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10 Best Used Cars Under $8,000

2010 Nissan Xterra

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Overview

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2010 Nissan Xterra Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Many SUVs have grown into giant luxury barges incapable of tackling little more than snow-covered pavement, which is why off-road devotees and weekend warriors love the 2010 Nissan Xterra. Nissan's most affordable SUV is renowned for its rugged body-on-frame construction, powerful standard V6 engine and insatiable appetite for all things dirty and boulder-strewn. Although it faces tough competition from Jeep's Wrangler four-door, the Xterra remains an attractive prospect. Innovative features, such as a built-in first aid kit, adjustable cargo-hold track system and a roof-mounted drying rack, are geared toward those with active lifestyles, while the Xterra's civilized interior and comfortable ride make it perfectly suitable as a daily driver.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2010 Nissan Xterra is ideally suited for the active adventurer highlighted in so many Xterra commercials. An affordable price tag allows just about anyone to own this tough Nissan SUV, and a civilized ride makes it easy to live with in day-to-day driving.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for economy over power, the Xterra's standard V6 won't impress you. The Xterra's ride, though not rough, is a far cry from the car-like comfort provided by the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota Highlander.

What's New for 2010

Last year's X-Gear Package is now part of the S and SE's standard equipment list and includes fog lights, roof rack cross bars and gear basket and, on SE trims, a first aid kit and cargo net. The Technology Package is now standard on SE and Off-Road trims, adding an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with subwoofer and six-disc CD changer, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Driving the Xterra

Driving Impressions Around town and on the highway, the 2010 Nissan Xterra rides and handles impressively; it tracks straight, rides smooth and handles even higher-speed sweeping turns as calmly and confidently as...

a solid sedan. Its impressive V6 powerplant, a modified version of the engines found in the company's 350Z and G35, quietly delivers power whenever you need it. The Xterra performed admirably in our off-road tests, negotiating soggy access roads and fording streams deep enough to think twice about crossing. And judging from our off-road experience in another Xterra sibling, the Nissan Frontier pickup, the Xterra would likely traverse large boulders just as well.

Favorite Features

Versatile Cargo Area
In addition to no-carpet and Easy Clean surfaces, the Xterra's cargo area features a total of 10 cargo hooks in the sides, ceiling and in the adjustable Utili-track Cargo Channel System in the floor.

Side Steps
Integrated into the body of the vehicle, the Xterra's side steps make it easy to access and secure cargo at the rear of the roof.

2010 Nissan Xterra Details

Interior

The Xterra's long wheelbase and tall height create ample headroom and legroom for every passenger, front and back. Rear 60/40-split seats combine with a fold-flat front passenger seat to create enough room for lengthy outdoor gear (or tall floor lamps). A clean and purposeful interior features dual stacked glove compartments, multiple 12-volt outlets and a versatile cargo area.

Exterior

With a tubular roof rack, stepped roof and bump on its back, the Xterra looks as if it were born to be a long way from pavement. The 2010 Nissan Xterra appears to sit on the road with a comforting sense of security, thanks in large part to its long wheelbase and short overhangs, as well as its wide, pronounced fender flares. Its "angled strut grille" serves as the new face for many of Nissan's trucks and SUVs. The bin at the front of the roof rack features a latchable cover, and the rear bumper includes integrated side steps for easier access to the roof.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Features on the base Xterra include a 4.0-liter V6, six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution, stability control, single CD sound system, power door locks/windows/mirrors, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control and an Easy Clean cargo area surface with multiple heavy-duty hooks and Utili-track Cargo Channel System. Standard safety equipment includes front seat side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, front-seat active head restraints and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Optional Equipment

Additional equipment for the 2010 Nissan Xterra varies by trim and includes a cargo cover, iPod interface, floor mats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

Under the Hood

The Xterra's V6 pulls as strongly on the highway as it does climbing rocks and dirt mounds. Ample torque translates into ample towing ability, but all that power comes at a price, and you'll pay it at the pump.

4.0-liter V6
261 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
281 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/20 (2WD, manual), 15/21 (2WD, automatic), 16/20 (4WD, manual), 15/20 (4WD, automatic)

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2010 Nissan Xterra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5

Out of 5

Based on 359 Ratings for the 2005 - 2012 Nissan Xterra models.

Review this car

Value

4.5/5

Quality

4.4/5
Reliability

4.7/5

Performance

4.6/5
Comfort

4.1/5

Styling

4.5/5

Excellent build quality, rugged, stylish

By chaz on Monday, February 06, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,700

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"If you are looking for a rugged vehicle that has off road ability without the off road ride on the highway then this is it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Some bad but mostly good

By Mark (MO) on Sunday, January 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 101,000

5 3.0

overall rating 3 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 3/5
Quality: 2/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Power, standard equipment, offroad capability"

Cons: "Soft suspension, defective axle seals"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"The 2006 Xterra, with the Offroad Package, is a great value for the money. With skid plates, 32" tires, rear locker, Bilstien Shocks, and 6-speed manual transmission, the Xterra is far more rugged than other vehicles in its class. However, there are some downsides with the design that are worth mentioning. Even with the Bilstien Offroad shocks the suspension is too soft and prone to bottom out even with light loads or a full back seat. The seals on the rear axle are junk and it is not properly vented. My seals had to be replaced at 30k miles and the axle itself had to be replaced at 90k because water got in the differential. The struts for the rear hatch are weak, and will not function properly in cold weather. Lastly, there is only one recovery hook on the vehicle, the front driver side. These shortcomings can be fixed with simple and inexpensive aftermarket options, and save you lots of frustration and expensive vehicle repairs. I enjoyed everything else about the Xterra. There is plenty of power and performance, even at higher altitudes. It is comfortable to drive and capable offroad, once you address the issued outlined above. Largely, the Xterra walks that fine line between daily driver and offroad capable machine."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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