The 2008 Xterra is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the X 4X2
The 2008 Xterra is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 7 trims, ranging from the X 4X2 to the SE 4X4.
Upon introduction, the X 4X2 is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V6, 261-horsepower engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The SE 4X4 is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, V6, 261-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
Summary: MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED THE XTERRA AFTER HAVING A DODGE RAM AND TJ FOR OVER 8 YEARS. IT HAS TAKEN A FEW MILES TO GET USED TO BUT SO FAR WE LOVE IT. THE ENGINE IS VERY CAPABLE AND WITH OUR TWINS COMING SOON I AM SURE WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH SPACE TO TRAVEL. THE INTERIOR IS DESIGNED WELL AND ALL CONTROLS ARE EASY TO FIND AND USE. THE RIDE CAN BE HARSH BUT IT IS A TRUCK AFTER ALL.
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Rating Reviewed by: David(Unregistered User)
Review Date September 3, 2008
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 4.33 of 5,
12.00 votes
Review 2 of 235
Price Paid:
$22900.00
from Dealership
Year / Model Reviewed: 2008 Off Road
Summary: When looking to purchase a new vehicle, I came accross the XTerra by accident when looking at the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Highlander, Toyota FJ, Hummer, numerous cross-overs, and almost all other mid-sized to large SUVs. I knew nothing about the XTerra at the time, but in the price I paid, the XTerra was nice in appearance and by far the best value. I'm writing this review because when searching autos I also came accross some consumer complaints with earlier models of the XTerra. My 2008 XTerra has not had a single problem. Its performance and handling have been terrific both on the road and off the road. Amongst the many cars I've owned (i.e. 3 Jeeps, a Saab 9-3, Infiniti G35x, VW Golf, and a Honda Accord), the XTerra is by far my favorite of the lot.
Strengths: Power; handling; comfort; ease of use; and value.
Similar Products Used: Jeep CJ 7.
Jeep Wrangler.
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Summary: It is difficult to beleive that Nissan has improved an already great product, but they have. This is my second Extera, having just traded my 2004 S Model in on a 2009. Let me tell you, the difference in power is incredible. The 3.3 liter engine was very adequate, but at times lacked punch. This veh is made for someone who wants the feel of an Off Road machine. It is a solid, no frills package. The plastics in the cockpit and cargo area, wipe clean in a snap.
Strengths: Power, Looks, Reliability, Ease of cleaning, Ground clearance, Ride - This veh feels like a truck which we love.
Weaknesses: fuel economy
Similar Products Used: 2004 Nissan Extera
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2008 Nissan Xterra Off Road
Summary: We are (were) extremely happy with this vehicle until the clutch failed at 20.5k miles (6-speed manual trans). My wife and I have driven std trans vehicles for 40 years, and have never had a clutch failure. We wanted the versatility of a mid-sized SUV with 4WD for the snow and occasional desert trips, and were extremely happy with this Xterra as an excellent compromise between trips and daily driving needs. And we bought Japanese for their reputation of reliability and durability.
Then the clutch failed. Of course it is not covered by warrantee (a "wear item"). The dealer said they have been seeing other Xterra clutch "problems", but was non-specific. So I Googled Nissan Xterra clutch problems, and was shocked to find many others who have had the same experience: total clutch failure at an avg of 20k miles on 2006 and newer models. No news of any Nissan recall or quiet reimbursement, or a redesigned replacement. Very un-Japanese.
Bottom line of this post: DO NOT BUY A MANUAL TRANS XTERRA UNLESS YOU HAVE $3-4K TO BURN EVERY 20K MILES.
I would assume the auto trans models are fine, and overall this is a great daily utility and highway vehicle combo.
Strengths: utility and flexibility of use.
Great upolstery: tough fabric.
absence of frills and luxury touches
full size spare
full curtain airbags
killer audio system
Weaknesses: clutch, clutch, clutch
gas mileage, but reasonable for weight
excess decals on rack (easy to peel off)
no outside temperature reading available
Similar Products Used: none
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Summary: Not sure whether I got a good deal or not on my 2007 Xterra. The color in and out are exquisit. I bought it based on what I had heard about the overall performance of Nissan, body, and color. So far, I have had problems with the VDC and the SLP. The dealership had to recalibrate and reset both and actually connect the VDC button.
The paint chips extremely easily on the yellow Xterra. It looks like it bubbles under the paint then comes off. I took it to the Nissan body shop and was told the manufacturer is aware of this problem specifically on the yellow Xterra's; however, will not do anything about it as the manufacturer has denied all claims so far. I submitted a claim anyway and am awaiting a reply. Within a couple months of the paint chipping, the metal rusts. I believe within 10 years, my Xterra will have rusted through holes all over it. This is very disheartening as I have vehicles 10 to 15 years old with barely a scratch on them.
I would not recommend this product to anyone who is going to use the back seat on a regular basis.
For the size of the vehicle the gas mileage is about what you would expect 15 to 16 mpg if you drive conservatively.
Strengths: drives nice
Love the overall design
The dash board lights up very bright at night.
great vehicle to look at
roomy once inside
Very little to no road noise while driving.
Weaknesses: Hard to get in and out of the back seats even with 4 doors as the back wheel sits too far forward.
Back window doesn't open separtate from the entire hatch back.
Hard for tall people to get in and out of front seat without hitting their head.
Similar Products Used: 1999 Chevy Blazer
2000 Chevy Blazer
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