2004 Nissan Xterra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Taking its name literally, the 2004 Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV with an emphasis on both Sport and Utility, unlike the SMVs (soccer mom...
Taking its name literally, the 2004 Nissan Xterra is a compact SUV with an emphasis on both Sport and Utility, unlike the SMVs (soccer mom vehicles) and GHVs (grocery hauling vehicles) that most of the current crop of SUVs have morphed into. The 2004 Xterra is geared towards the young and active and not so much luxurious and insulated comfort.
There are few changes this year, except for new 17-inch alloy wheels for the SE trim. The XE comes as a base model rear-wheel drive SUV with a 143-hp 2.4-liter I4 and 5-speed manual. Moving up to the 3.3-liter, 180-hp V6 engine gives you a choice of the manual or 4-speed automatic and 4WD. The SE comes only with the V6 and a 4-speed auto, but is availalbe with 2WD or 4WD. A supercharged version of the V6 gets 210-hp. Low range gearing and a standard limited slip differential on the SE help make the 2004 Xterra a true off-roader, and being one of the few SUVs left to be built with a truck frame and suspension, the Xterra actually is better suited to rough roads than dry pavement. Sturdy adjustable roof rails hold up to 125 pounds and come with a built-in storage basket.
The compact Xterra seats four in two rows, with the rear row folding flat for up to 66 cubic feet of space. One cumbersome aspect is that the seat bottoms have to be removed and stored somewhere. Rear seats sit up higher than the front, so passengers don't feel blocked in. A higher roofline in the back provides more headroom as well. The XE is pretty bare bones, while the SE adds foglights, power features, 6-CD player, cruise control, and optional leather seats and sunroof. ABS is standard on all, and traction and stability control are offered as options. Drivers love the 4WD off-roading capabilities of the 2004 Xterra and its rugged look. They feel it's a bit underpowered, with poor acceleration. Overall legroom is limited and the interior materials look cheap. Nissan customer service does not win high marks.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers have a love-hate relationship with the 2004 Nissan Xterra. They appreciate its rugged build, spacious interior, and off-road capabilities. However, many are frustrated with its poor fuel economy and occasional stiff seats during long drives. Despite these downsides, the Xterra is seen as a reliable choice, especially for outdoor enthusiasts."
I spend a considerable amount of time researching vehicles and found a good deal on a 2004. I was familiar with the Frontier and wanted to stay along that lines for a second "play vehicle". I found that the Xterra provided that Nissan familiarity and the over-heard cover I needed. I found one with 120k and all it needed was some tweaking. I found that the power steering "factory" clamps were leaking and that was a very easy fix. After changing air filter to a performance product improved my gas mileage. Regular maintenance and staying away from things that go bump is the night has me thinking I can easily get this X to last quite afew years.
May 11, 2014A very well built car that has worked well for our family since 2004. We hate to be selling but want something with more room for more babies! Wish we could keep it! Appearance is older body style and preferred.
February 8, 2012Great Truck! I absolutely love my Xterra! It is one of the best all around vehicles I have ever owned. Unstoppable off-road, even without any modifications. Not a drag racer at 4,000lbs with 190HP, but great engine torque. It hits low and the torque curve stays flat. Last winter, I pulled two vehicles out of ditches during a snowstorm. Gas mileage sucks royally, but what would you expect from a heavy vehicle with high rolling resistance tires and the aerodynamics of a barn door? Funny thing is, if I drive like a maniac, I get 15 mpg. Then I spent a tank taking it easy and got 16, so, go nuts, it doesn't seem to matter. Spacious interior, and, just like their motto, it's "everything you need, and nothing you don't."
January 20, 2010What owners say
I spend a considerable amount of time researching vehicles and found a good deal on a 2004. I was familiar with the Frontier and wanted to stay along that lines for a second "play vehicle". I found that the Xterra provided that Nissan familiarity and the over-heard cover I needed. I found one with 120k and all it needed was some tweaking. I found that the power steering "factory" clamps were leaking and that was a very easy fix. After changing air filter to a performance product improved my gas mileage. Regular maintenance and staying away from things that go bump is the night has me thinking I can easily get this X to last quite afew years.
May 11, 2014A very well built car that has worked well for our family since 2004. We hate to be selling but want something with more room for more babies! Wish we could keep it! Appearance is older body style and preferred.
February 8, 2012Great Truck! I absolutely love my Xterra! It is one of the best all around vehicles I have ever owned. Unstoppable off-road, even without any modifications. Not a drag racer at 4,000lbs with 190HP, but great engine torque. It hits low and the torque curve stays flat. Last winter, I pulled two vehicles out of ditches during a snowstorm. Gas mileage sucks royally, but what would you expect from a heavy vehicle with high rolling resistance tires and the aerodynamics of a barn door? Funny thing is, if I drive like a maniac, I get 15 mpg. Then I spent a tank taking it easy and got 16, so, go nuts, it doesn't seem to matter. Spacious interior, and, just like their motto, it's "everything you need, and nothing you don't."
January 20, 2010This car is a great vehicle and a great value with a built to last engine. For someone looking for a small but spacious SUV, this is the car for you.
September 8, 2020It’s a very straightforward vehicle. Nothing fancy but I love driving it. I drove it from Colorado to Kansas and the only thing that I would complain about was the gas mileage was not great at all, but that was to be expected, other than that, I enjoyed the ride.
March 16, 2022Bought the truck brand new in '05. Even got the extended warranty. Never been in the shop at all and it has 80,000 miles on it now.
May 20, 2008Surprisingly, the blind spot is not horrible. Two wheel drive makes snow driving a little tricky, but sand bags made driving no problem for the three winters I've had it. This car looks fantastic, but the seats get stiff after a few hours of driving. Perfect for camping, outdoor sports, etc.
October 16, 2012Man this car was the coolest thing ever. Until my land rover.But i absolutly loved this car. Bad thing was it had horrible gas mileage. Great offroad and in the snow. Lost it in a car crash. Sadness was horrilbe
December 23, 2008love it all except the fuel economy and the 3.3 ltr
February 4, 2008I bout the xterra because i liked the vehicles eveer since they came out. Rugged yet nice. But it seems im only getting 10.5-13 mpg city or highway and cant figure out why
February 6, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,980 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 143 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $20,380 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $26,980 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $28,980 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 210 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 15 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,380 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $25,680 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $27,680 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.3L 180 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 44.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 16 | Drivetrain 4WD |
