The effects of Nb and Cr addition on the microstructure, corrosion and oxide characteristics of Zr based alloys were investigated. The corrosion tests were performed in a pressurized water reactor simulated-loop system at 360 oC. The microstructures were examined using OM and TEM, and the oxide properties were characterized by low-angle X-ray diffraction and TEM. The corrosion test results up to 360 days revealed that the corrosion rates were considerably affected by Cr content but not Nb content. The corrosion resistance of the Zr-xNb-0.1Sn-yCr quaternary alloys was improved by an increasing Nb/Cr ratio. The crystal structure of the precipitates was affected by a variation of the Nb/Cr ratio. The Zr-Nb beta-enriched precipitates were mainly formed in the high Nb/Cr ratio alloy while Zr(NbCr)2 precipitates were frequently observed in the low Nb/Cr ratio alloy. The studies of oxide characteristics revealed that the corrosion resistance was related to the crystal structure of the precipitate.