Topic: Used Vehicle Review: Nissan X-Trail, 2005-2006

[Autos_Editor]

The Nissan X-Trail is a solid small SUV with an unfortunate rust problem.

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[Threader]

My girlfriend happens to own another vehicle that is not sold in the USA like the Nissan X-Trail.

A white 2008 Mercedes-Benz B200.

Anyone else want to add to the list? 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

[sailor723]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

While I don't mind the old "two box' look in SUV's I've always thought this vehicle looks too narrow for it's height and length.

[Scarecrow]

My wife owns a 2006 X-Trail SE AWD which she's had since new.

The main reason she chose the X-Trail over the CR-V, RAV4 or something else was that the X-Trail was the only mainstream compact SUV that offered a manual transmission with a sunroof...and a very large sunroof at that.  I don't think that anyone offers this combination any more, including Nissan.

Overall her X-Trail has done the job she wanted it to.  It's fairly roomy and comfy, good for winter driving, camping and skiing.  Fuel economy is OK.  But it seems to us that the X-Trail has had more niggling problems than our other vehicles from Honda and Mazda.  And finding parts is a pain in the @ss; because it was never sold in the U.S., there is virtually no aftermarket parts or support for it.

Another maddening thing about the X-Trail is the stock tire size: 215/65-R16.  This is more a passenger car size than an SUV tire size (they're usually 70 profile), so it's also been a pain finding good tires to suit it.  Last time we had to order Yokohama Geolandar AT-S from Tire Rack USA, as Yokohama Canada doesn't carry the size we needed.

[dirtyjeffer]

i always liked these vehicles...i was sad to see it go.

[nlm]

My wife owns a 2006 X-Trail SE AWD which she's had since new.

The main reason she chose the X-Trail over the CR-V, RAV4 or something else was that the X-Trail was the only mainstream compact SUV that offered a manual transmission with a sunroof...and a very large sunroof at that.  I don't think that anyone offers this combination any more, including Nissan.

Forrester too and still.

[Ace]

A great little vehicle, we've put over 150,000 km on our 2006 Bona Vista model with no mechanical problems!
Too bad Nissan replaced it with the Rogue. IMO I much prefer the boxy Land Rover-like styling of the X-Trail.
If Nissan Canada would bring in the 2013 Diesel powered X-Trail that is available in Europe and Asia, I would buy one tomorrow (are you listening Nissan)

[Scarecrow]

My wife owns a 2006 X-Trail SE AWD which she's had since new.

The main reason she chose the X-Trail over the CR-V, RAV4 or something else was that the X-Trail was the only mainstream compact SUV that offered a manual transmission with a sunroof...and a very large sunroof at that.  I don't think that anyone offers this combination any more, including Nissan.

Forrester too and still.

Yes, you're right.  I'd forgotten about the Forrester, but in fact we did check it out then.  However the previous version (back in 2006) was significantly smaller than the X-Trail, especially in the back seat, and dearly priced IIRC.

[DarkHelmet]

Love my '06 X-Trail Bonavista.  Approaching 100K with very little complaints.  It ain't the prettiest girl at the party, but she holds her own in so many other ways that count.

And as others have already mentioned, the combination of features that make this vehicle a standout - the super huge sunroof, heated cloth seats, selectable AWD/4WD/2WD, fold-flat cargo area, etc. make it a winner for me.  Of course, there's also the "AMC Pacer-like" visibility.  The Rogue is an entirely different vehicle, and to me, was a bizarre choice as its replacement here in Canada.


Ace, ditto on wanting the diesel to come over to N/A!  Too bad Nissan can't (or won't) make that happen in Canada.  What a combination that would be.  I heard the Mazda CX5 will be offered in diesel, soon.  Opportunity missed, in my opinion.   

[SaskSpecV]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

Couldn't agree more, on both statements.

[lebowski]

+1 to the other comments - I've always really liked this trucklet for its boxy styling and unique features.

[Rupert]

Seriously nice vehicle. great flat 'seats down deck'...love it. Like central instrument cluster but whenever it is done usually a hash is made of it. I like the style also. Refreshing from globules I think. Did not know that the Rogue hed replaced it. AH well.

[sacrat]

 "One is a problem with rust occurring around the left rear wheel arch, apparently caused by improper application of rust proofing at the factory."

While robots are more efficient than "mere humans", this is a perfect illustration of how they will also carry out a flawed task perfectly over and over and over....

[X-Traction]

It's nice to see a review of the X-Trail.  Actually, the X-Trail was sold here starting in 2003.

I think it has one of the best side profiles of any suv.  But the front end looks like a toy and the back end is just awkward.

I've always liked the X-Trail.  We were close to buying one until we heard a new Grand Vitara was coming out.  Since the X-Trail lacked a low range, we waited to see if the new GV had a low range.  It did, so the X-Trail was passed up.  (This may have something to do with my id.)

Compared to the GV, the X-Trail gets better mileage and has more cargo area.  And you can only get Traction Control and Stability Control as an option on the most costly LE version, while these systems were standard on all GV's.  Another plus for the X-Trail is that it can be driven in 2wd, while the GV can't.  The GV has a longitudinal engine for better balance, though.  The long flat roof would be handy for people carrying paddlecraft etc.

In places like Australia, the X-Trail has proven to be very capable in light off-roading.

The X-Trail has drink chiller/warmers.

The X-Trail seemed fairly expensive, and this was reflected in the prices for used ones.

Nissan replaced the X-Trail with the Rogue.  Other markets such as Europe have the Xtrail II, which retains most of the unique styling.

[dirtyjeffer]

Ace, ditto on wanting the diesel to come over to N/A!  Too bad Nissan can't (or won't) make that happen in Canada.  What a combination that would be.  I heard the Mazda CX5 will be offered in diesel, soon.  Opportunity missed, in my opinion.   

does that diesel engine meet Tier II/Bin 5 emissions regulations for North America??...likely not, which is why it isn't here...nothing to do with Nissan not wanting it here, or some other random conspiracy theories.

[OliverD]

It's nice to see a review of the X-Trail.  Actually, the X-Trail was sold here starting in 2003.

Not true. '05 is the first model year available here.

[lebowski]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

Couldn't agree more, on both statements.

Never been a fan of them either, but I think usually those centre-mounted instrument pods are less a styling statement and more just a cost-efficiency measure to minimize the changes required to sell certain cars in both RHD and LHD markets.

[nlm]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

Couldn't agree more, on both statements.

Never been a fan of them either, but I think usually those centre-mounted instrument pods are less a styling statement and more just a cost-efficiency measure to minimize the changes required to sell certain cars in both RHD and LHD markets.

Agreed. Anyone that tells me they are thinking about getting a Rogue and asks for my thoughts, I cheekily reply, "Why?". I just happen to think the Rogue is up there with ugliest vehicles on the road.

[SapphireSeo]

Much prefer the look of these to the Rogue. I'm glad the centre instrument cluster fad has passed.

Couldn't agree more, on both statements.

Never been a fan of them either, but I think usually those centre-mounted instrument pods are less a styling statement and more just a cost-efficiency measure to minimize the changes required to sell certain cars in both RHD and LHD markets.

Agreed. Anyone that tells me they are thinking about getting a Rogue and asks for my thoughts, I cheekily reply, "Why?". I just happen to think the Rogue is up there with ugliest vehicles on the road.

+1 Every time that commercial for the rogue would come on I'd change the channel. It's like the Murano, only uglier.

Although I used to hate centre mounted gages, with the possibility that a mini cooper may be added to my driveway in the near future, their sort of shabby charm is starting to appeal to me. And in the x-trail's case, although they would be an ergonomic nightmare that invites backseat driving, they almost look like they belong there. The design feels we thought out to me.