2002 Nissan Xterra | Read Owner Reviews, Prices, Specs

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

15 -16 City / 18 -20 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

170 -210

Seats

5

Positive Owner Reviews

Glen S

It is very reliable, good on gas, and very comfortable to drive on long trips

The suv is great in the snow, 4 wheel drive gets me through anything. The ride is smooth and comfortable, the gas mileage is good, and other than normal wear and tear, it has been very reliable. The body has held up very well, with only a little rust in a few spots

Jeffery T

It is 5 door and has plenty of legroom for the driver.

My Xterra is one that reminds me of driving an Ford ranger, but with more room for the family. The gas mileage is pretty good in town and better on the highway for having an 6 cylinder engine. Only problem I have had is the brake line leaked. Replaced it and no further issues. It is great to carry the grandkids on any outing.

jason b

It's a decent size and good for winter season with the 4 wheel drive

I love my vehicle i have it for 16 years and still good, i hope they continue to make this kind of vehicle and i am ready to get newer one.

Michelle E

It is been very reliable. Never had a breakdown. Bought it used 7 years ago.

I like 4x4. The height of the vehicle makes it easy to enter and exit the vehicle. It is sporty looking. I do not like the interior shoulder room. It is too narrow.

Beth S

Awesome vehical

I love my 2002 nissan xterra just as much today as I did when I bought it new. Only problem.... I recently moved to California and am having problems passing emissions test. O2 sensor not turning green. It only has 126,000 miles on it. I was told to "drive it" to take it on a road trip and this could correct the problem. I have no idea how far I need to drive it, how much gas am I going to have to burn and just how much drive time will take care of this. I you have experience with this please respond, I need some hope. Thank you. I took it on the freeway and drove an hour and turned around drove back to smog place no success.

Vincent A

The only thing you should know is that you are going to love it.

I love my Nissan. Its 2002, 4-door , 4 wheel drive blue tera. This vehicle is very reliable, it is still running smoothly. Just got to make sure you stay up to date with maintenance of the car. The ac works wonderful and radio is loud. It is so good with gas. Doors and window are electric. Tires are great. Always a comfortable ride.

Alani P

Stability and dependability of it is great.

I love my vehicle because it is extremely reliable, great on gas, great off-roading, and it is extremely comfortable to be in. I love my car!

Peyton H

It's very reliable and trustworthy. I've never had any major issues with it in over twelve years of driving it.

This is my second Nissan. I've been driving this one for 12 1/2 years. It's been a wonderful vehicle. I've not had any major issues with it so far. When it dies I'll get another Nissan.

Negative Owner Reviews

Diamond A

Old Xterra not worth the buy

The car is having braking issues, it used to be fine but all of a sudden one day they just stopped working. I mean it gets me from a to b but it does struggle when I press the gas. Every time I get a leak fixed in a month or two it just happens again.

Lacey L

My Nissan has driven over 150,000 miles!

Nissan makes great cars. My car has over 159K miles. I've also replaced the battery, power steering, air conditioning, and brakes. However these all need to be replaced eventually.

Kayla S

Gas mileage is really bad.

My Nissan tera has really bad gas mileage. The air conditioning is broken and it will not pass smog. It is almost twenty years old, so I'll give it that. For an old car it is not bad.

Ed P

Its reliable for its age, though most vehicles have much better power steering.

I am used to it. Its tall and has good mileage. I dislike the weak power steering. The truck/SUV has been maintained to a point where it performs better than most modern vehicles. It has never had any issues other than the occasional battery issue.

Katie L

2002 Nissan Xterra Ripped Off

I think I got ripped off with the one I bought, but I've had nothing but issues with it. There is some sort of electrical issue with it so my windows do not go down and the rear defroster doesn't work. There is also a large hole in the exhaust. It started out as a work vehicle for a few months and now I just drive it to work. Other than the issues I'm having it's great in the snow, is very comfortable to drive, and I love the vehicle.

Rivers C

Maroon color Nissan xterra.

I just got this car as a gift from a family member. I think it is a great car. Still runs smooth, the only thing is the fuse to my radio went out and the heating coil needs to be replaced. Other than that I think my 2002 Nissan xterra is in great condition.

Lindsey G

There is not much space in the front of the vehicle.

I like the size of my vehicle and that it is smaller than most SUVs but larger than most cars. I like that my vehicle gets better gas mileage than most other SUVs. I dislike the fact that my vehicle has no air conditioning and the fact that it has begun to overheat once in a while.

Frances S

It is durable and very reliable.

It is an older model that uses a lot of gas. I like it because I can haul quite a bit of stuff in it if needed.

Nissan Xterra Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

XE

170 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats

XE SC

210 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats

SE

170 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats

SE SC

210 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2002 Nissan Xterra Owner Reviews

4.15

73 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

42%

4 stars

34%

3 stars

19%

2 stars

4%

1 star

0%

Beth S on June 20, 2021

Awesome vehical

I love my 2002 nissan xterra just as much today as I did when I bought it new. Only problem.... I recently moved to California and am having problems passing emissions test. O2 sensor not turning green. It only has 126,000 miles on it. I was told to "drive it" to take it on a road trip and this could correct the problem. I have no idea how far I need to drive it, how much gas am I going to have to burn and just how much drive time will take care of this. I you have experience with this please respond, I need some hope. Thank you. I took it on the freeway and drove an hour and turned around drove back to smog place no success.

Diamond A on March 23, 2021

Old Xterra not worth the buy

The car is having braking issues, it used to be fine but all of a sudden one day they just stopped working. I mean it gets me from a to b but it does struggle when I press the gas. Every time I get a leak fixed in a month or two it just happens again.

View All Reviews (73)

Ranks #8 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2002 Nissan Xterra has an average owner rating of 4.16 out of 5 which ranks it #8 of 14 other Midsize SUVs.

1

2002 Jeep Wrangler

4.68

2

2002 Toyota Highlander

4.48

8

2002 Nissan Xterra

4.15

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Nissan Xterra has a combined MPG of 20 which ranks it #7 of 14 other Midsize SUVs.

1

2002 Hyundai Santa Fe

27 MPG

2

2002 Buick Rendezvous

24 MPG

7

Tie

2002 Nissan Xterra

20 MPG

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 Nissan Xterra power steering fluid type?

Answer: The Prestone Power steering fluid is recommended for the 2002 Nissan Xterra. Using this fluid ensures that Your steering does not get hard to operate. If You let the fluid dry up in Your vehicle, You will...

What's the 2002 Nissan Xterra life expectancy?

Answer: Nissan vehicles aren't generally known for their ruggedness or durability, but the Xterra is perhaps the exception. It's important to note that any vehicle's lifetime is the product of its upkeep; the better...

What's the 2002 Nissan Xterra idle air control valve location?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Xterra idle air control valve location is found by watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wz70IEr2I0 You will come into many issues with an engine. A gasket may be loose and that needs to be...

What's the 2002 Nissan Xterra fuel pump relay location?

Answer: The fuel pump relay on a 2002 Nissan Xterra is under the dash on the driver's side near the data link and fuses. A faulty fuel pump relay prevents Your engine from running as the fuel is not supplied. There are...

What's the 2002 Nissan Xterra engine oil type?

Answer: When shopping for oil for the 2002 Nissan Xterra choose a high-quality oil that has the API certification mark or has an ILSAC grade of GF-iAnd II. An oil with a viscosity grade of 5W-30 is recommended for all...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2002 Nissan Xterra Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Positive Owner Reviews

Negative Owner Reviews

Nissan Xterra Models

2002 Nissan Xterra Owner Reviews

Ranks #8 Midsize SUV by Owners

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

Is The 2002 Nissan Xterra A Good Car?

How Reliable Is The 2002 Nissan Xterra?

Is The 2002 Nissan Xterra A Good Value?

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Reliability