Entered CNET Catalog: 04/19/2006
SKU: 100655463
Manufacturer: Nissan USA
Product summary
The good: The 2006 Nissan Xterra's powerful engine hauls passengers and cargo with little trouble. Off-roading is easy and fun, thanks to the hefty power train and the rugged exterior design. The audio system with a six-CD changer produces solid sound and supports playback of MP3s.
The bad: Lack of navigation or an auxiliary jack will frustrate tech-savvy adventure seekers. Street driving is rough, and the 2006 Nissan Xterra's height makes for sketchy turns. Dismal gas mileage and emissions ratings are not wallet- or planet-friendly.
The bottom line: The 2006 Nissan Xterra's 4.0-liter V-6 engine has enough oomph to schlep through mud, gravel, and snow, but it doesn't handle city streets with much sophistication. Soccer moms and weekday commuters should look elsewhere for an all-purpose vehicle, as the Xterra's rough ride, dated interior, low gas mileage, and poor emissions ratings leave much to be desired.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/11/2006
The 2006 Nissan Xterra isn't one of those midsize SUVs that blends into the background. Even though the design isn't new, its big, boxy shape and unique grille still catch the eye while you're driving on a road full of functional but blasé automobiles. Not to say that all who look are pleased; comments on our test car ranged from cool to plain old ugly.
This 2006 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year boasts a powerful V-6 engine and is fun to get dirty. But rough suspension and a tipsy feel around corners can make for a less-than-enjoyable driving experience on the road. In addition, the vehicle lacks some of the creature comforts that on-the-go adventure seekers would find handy. The eight-speaker audio system with subwoofer sounds good, but other tech treats, such as a navigation system, Bluetooth, and an auxiliary jack, are not an option. A connector for an iPod is available, but it doesn't support other types of portable music players.
Owners of the 2006 Nissan Xterra will suffer most at the gas pump. The car gets an EPA-tested 16mpg in the city and 21mpg on the highway, but those who haul heavy stuff or play a lot off-road will see those numbers go even lower.
The 2006 Nissan Xterra starts at $20,050 for the basic X trim level with rear two-wheel drive. Our SE edition with four-wheel drive had a base price of $27,650 and included XM Satellite Radio ($350), body side molding ($110), carpeted floor mats ($110), and the supplemental air-bag package ($700)--for a grand total of $29,525, including a $605 destination charge.
When climbing into the cabin of the 2006 Nissan Xterra, the famous line from the 1967 film The Graduate comes to mind: "Plastics." The dash, the moldings, the center console, and other trim are wrought with man-made material. The plastic used seems durable and practical, but other materials would have been nice as accents to break up the monotony. Our car did come with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which provided added comfort and grip.
The displays, while easy to read, aren't terribly attractive. The instrument panel, with its orange backlight and black and white gauges, looks boring and dated. This is especially disappointing for a vehicle that is, according to Nissan, "equipped to push boundaries."
When it comes to accommodating passengers, we found the 2006 Nissan Xterra almost an example of the Tardis Effect in reverse: The car looks huge but isn't all that roomy inside. The backseat in particular is small and cramped, and it offers little legroom. Front-passenger seats have decent support and are large enough to accommodate most adults but offer a limited amount of adjustability. On the plus side, the convenience of the abundant, deep cup holders, ample center-console space, built-in sunglass storage compartment, and three 12-volt power adapters might console otherwise uncomfortable occupants.
The eight-speaker, 380-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system produces good, clear sound, even at high volumes while driving on the freeway. Steering-wheel controls handle volume, track, mode, and even power. Our car came prepped for XM Satellite Radio; consumers get free activation and three months of service when buying the car new. Sirius Satellite Radio is also available, so buyers won't have to feel forced into choosing one service over the other.
The 2006 Nissan Xterra's six-disc CD changer plays MP3s and shows ID3-track information with the touch of the display button. Bluetooth functionality and an auxiliary jack are missing, but Xterras with the six-disc CD changer will support an OEM interface for an iPod. The optional adapter connects the Apple music player to the car stereo via a cable in the glove compartment and is controlled from the in-dash radio or the steering-wheel buttons. Unfortunately, the connector can't be used with other brands of MP3 players.
Nissan makes a decent navigation system in some of its other models, such as the 2006 Nissan Murano, but this feature surprisingly is not an option on the Xterra. Bluetooth is also not offered, but this is of less importance for an off-road vehicle. Cooling and heating controls are basic but adequate, and the knobs and vents aren't as durable as they should be for a car designed to take a lot of use and abuse.
Rear space is adequate for hauling large items, but the hard plastic floor causes things to slide around, even when using the cargo nets. A sliding cargo-area organizer is available for an additional $150, which we think should come standard, at least on the more expensive models. The built-in first-aid kit is handy, as long as owners remember to refresh and replenish supplies as needed.
The 2006 Nissan Xterra comes standard with a powerful 4.0-liter, 265-horsepower DOHC V-6 engine that puts out 284 pound-feet of torque. The drivetrain is available in both a rear-wheel drive and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system, which switches the car into four-wheel drive and back with a simple turn of a knob. Towing capacity for all models is listed at 5,000 pounds. Our SE model is available with only a five-speed automatic transmission, but other Xterra trim levels come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with the automatic optional.Despite its large size, the Xterra still can attain plenty of speed. Although the car is hesitant when the throttle is first depressed, the power really kicks in at mid and high revolutions per minute. When merging on the freeway, we had the initial sensation of not being able to accelerate fast enough, then discovered several seconds later that we had somehow reached 80mph with ease.
The power-assisted front and rear vented disc brakes are firm and responsive, and they allowed us to stop quickly in traffic without throwing us against the dashboard.
Steering is responsive, although it's not supertight. More input is required when the four-wheel drive is engaged. The double-wishbone front independent suspension does not feel designed for passenger comfort; the ride was pretty rough on even the best-paved roads.
Turns feel rather precarious in the 2006 Nissan Xterra. The car has a high center of gravity because of the clearance beneath the chassis, which allows extra space to pass over rocks and debris. But on the pavement, it gives the driver a sensation of instability, especially around tight corners. Body roll is prevalent, which caused our stuff in the front and backseats to knock around quite a bit.
Off-road, our Xterra slogged its way through a muddy field without much difficulty. The engine had plenty of torque, and we didn't feel much slippage. Turns felt even more precarious on hillsides, however, and at one point, we thought we might tip over. For those who like to play away from the asphalt on a regular basis, the Xterra is available in a specific Off-Road edition that includes Bilstein off-road performance shocks, fog lights, and an electronic-locking rear differential. Hill-descent control and hill-start assist are also available on the 4x4 Off-Road model.
The most disappointing thing about the 2006 Nissan Xterra by far is its gas mileage. Depending on the transmission, the car gets between 16mpg and 17mpg in the city and 21mpg to 22mpg on the highway. With those numbers, the 21.1-gallon gas tank doesn't last long; we had to fill it up twice during a three-day review period with moderate driving.
The 2006 Nissan Xterra also does poorly in the emissions department. The EPA gives the Xterra a 6 out of 10 (with 10 being the highest) on its air-pollution scale, which reflects pollutants that cause health problems and smog. Its greenhouse gas score, which is based on the car's carbon-dioxide emissions, is a dismal 3 out of 10 for the automatic transmission and 4 out of 10 for the manual. Had the car done better in this area, we might have given it a higher rating for performance.
Decent visibility is the first noticeable safety attribute of the 2006 Nissan Xterra. The car sits higher than others in its class, which gives the driver a commanding view of the road. Large rearview mirrors and good window placement and design minimize blind spots. But the height of the Xterra makes it a prime candidate for a rearview camera or at least a park-distance warning, as visibility immediately behind the car isn't great.
Standard safety features include dual-stage front air bags with seat-belt sensors and active front head restraints, as well as lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH). In addition, the chassis features zone-body construction with front and rear crumple zones; hood-buckling creases with an energy-absorbing steering column; and steel side-door guard beams. Our test model came with the supplemental air-bag package, which includes driver and front-passenger side-impact air bags and roof-mounted curtain air bags for additional side-impact and rollover protection.
The four-wheel antilock braking system uses electronic brake-force distribution to help all wheels brake equally, as well as active-brake limited slip to help the driver recover control of the car in case of a slide or a skid. Models with four-wheel drive also include a G-sensor that adjusts the ABS according to terrain, whether it's the road, the rocks, or the snow. Vehicle dynamic control helps correct oversteer (the back end coming loose) or understeer (the car plowing forward).
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2006 Nissan Xterra a four-star front crash rating, a five-star side crash rating, and a three-star rollover rating.
The 2006 Nissan Xterra is backed by a 36-month/36,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile limited power train warranty.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32out of 32 user reviews
Used Suv sweet Deal!
Pros: Speed pickup,Room,Storage options
Cons: Lack of Nav system,blue tooth,and other frills.
out of 32 user reviews
2006 fuel regulator sensor is faulty
Pros: Overall a good vehicle. Comfortable. Good looking
Cons: Fuel Regulator sensor is faulty in 2006 models. Manufacturer knows about this problem. Refuses to do a safety recall. 2000-2004 models have been recalled for same problem.
out of 32 user reviews
If your life depends on a vehicle, this is it
Pros: Lost in a washout in the el paso mountains, this thing climbed rocks I thought it could not, it bridged a washed out 8 ft wide road with 3 feet missing
Cons: There is nothing not to like
out of 32 user reviews
I will never trust a vehicle review from CNET again...
Pros: Height, power, looks, suspension...
Cons: the cargo area does scratch a bit easy and stuff does roll around back there
out of 32 user reviews
Fantastic SUV
Pros: Powerful engine, good rugged looks, easy to drive
Cons: No flip down rear window, rear seats could be a little larger
out of 32 user reviews
WOW - CNET strikes out on this review. Talk about rubbish writing...
Pros: Quality construction and reliability, comfort, off-road ability
Cons: Could get better mileage, but not bad considering it is a truck.
Basically, the XTERRA doesn't really have much competition for a true offroad vehicle, unless you want something a lot smaller and less comfortable, or something much larger like a Hummer.
out of 32 user reviews
Nissan Xterra Rocks!
Pros: Reliability, Versatility, Tough
Cons: Fuel Consumption
Its comfortable, and been really reliable. I gave it a 9 on the rating wizzard only because I wish it came with a diesel like Nissan/Renualt commonly put in vehicles in Europe and get the better mileage.
Bottom line is that Laura that wrote this review needs a new beat. Clearly she does not know a thing about cars. By the way the stereo she down graded because of the looks is awesome!! The dealer put in a Ipod connecter hidden away in one of the glove boxes and I'm always listening to exactly what I want. The speakers are fantastic.
So just I'm writing this with experience of owning, paying for it and living with in the rocky mountain west. Its cool. For next time Nissan, make me the same thing with a a clean Diesel and I'll get another one!
Sorry Laura you are off on this one by a more than a country mile.
out of 32 user reviews
Not a ride for the soft-rumped, Lexus-loving soccer moms of the world
Pros: Tight, composed, competent at the limit and stereamline-your-eyebrows fast!
Cons: Okay...yeah...mediocre mileage...and quirky electronic glitches that have no place in a purpose-driven vehicle this well-engineered otherwise.
I've never owned a vehicle whose essential character so closely mirrored my own. But it suffers fools much more gladly than I do.
Wonderful ride....great heart...great spirit...point and squirt. What could be better than that!
out of 32 user reviews
2007 Xterra: Bold new engine and look
Pros: Better Looking, More Powerful
Cons: Shaky Fuel Economy
out of 32 user reviews
Good, but not great.
Pros: Style, roof rack, 4 wheel drive
Cons: Gas mileage, poor suspension, quality of interior, car is misleading...
I really like that I can throw my skis on top and drive home safely in a blizzard without any issue when I put on the 4-wheel drive. Other great things about the truck is that the back seat fold completely down and I have fit a queen size mattress in the thing...
The bad...
My Nissan has a constant squeeking everytime I hit a bump. It is horrible and is very emberassing for what was supposed to be a great car. My Nissan dealer told me it was a defect in the car and Nissan knows about it. It is being caused by the fuel pump and they were supposed to have a replacement part months ago. STILL NOTHING. I AM ON A WAITING LIST WITH OTHER ANGRY OWNERS.
The paint and interior plastic is horrible. I was mountain biking last weekend and I was putting my bike in the car and I barely rubbed the plastic and it has scratched it badly. This truck is not rugged.
I also kayak and the bottom of my boat is a little scuffed and it hit the paint putting three scratches in it.
The commericals show this car as tough and rugged.. it is a poser. Want some advice??? Get the Jeep! or Honda Pilot. My POS 99' Chevy Monte Carlo was tougher than this.
out of 32 user reviews
WOW! What WAS Cnet thinking?
Pros: Tremendous power, stability, safety, and value
Cons: gas mileage I suppose
The gas mileage is as good as I could ask for considering the size & hp of the engine. We experience 20 mpg regularly with 80% of the driving being light to medium traffic during freeway driving.
out of 32 user reviews
Best vehicle I've ever owned
Pros: Definitely for the outdoor enthusiast
Cons: cornering on pavement leaves a little to be desired
oh, and just for the record, CNET editor's must have been driving something else....
out of 32 user reviews
CNET Huh? This isn't a Lincoln Navigator
Pros: Sporty, Fast, Great in snow
Cons: Gas mileage, plastic interior
out of 32 user reviews
One Great SUV - Sweeeet!!!
Pros: Value, Design, Fit & Finish, Reliability, Power, Ride & Handling, Audio
Cons: Could have a few more of the Pathfinders upscale features
I downgraded from an '03 Pathfinder, which also was simply outstanding, and still in show-room condition at 55,000 miles, when I traded it in for my '06 Xterra. I traded for the Xterra, because I could get it with a 100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, at a great price, saving me about $3,000+ in routine repairs and maintenance on my Pathfinder over the next year, or so, and costing me only about $100 more a month over the next 3-4 years to drive a new, fully warrantied Xterra.
About the only thing I'd prefer in my Xterra would be some of the Pathfinder's ammenities - like leather, an automatic climate control system, automatic head lights, 6-way power seats, fully carpeted rear cargo area, and a few things like that. But... those aren't "deal-breakers" and the performance, ride and handling is actually better than my '03 Pathfinder.
The Consumer reports reliability ratings are some of the best, and based on my experience with my Pathfinder, I expect few problems, if any - and I've got a great warranty if I do.
You will be very pleased with the '06/'07 Xterra!
out of 32 user reviews
Almost a year and still perfect !!!
Pros: Powerful, tough, troublefree, comfortable... and it looks pretty good too.
Cons: Gas mileage. 18 MPG is marginal but 265 HP has to come from somewhere.
out of 32 user reviews
Excellent quality for all weather
Pros: Engine power, visibility, actual performance is high quality
Cons: Rear door access is slightly restricted
Please note, I do not purchase brand new vehicles. This unit was a 2005 Program Vehicle with 15k miles. It came with a new car warranty, and we were able to afford it this way.
It was purchased from West Texas Nissan, Odessa, TX before we moved east. This dealer is of good quality.
The vehicle is basically my wife's car, and she adores it. It is the only vehicle she has been able to parallel park.
With respect to off road activity, we did not purchase this vehicle for that. After 22 years in the military I am not about to take a personal vehicle off road to play around. I am a volunteer fire fighter, and it has been off road in support of that activity. It's performance is outstanding.
In snow and ice, here in the DC area it performs quite well. My only adequate thought about it is, "It don't care." It negotiates ice and snow very well.
Fuel economy. Our best is about 22mpg on interstate highways. And, I'm talking about west Texas highways at 80 mph. Here, in the DC area it's around 16-17mpg.
It is excellent to travel with our grandson. The rear door access is tight, but it easily accomadates his seat, and is a very safe vehicle for him.
We will have this vehicle for many years. Thank you.
Norman Prevatte
out of 32 user reviews
Xterra 06 off road. Excellent car/truck since June 2006 / 20000+ km
Pros: It has everything you need and nothing that you don't. Works perfect.
Cons: No. Gas consumption is high, but this is normal for the size of the car and the power of the engine.
out of 32 user reviews
Should have been rated higher
Pros: great car, rugged, lots of room in cargo area, affordable
Cons: interior scratches easily
out of 32 user reviews
Deserves 10 out of 10
Pros: I love the quick acceleration and rugged looks, folding front passenger seat
Cons: none so far.
out of 32 user reviews
Best in its Class
Pros: Power,Styling,high seat,roof rack,bits n pieces in the cargo area
Cons: no aux input, more color choices pls.
out of 32 user reviews
Fantastic, i love this SUV
Pros: Look,driving and handling
Cons: back side door space and wind sound
there is small problems i felt, hard to getting down from back door, not much space on back door and 2nd issue is wind sound when u drive 70+ mph. other then that i am very happy with purchase.
out of 32 user reviews
You C-NET PEOPLE didn't drive the XTERRA
Pros: The best SUV ever
Cons: Gas mileage
Based on my experience and the previous SUV's I've had, this is plus number one without a doubt..!!!
out of 32 user reviews
What planet is CNET on?
Pros: 6 CD changer (MP3) in dash, lots of leg room, power to spare, rides and handles just fine, I love it!
Cons: Could use a removable cargo compartment protector.
out of 32 user reviews
Fantastic, Rugged SUV
Pros: Handling (for an SUV), acceleration, nimbleness
Cons: mileage, but that's no surprise!!!
out of 32 user reviews
Did CNET editors drive it?
Pros: Fair gas mileage, great quite ride and powerful engine
Cons: Tow limit 5,000 lbs, stock stereo terrible
out of 32 user reviews
Best in class, you get what you pay for
Pros: Lots of power, comfortable daily ride, good cargo hauler
Cons: Useless stereo, gas mileage
1. The car is not THAT huge as it is implied and it IS rather comfortable for 4 adults inside. Unless of course they are CNET staffers with a cellphone in their back pocket, might explain their pain in the rear. The backseats are by no means cramped. Front seats are about as adjustable as most cars/trucks with manual seats.
2. Rear cargo space is a lot more than adequate. What was it being compared to, a 747?
3. The front suspension is plenty comfortable (I have 4x4 S version) and if anything, its the rear axle that makes things rough. But only if you think that speed bumps should be done at 40 mph.
4. The car IS tall but does not feel tipsy as implied. In fact, it feels about the same as any other true truck based SUV.
5. At least CNET is correct on mileage numbers, they are pretty bad. But what does environment have to do with performance? That should be a separate category all together.
6. Acceleration in Xterra is delayed by about half a second, but there is no way you can miss it as the article suggests.
I am guessing that CNET's reviewers came out of an S-class to be bashing this car so much. The only other car in its class is a Liberty, all others are simply cute-utes. If you want a tough SUV that hauls you and your stuff in most places and fast, this is it. If you are driving only on paved roads and just want to be higher than anyone else, choose any one of the car based SUVs, they will fit you better.
out of 32 user reviews
CNET misses the mark..
Pros: Motor Trend SUV of the Year 2006, extremely capable
Cons: City gas mileage, no rear window lift
out of 32 user reviews
Ok so i only took a test drive
Pros: POWER, very good feel, interior space, smooth for its class
Cons: roof rack (i think) was noisy at highway speed
out of 32 user reviews
Small, but fun.
Pros: Great for taking it off road
Cons: C+ For style,
I'm not too fond on the styling, considering Nissan could have done a better job at making it stand out a lot more then its last 2 generations, but instead it keeps the same shape and looks like Nissan took some of its styling Q's from a Honda suv in this version.
out of 32 user reviews
Cnet does it again!
Pros: This is an off-road truck and it does mean things...
Cons: gas guzzler, and what did you expect, a 4 cylinder from the Chevorlet Aero.
Here are some good stuff about the Xterra, compared to other midsize SUV (because thats what it is):
1) it has a better retail price (base price) of $20 500, compared to the average, $34 000...not to mention that the Xterra still beats the average with every edition they offer (S, OR (off-road) and SE).
2)Fuel Economy is 17 mpg (city) and it's an average of 15 mpg for the competitors.
3) 35.2 cu.ft. for the Xterra; 26.5 cu.ft. for the average, for cargo space.
4)it has 15lb/hp (power to weight ratio); average is 19lb/hp
5)Ground clearance on the Xterra is 9.5in; average has 7in.
Now this won't convince people to buy the car, but atleast some of you will have some kind of curiousty to go look at it in dealerships. For the record, im not saying that it's the best SUV ever but i will disagree with Cnets 6.7/10 review.
out of 32 user reviews
X-terra.. not X-techa
Pros: Truck frame, Off-roading, utilitarian, fun!
Cons: Not as cheap as it once was.
out of 32 user reviews
Offroad, not onroad
Pros: great offroad performance, beefy powertrain, excellent storage for gear.
Cons: No hybrid powertrain offered
