2005 Nissan Xterra Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

16 City / 21 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

265

Seats

Positive Owner Reviews

Mark I

My Nissan Xterra experience.

My car is a midsize SUV that's perfect for a small family vehicle. It's low mileage and drives like a new car. Really good on gas.

Victoria H

I have driven it for 13 years, and it still drives like new. I'll get a new vehicle in the next couple of years, but they don't make this vehicle anymore, I wish they did!

I feel safe in my vehicle. It has lots of cargo space and is fun to drive! It is one of the best built vehicles that I have ever had.

Sandra K

A cool and stylish looking car.

This is a great car to own. First of all I love the design. Second, it is very comfortable and spacious. I can pack a great amount of luggage in the back. It is also very convenient that the seats can be folded /moved to create more space if needed. I am overall very pleased with this car.

dawn h

It is easy and safe to drive i feel good having my family in it.

It is easy to drive, it is safe and has great storage. It doesn't get great gas mileage though

Charieon S

My x terra always breaks. My is red. My x terra Its a truck

The most important thing you should know the miles per gallon on you car.

Kiara B

My 2005 Nissan Xterra has wonderful mileage, low maintenance and gas lasts!

I own a 2005 Nissan Xterra! It's a really nice truck to say that I absolutely know nothing about cars and this is my first vehicle. It's a low maintenance vehicle, so there is rarely something wrong with it. The only real problem I've had with this truck with owning it was my driver side window getting stuck, my brakes and my air conditioner! It drives smoothly and has a lot of trunk space! Gas also lasts awhile in my truck!

Hannah M

Quality car with common flaws.

The Xterra is overall a great car. Some common faults with them include: falling trunk doors, failing window motors, and leaky power steering racks. I haven't had too many issues with my car but they certainly have their flaws. The comfort is great if you do not mind a few rough bumps.

Alexandra M

Breaks are very touchy but you get used to it.

I really like how well it drives and how reliable it is. I also love how spacious it is in the trunk and in the seats in general. I honestly do not have any complaints about my car. It's pretty awesome.

Negative Owner Reviews

heather a

It won't last more than 100,000 miles and cant depend on it

My xterra gears fell out and it has been n the shop for multiple things. The windows wont roll up and the top is rusting

Steve Z.

Transmission Failure

From 2005-2007 Nissan knew their radiators leaked into the transmissions on the Xterra... This was and is a complete a*s pounding by anyone who owns these years. Beware, better yet runaway from it!!

Robert

Issue even nissan cant fix

Mine is an 05 xterra se. Never had a problem out of it until recently. One day it stalled on me out of nowhere. It has also completely shut off and came back on as I was driving it. It is kind of scary thinking it will stall at any given time and there is no warning it is going to do it. I've had all of the codes pulled and checked and replaced every sensor as well as the ipdm, battery and the upper catalytic converters but the problem is still there. I have even been to 2 nissan dealerships for the problem and they cant figure it out.i have also had the ecm reset with no luck. Guess I'm stuck with a 14000 dollar paperweight rusting away in my driveway. Never will i purchase another product from nissan

gab r

It is an offroad truck and has durable brake pads.

I like the size of my car. I have had many problems with the car and I have had to put some much money into it. I had to replace the transmission and even with warranty I had to pay 2800 out of pocket

L B

I like all the storage space and built in storage.

There is always something wrong with it. I have had radiator issues since I bought it and it rides very rough even after multiple tune ups and replacement parts. My 4WD is always sticking and it eats twice as much gas than it is rated to use. Would not recommend.

Chelsea T

Fun, but not very well built

The car is comfortable and safe, but small things have broken on it like the center console, power switch, drivers side window, and also the heat shields. Good gas mileage, but is also loud when driving on freeway. Factory radio went out so replaced it with a third party one that sounds better anyways.

Christina F

It does get good gas mileage.

Too much maintenance on the car would like a lower maintenance vehicle. Has some vehicle damage to it.

Aaron E

Has new jvc radio and speakers, and a brand new amp.

I bought the car with about 80, 000 miles on it. After another 10, 000 the transmission blew. Later learned that it a common problem with Nissan xterras.

Nissan Xterra Models

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

265 HP 19-19 MPG 5 Seats

Off Road

265 HP 19-19 MPG 5 Seats

Photos may not match model

2005 Nissan Xterra Owner Reviews

4.19

70 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

53%

4 stars

26%

3 stars

13%

2 stars

1 star

Joseph S on March 11, 2021

4x4 SUV and it's got a 4.0 liter engine and it's just a nice vehicle all around.

I never owned one till now and it's one of the best vehicles I have had. It's got enough room for 5 plus people and has room for cargo if ur a adventurous type. I've had no problems since I got my xterra and I would differently buy another one if I had a chance.

Allison A on February 12, 2021

It's very reliable and sturdy. It has gone through a lot but still drives and looks great!

My xterra has been super reliable with no major issues and has over 200,000 miles! It has gotten me through many snowstorms in the mountains and rides through the desert!

View All Reviews (70)

Pros from Owners

Cynthia B.

Perfect size for family use but not so huge it is hard to park, etc. Goes through Minnesota snow storms with ease, 4WD, both lo and hi, are super easy to switch on and off as needed. Fun to drive, has radio controls on steering wheel along with responsive cruise control. A/C and heat both work well and quickly get interior to desired temp, as well as clearing windshield and rear window with ease.

Rachel Z.

Love this truck lasted me awhile little to no issues 4wd is nice for off-roading on the beach and spacious back seat and trunk area for storage, there is also storage on the roof rack in a top compartment good for bathing suits and wet towels.

Marifi B.

Be extra careful when it's raining, slips easily and unsafe to drive fast due to imbalance. Gas is expensive too. Overall, driving to your destination to work, will do the job. The body is durable. It lasted 15 years now.

Cons from Owners

Cynthia B.

I have a hard time coming up with cons for my truck, as I truly love this vehicle. If I had to come up with a fault, I would say the sound system could be better. There is only radio and a CD player, and there is no aux port. Better speakers, an aux port, and Bluetooth capability would be the cherry on top got this awesome vehicle.

Rachel Z.

Brakes need to be done every year, 4wd stopped working eventually and the heat and ac stopped working a couple times since I had it, loud startup and acceleration, no aux or Bluetooth option, no sunroof.

Marifi B.

Gas is expensive. Had to change the transmissions and lots of services I made. The Nissan services are not economical. They charge every little issue that unnecessary so I have to shop to other repair shop.

Ranks #10 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2005 Nissan Xterra has an average owner rating of 4.19 out of 5 which ranks it #10 of 17 other Midsize SUVs.

2005 Mitsubishi Montero

2005 Toyota 4Runner

4.63

2005 Nissan Xterra

4.19

Ranks #5 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2005 Nissan Xterra has a combined MPG of 22 which ranks it #5 of 17 other Midsize SUVs.

2005 Buick Rendezvous

26 MPG

Tie

2005 Nissan Murano

24 MPG

Tie

2005 Nissan Xterra

21 MPG

Is The 2005 Nissan Xterra A Good Car?

Yes it is. I have had it for 6 yrs. With proper maintenance, it will last a long time. The only issue I had was the ipdm a few years ago.

Briana M.

How Reliable Is The 2005 Nissan Xterra?

It is reliable except for the ipdm problem I mentioned. I was driving on the highway and the truck turned off. This happened quite a few times until we did research and watched youtube videos.... Read More

Briana M.

Is The 2005 Nissan Xterra A Good Value?

Cannot remember the cost. Got it used for 11k six years ago. But it is 14 yrs old and I still have it so it is a good value.

Briana M.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2005 Nissan Xterra transmission fluid type?

Answer: The 2005 Nissan Xterra uses a Dexron ViATF automatic transmission fluid stated by the owners manual. Automatic transmission fluid lubricates the internal parts of Your engine and dissipates heat. It is...

What's the 2005 Nissan Xterra speed sensor location?

Answer: The 2005 Nissan Xterra speed sensor location is found by watching: https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=WFEoFJlXbJA The transmission fluid needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Along with fluid changes,...

What's the 2005 Nissan Xterra fuel filter location?

Answer: The 2005 Nissan Xterra fuel filter location is in the gas tank and is part of the fuel pump/sending unit; one assembly. Car parts eventually will become ineffective. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every...

What's the 2005 nissan xterra speaker size?

Answer: The 2005 Nissan Xterra haS6 3/4 inch speakers that are found in the front and rear doors of the vehicle. This is not that common of a speaker size in the aftermarket world and You will likely need to purchase...

What's the 2005 nissan xterra oil type?

Answer: The 2005 Nissan Xterra oil type iS5w-30. Your oil needs to be changed eventually. Every 5,000 to 10,000 miles is a good rule of thumb. If You don't change it, there will be problems with the engine. Having high...

See all Frequently Asked Questions

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