turned over I turned on well this time it didn't work we got it towed all the way home an hour away and it started this morning. Now I'm at the store and it's not starting again anybody know what to do about the alarm system that's what I think it is?
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Can I put a 2.4 body of an 03 Xterra with a 04 3.3 Xterra body?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Nissan Xterra?Compare this car
2003 Nissan Xterra Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,539 to $28,539Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.88
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.64
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.64
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.64 · Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.90 · Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.64 · Limited slip differential: rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent