The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

New Car/Review

Nissan

Nissan Frontier 4X4 SE Crew Cab (2000)

SEE ALSO: Nissan Buyer's Guide

By Tom Hagin

Nissan Full Line Video footage (8:30)
SPECIFICATIONS

     Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price              $ 22,240
     Price As Tested                                    $ 24,647
     Engine Type              SOHC 12-valve 3.3 Liter V6 w/SMFI*
     Engine Size                                 181 cid/3275 cc
     Horsepower                                   170 @ 4800 RPM
     Torque (lb-ft)                               200 @ 2800 RPM
     Wheelbase/Width/Length                   116.1"/71.9"/193.1
     Transmission                           Four-speed automatic
     Curb Weight                                     4167 pounds
     Fuel Capacity                                  19.4 gallons
     Tires  (F/R)                          P225/65R16 all season
     Brakes (F/R)                          Disc (ABS)/drum (ABS)
     Drive Train                   Front-engine/four-wheel-drive
     Vehicle Type                       Five-passenger/four-door
     Domestic Content                                 55 percent
     Coefficient of Drag (Cd.)                               N/A

PERFORMANCE

     EPA Economy, miles per gallon
        city/highway/average                            15/19/18          
     0-60 MPH                                       10.5 seconds
     Maximum payload capacity                        1100 pounds
     Maximum towing capacity                         5000 pounds
                * Sequential multi-point fuel injection

The hottest trend in pickups these days is extra doors. First came a rear-hinged rear "suicide" door that opened on one side of the vehicle. Some truck makers added a pair of these doors, which greatly enhanced rear access, but the tiny rear seats made riding in back a miserable experience.

Nissan has solved that problem. By incorporating front-hinged doors to its compact pickup and installing a comfortable bench seat in back, the company's Frontier Crew Cab pickup can now haul four adults in reasonable comfort and still carry cargo in its short, stubby bed. It's available in two-or-four-wheel drive, in either base XE or uplevel SE trim. This week we test a Frontier SE 4X4.

OUTSIDE - This type of four-door pickup isn't new. Nissan has been producing them elsewhere for years, mainly for commercial markets. However, Nissan is the first to offer a compact pickup with four conventional doors in this country and other compact truck makers are expected to follow. Nissan introduced the concept of the compact pickup to the U.S. in 1959 and has offered six redesigns since then. The Frontier superseded the company's Hardbody pickup in 1998, along with its distinctive, slab-sided look. To make room for the 29-inch long rear doors, Nissan took the extended cab chassis and reduced the six-foot bed by 18 inches. An optional bed extender helps accommodate longer loads, while a lockable tonneau cover is a worthwhile extra. Our SE 4X4 test model wore body-color overfenders, door handles and outside mirrors, while its chrome grille added a bit of luxury to the package.

INSIDE - Most of the Frontier's extra size went into its cabin. And while the rear seating area is fine for two normal-sized adults, taller riders will have to duck down a bit while entering the back seat. A third rider in back will be cramped, however. The dashboard, seats and door panels are made of higher quality materials than before, and the front bucket seats are soft, wide and very comfortable. Standard SE 4X4 equipment includes air conditioning, tilt steering, twin 12-volt power ports, variable-speed intermittent wipers, sliding rear window and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD player. Our test model came with Nissan's SE Utility Package that added a tubular roof rack and a limited-slip rear differential, while its Power Package included cruise control, keyless remote entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.

ON THE ROAD - While the two-wheel drive version and some King Cab models are offered with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, the Crew Cab uses a single-overhead-cam, 170-horse, 3.3 liter V6. Its 200 pound-feet of torque develops 90 percent of its pull at a low 1500 RPM, which helps its 5000-pound towing capacity. Our sprint to 60 MPH took just over ten seconds, which is satisfactory for merging into highway traffic. We'd like to see a bit more attention paid to noise, vibration and harshness, however, as this engine doesn't quite match the smooth response of some others in its class. More horsepower, around 200 or so, would help as well. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with the four-speed automatic, optional in our tester.

ON THE ROAD - All Crew Cab Frontier models are built atop a rugged, truck-type four-wheel drive chassis, which is a full-frame, heavy-duty system. The front suspension is a double-wishbone setup, with tubular shock absorbers, torsion bar springs and an anti-roll bar. The conventional rear suspension uses a solid axle with leaf springs, so the ride is as smooth and comfortable as can be expected in a 4X4. The Frontier's part-time four-wheel drive system can only be engaged at low speeds, but automatic locking hubs are standard. Its recirculating ball steering system is accurate and provides plenty of road feel. Its braking system uses front disc and rear drum brakes with a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

SAFETY - Dual dashboard airbags, side-impact door beams and ABS are standard.

OPTIONS - Power Package: $1,080; floor mats: $79; Utility Package: $499; bed extender: $229.