greetings to all:

I do not yet own an xterra-- within the next month or so I likely will buy either an 07 xterra X or S, or perhaps a Toyota Nav 4-- so, I will be looking to y'all and your notes to help me decide if the xterra is for me.

I will not be doing off road stuff, but will be living in an area that gets mucho snow and I will be pulling docks out and carting boats around.

One concern I have is how comfortable the xterra is for daily driving-- as I read comments in other fora I note that one complaint that owners have is the excessive amount of interior plastic. Are you owners pleased with the interior amenities?

Well, I will not ramble any further now.

Many thanks for letting a non-owner join your forum.

Welcome. I too live in a snowy area which is why I went for the Off Road model. Bad weather isn't far off here so I expect to put it to use very soon.
The interior is a little spartan but I don't think it looks cheap or anything. My model came with the leather covered 2 tone steering wheel which improves the interior looks some. I like the interior as it is done but that's just me. My wife thinks it has too much a guy looking interior which makes me happy.
As to everyday drving I have found it very comfortable. Rear passengers have complained of the lack of leg room but hey, I bought it for me. It is a truck though and my mileage so far is pretty sad. I have under a 1000 miles on it so I hope to see some improvement eventually.
I have the basic stereo-cd package and find that it is more than adequate for me. Nissan I think used a fairly cheap radio to use though. I don't know what the upgraded audio system is like but the standard one will meet your basic needs. It really could be improved. I do wish though it had a radio off delay when you turn off the ignition like GM cars do, as you have to turn the ignition accessory on to play the radio when waiting in the car. Other than that I have no complaints and really enjoy it very much!

Well let me be the first to tell you that the xterra is advertised as a rugged, trail ready, everything you need nothing you dont type of vehicle. Its not a vehicle thats meant to be nice&cozy feeling.

I dont know anything about the RAV 4, so let me just tell you what I like about the X.


-very powerful engine for its class

-fold flat rear seats (these are nice because they fold even with the cargo area... alot of vehicle's seats in this class dont fold totally flat)

-available fold flat front passengers seat

-standard ABS

-TONS of storeage (two gloveboxes, centerconsole, underneath the rear cargo area, roof rack storeage compartment)

I have an 06 Xterra and have really enjoyed owning it. It has handled everything I have thrown at it quiet well (mine is stock), gets good gas mpg, is fun to drive, and has enough room for everything I do (camping, snowboarding).

I've actually only managed to get it stuck once. I was driving in 1+ ft of snow and thought it was a good idea to drive in reverse as fast as possible and crank the wheel. The side of the X built a 3ft wall of snow and then it wouldn't move. It was hilarious! :D My buddy and I dug it out with the neighbors laughing at us.