All new Frontier
a "Little Titan"
Nissan's 2005 Frontier is so completely
new, the only thing that remains
unchanged is the name. It looks so
much like its big brother, Nissan
Titan, it was mistaken for one several
times during my weeklong test. No
wonder. Frontier is larger than its
predecessor, inside and out, and
is even built on Nissan's new "F-Alpha" platform,
which it shares with the Titan, full-size
Pathfinder Armada SUV and the all-new
2005 Pathfinder.
Under the direction of CEO Carlos Goshn, Nissan has undergone a transformation the likes not heretofore seen in the auto industry. It's all about product and no other manufacturer can comes close to the barrage of new vehicles introduced by Nissan in recent years. Just last year Nissan introduced Titan, its first full-size imported truck (Toyota Tacoma is actually 7/8ths full size). Prior to that, Nissan successfully launched the return of the 350Z, redesigned the Altima, Maxima and Sentra. New products? Indeed! There's the Murano, Armada and Quest; Xterra and Pathfinder join the Frontier this year with complete makeovers.
Frontier has been around since 1958 and was the first compact pickup on the market. Of course it wasn't always known as a Frontier. It started out as the Datsun pickup, next came the Nissan, which became the Hardbody and finally the Frontier.
The new 2005 Frontier is significantly wider and taller than the current model with a nearly 10-inch longer wheelbase, making it one of the largest trucks in the class. Only the Dodge Dakota is bigger.
Outside, the "Little Titan" appearance is unmistakable with the same wedge profile, angled two-bar chrome strut grille and vinyl trim around the tailgate release. Gone (thank goodness) is the wide plastic wheel arch cladding featured on previous Frontier models.
Frontier will get many of the same innovations introduced on the Titan last year including the optional, factory-applied, sprayed-in bedliner. Frontiers may also be had with an Utili-Track system that consists of five moveable grooves or channels in the bed, along with heavy-duty tie-down cleats to secure cargo. Tailgates are equipped with a door-style lock.
For 2005, Frontier is available in two body styles: extended cab (also known as King Cab) and crew cab. Models include: base XE, nicely equipped SE, fully equipped LE and the off-road Nismo (short for Nissan motorsports International, the high-performance division of the automaker). All Frontier models come with four doors. The rear doors on the King Cab are hinged in back opening "clamshell" style while the Crew Cab opens forward like a sedan. King Cab versions feature flip-up rear jump seats with headrests, while the Crew Cab has a full-size bench.
The base Frontier XE comes only in King Cab configuration and only with rear-wheel drive. The only engine available with the XE is a 154 horsepower 2.5-liter four cylinder and a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic can be had for an additional $1,050. Air conditioning is extra and included in a preferred package that throws in AM/FM/CD, tilt steering a sliding rear window for $1,500.
A most capable 265 horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine producing 284 pound-feet of torque powers all SE, LE and Nismo models. 4x2 or 4x4 is available on all models. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, sliding rear window, AM/FM/CD and tilt steering wheel. Nismo models are fit with special shock absorbers and tires, chassis skid plates and an active traction system including hill-descent control and hill-start assist. Numerous options are available including leather power seating and heated seats, alloy wheels, 300-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo, XM Satellite radio and a hard tonneau cover for the rear bed.
The added exterior dimensions make for a much roomier cabin, but the quality of plastics and material have a bit of an economy look to them. Front seats are comfortable, but as a tall driver the seating position was too high and my line of vision was mostly through the sun tint on the upper part of the windshield. Rear seat room in the King Cab is virtually non-existent. Even children will find the space cramped and uncomfortable. The dash and gauges are well laid out and easy to use. Controls for the climate control system are straightforward. You'll find plenty of cupholders for both front and rear seat passengers.
I tested the 4x2 Nismo King Cab and found the 265 horsepower V-6 very impressive. It's no sports sedan, but there's plenty of muscle and the Frontier got up to highway speeds with little effort. This is the most powerful engine available in the mid-size pickup truck class, with more horsepower than the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma and even the largest V-8 in the 2005 Dodge Dakota. The ride was surprisingly sedan-like but firm enough to handle sharp cornering with a sense of control.
For safety, all Frontiers are equipped with standard four-wheel disc antilock brakes. Front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags that provide side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear passengers are highly recommended but do cost an additional $550. The new Frontier has not yet been crash tested.
Anyone in the market for a mid-size pickup would be advised to take a good look at the new Frontier. Nissan offers a lot of content for the money with the largest engine in its class, roomier interior, advanced off-road systems, innovative cargo bed features and new bold, tough look. The Frontier feels solid and well built with excellent fit and finish. Frontier is easy to park and is driver-friendly. It is an excellent choice for those who don't want or need the cost and size of a full-size pickup and the dismal gas mileage that usually goes with it. Frontier gets all thumbs up, way up.
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