2007 Nissan Xterra
Nissan Xterra: It's hip to be square
Thu, Jan 4th 2007
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| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - mid, 4wd |
| msrp | $27,950 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 16mpg/21mpg |
| rating |  |
You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you might find you get what you need. . — Rolling Stones (as if you didn’t know)
When I came up with the idea of rating new vehicles — SUVs, minivans and wagons — for their usefulness as “dogmobiles,” I had some pre-determined notions of the frivolous accessories I wanted strictly for me, since the dogs weren’t planning on making the car payment. See, if I am going to drop a load of dough to replace Forrest, the paid-off ‘98 Plymouth Voyager, I wanted some bling that had nothing to do with how well dog crates fit in the back of the vehicle, or how well the thing could be ventilated.
More than anything, I wanted heated seats. Less of a must: Moon roof. Nice but not essential, high-tech coolness such as can be found in the peerless Acura RDX.
So why am I suddenly spending idle moments pricing out a Nissan XTerra, which offers not a single one of my “must-have” comfort-and-fun items? Because it’s the nearest thing to my perfect dogmobile I’ve yet tried. It’s that ol’ needs/want thing, you see?
Before I get into why I love, love, love the Xterra, a reminder that what’s right for me may not be right for you. I have retrievers, big mud-puppies who are constantly on the road with me, heading either for a river run, a dog show or field training or competition. Those last items are key: Sometimes I am truly in need of four-wheel drive -- a vehicle with high road clearance.
If I had no off-road demands, I’d be looking at the Honda Element, which remains my pick for the best dogmobile ever. If I didn’t have big dogs, I’d be looking at the aforementioned Acura RDX, which remains my favorite driving experience of all time. If I had close to $50,000 to burn, I might be thinking of the Volvo XC90, another favorite.
But … I have big mud puppies and just can’t bring myself to spend that kind of money. Which brings me back to the XTerra.
I wasn’t prepared to be so knocked off my feet by the XTerra. I like the Mad Max look of it, but an earlier turn in a Nissan SUV — the Murano with its cargo space-killing curves — had left me unimpressed. But I liked the XTerra from the minute I slid into its (non-heated) seat, and the attraction just kept growing.
First, as a mid-sized SUV it’s not all that big, but because it is tall and squared off, the XTerra makes every inch of cargo space count. The squared-off rear meant that I wouldn’t have a problem with rear-facing dog crates — in many SUVs, the sloping rear mean crates will fit fine on the bottom, but you can’t close the rear hatch because the crates stick out.
Second, it’s a true SUV. That’s certainly true of the off-road model I drove (at $29,000 fully loaded), but it’s also true of all XTerra 4WD offerings. Inside and out, it’s rugged and equipped for the dirt that comes with an active outdoor lifestyle. Rubber cargo mats keep the muck to a minimum and make the vehicle easy to clean. And the combination of cargo hooks, racks and so many nooks and crannies I lost count, meant that everything will fit inside or on top and can be cinched down for security no matter what road you’re on. (No, I’m not planning to put the dogs on top, but I’ve got some gear that can go there.)
Third, it’s comfortable. The (unheated) seats have great lumbar support. Everything you’d want to turn on, off or look at is just where you’d want it.
Fourth, it’s a kick to drive. Mind you, it is a real SUV, and a certain amount of stiffness goes along with that. But it’s great on the highway, sure-footed off-road and not even a bad drive in city traffic — and I do mean city traffic: I had it in downtown San Francisco.
It is everything I need. And the XTerra is the only vehicle so far that has had me wasting time on cars.com outfitting it and trying to figure out which model and what options. Especially since I figured out a way to get heated seats after-market. Because my cold fanny shouldn’t have to suffer just so my dogs can have a cool ride.
-- Gina Spadafori
Carguy Comments:The Nissan XTerra shares the rugged platform of the full-size Titan and Armada and features a 261-horsepower V-6 engine. It’s available in two- and four-wheel drive configurations in a choice of X, S, SE and Off-Road levels. Cargo capacity is 65.7 cubic feet and emissions system is rated at Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEVII-LEV).
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
X marks the spot
Barking Lot Banter: For a big money purchase like that of a new vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you properly place your needs over your wants. With lots of space and special extras, the Nissan XTerra will fit the needs of big dog owners everywhere.
Comments
i bought my first Xterra in 2001 and i loved it. in 2005 with the redesign i took notice to it, i had to have a new 1. so in 2007 i bought a auto off road edition. with all the power, the veh. does use alot of gas but, between my 01 and the 07 there is no comparison. i hope Nissan never stops making the XTERRA, it is simple the best. size, power, and space are the reasons for owning.
2009-04-21 12:14:00
I have a 01 xterra and I love it. I use a large crate in the back for my two corgis and my Border Collie has enough room that he uses a pad next to the crate. Tons of room for all our gear for hiking and Snow shoeing. Summer months I put the kayak on top and off we go.I Will buy another one when this one wears out!
2008-12-19 16:26:42
I have a 2000 X-Terra and my plans to get a new one are on the way. Definitely X-Terra again!
My German Shepherd has lots of room in the back which I separated with a barrier. He loves the space and seems to feel safe in it as he keeps going back in it if I leave the back open!
I love my X-Terra!
2008-11-18 07:27:57
I had a 01 and traded it in for the 07 off road edition in sept. of of 06. The improvements that were made are amazing. I do take it off roading and the skid plates did help. The first Xterra is the reason I bought the 07, I hope that Nissan will never stop making this vehicle because when the day I need a new vehicle I will buy another Xterra.
2008-11-04 15:08:29
I love my Nissan Xterra! I’ve had it for 2 1/2 years now (‘07 model). I had an old Nissan Pathfinder before that and it was great too, but the X is even better. The easy-clean flooring and spacious interior work great for my St. Bernard, and the X can go pretty much wherever I want to take it, off-road or not.
2008-10-16 22:32:58
I love my new Xterra. I bought it based largly due to the information in this review. I have a German Shepherd mix and a Greyhound. It is perfect for carrying both of them.
Bryan in Georgia
2008-09-20 16:30:38
I bought an 07 and love it. All round best choice if you live an active life with dogs. Best in class off-road, loads of interior space, more passing power than you’ll ever need, decent on gas, and hard as nails. I agree the only draw back is no heated seats.
I’ve been camping with a Honda Element (08) and the biggest draw back with the Element was the huge lack of off-road capability and even worse lack of passing power. I’ve been in an FJ which is a great option, but the draw back is the cramped interior and lack of visibility. If you are going to get an Xterra, I highly suggest replacing the tires with BF Goodrich All-terrain tires…hands down best tire on the market.
2008-09-05 23:27:54
I recently bought a new ‘08 Xterra, and I LOVE it! I have 2 rottweilers, and it is perfect for big dogs. I can fit 2 full-size 42” crates in the car with the second row folded flat(one side-loading crate in the back cargo area, one front-loading crate entering from the side door). My dogs are too big for the narrow side-by-side SUV crates… those are too narrow for them to turn around in, though the Xterra does fit the side-by-side variety. The only issue with the car is that the narrow side entrance on the Xterra (for the back seat area) makes it hard for the dogs to get in or out there. I did purchase folding stairs (www.petloader.com – 12” wide steps) for the dogs so they can get in and out more easily, and they just barely fit in the side door, which mades it MUCH easier for them. Overall it’s a fantastic dog car, and super easy to clean too!
2008-08-17 07:56:49
I have an 02 but they haven’t changed much. I bought the X before I got my shepherd mix, and I’m so happy I did. He’s an older adoptee who was never crate trained, and left unsecured he climbs in the front seat and then tries to get on my lap!! I put a kennel barrier in the cargo area, a rubber mat, and a dog bed and we’re good to go. A crate would easily fit back there too.
The only thing I don’t like is the gas. At $4/gallon and under 20mpg highway it’s killing me. But I live in a snowy part of the country and use the 4WD all the time.
2008-06-02 10:08:31
Wow! Just found this cool website! Have had my X for 8 years now, and have 2 Labs and a small sheltie mix. There is so much room in the back for all 3, even with the seats up! And when I put the seats down, they’re in heaven!
Only drawback (and the only reason I didn’t give it 5 paws) is that given the height of the Xterra, it can be difficult getting older or handicapped dogs inside. One Lab just had knee surgery, and I cannot pick her up. So, anytime we had to take her someplace (like the vet for one of her numerous check ups!) I had to schedule her visit for when my husband was around to lift her in & out.
Otherwise, this SUV is great for a day of muddy, slobbering fun with my doggies!
Donna in NY
2008-05-29 17:16:52
i have an extremely energetic german shepherd as they naturaly are these cars look perfect to go up to the mountains , beach and woods for a nice 6+ hr. hike with my german shepherd dog , looks safe ambitious and versatile the SUV i think my sleek german shepherd will enjoy a nice comfortable blanket spread out on the first seat row with a safe seat belt this is one of my FAV cars . definnatley on my list !
2008-05-26 20:22:58
The Nissan xterra sounds great for my lifestyle with my active Hungarian Vizsla but unfortunately they are not sold in Australia.
Jenifer P.
2008-03-03 23:28:19
Love the thought behind this site. We buy things to fit our lifestyle and thast of our family. For many of us this includes our pets. I have had my Xterra for about a year. Absolutely love it. My little dog loves the side foot ramps to help her into the backseat and I can open the back and let my big dog just jump right in. After two kids & two dogs you appreciate how easy it is to clean.
2008-02-13 20:04:00
We picked the XTerra for all of the reasons above – two dogs + climbing/camping gear fit without putting anything on the roof. We love the way it drives like a truck, a nice stiff suspension but still really smooth on the freeway. Miss the moonroof I had on my old Pathfinder though!
2008-01-29 22:20:08
I actually bought the model in the picture above, the fully-loaded Off Road model in “sparkle red”. I LOVE it. I had an ‘04 Maxima & worried I’d miss my “sexy ride” but my dog-dogs made that a muddy ride so I too, had to bark up a different tree. 2 adults & 2 dogs can do some serious camping with this SUV. We can get all our gear & have room for the dogs. When it’s been raining, we leave the gate up & let the dogs lay down inside while we cozy up to the fire. I prefered the XTerra over the Toyota FJ because the back lays completely flat so you could sleep in it if you got rained out…the FJ doesn’t. No regrets at all! Mary in Grimsby, ON, Canada
2007-12-13 18:59:44
Hi- I just checked out the new Nissan Rogue- I think our dogs will be happy in it. Both are small, but you might be able to fit a larger crate it there. They have just now started delivering the new vehicle to dealerships so you may have trouble finding one to test.
Sherri in Hattiesburg MS
2007-09-24 12:14:27
I wish I could buy another Nissan. Love the look and function of the X. My wife won’t give up her Grand Cherokee and I need the space of a full-size. The Grand is a better off-roader but only if you are getting into more serious situations, in which case you should have a Wrangler anyway. My friends X use to follow my Wrangler and could go many places it could and had decent space and a great look. Just love the X! Wish I had better luck with Nissan.
2009-05-22 20:47:59