2008 Nissan Xterra

2008 Nissan Xterra Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Nissan Xterra:

One place where Nissan can do no wrong is under the hood, where one engine, an all-new 4.0-liter V6, provides the motivation..

-- AutoWeek

...we particularly liked the durable-looking and comfortable mesh-like cloth on the seats..

-- AutoWeek

...one of the clever new features they came up with is standard side bumper steps, similar to the ones you see behind the cabs of some pickups..

-- Cars.com

Regardless of the power train, the Xterra is easy to keep in lane on the highway, probably due to the combination of rack-and-pinion steering and a speed-sensitive steering ratio..

-- New Car Test Drive

Inside, the new Xterra has become more organized, and significantly roomier. It has about an inch more front legroom, and over an inch more front headroom. Second-row legroom, headroom and shoulder room have all increased..

-- New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the Nissan Xterra:

The longer wheelbase and stiffer chassis improve Xterra's on-road manners, but even with a softer ride the vehicle still suffers from some pitching over rough pavement, incurring noticeable head toss..

-- AutoWeek

The roof basket, on which buyers typically used bungee cords to tie down their gear, now has a lid. But you can't lock it, which seems like an oversight..

-- Cars.com

...our only real complaint about the entire vehicle is that the interior materials look and feel cheap..

-- Edmunds.com

Nissan Xterra Comparisons:

...a little bit more difficult to handle than some car-based competitors like the Ford Escape..

-- Cars.com

Overall, the new interior may not coddle the driver in opulent luxury like some of the more expensive SUVs on the market, but it offers an unparalleled degree of access and utility for those who would rather spend their weekends bombing down a mountain on a dirt bike than hitting the links at the local country club..

-- Edmunds.com

...the most powerful standard six-cylinder in any SUV on the American market..

-- Edmunds.com

Best one-liner about the Nissan Xterra:

the 4.0 V6 provides so much bottom-end punch that it feels like a V8 has taken roost under the hood....

-- Edmunds.com

...the '05 Xterra climbs like a rabid mountain goat thanks to all-new underpinnings and a powerful new heart..

-- Edmunds.com

Overall, it's as if the original Xterra spent the past four years at the gym: same guy, but with more muscle..

-- New Car Test Drive