1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Nissan Frontier. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Nissan Frontier.

1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Review

Nissan gave its redesigned compact pickup truck a name, at long last. In the past, it was simply known as "Nissan Truck." The seventh generation of small Nissan pickups in the U.S. market, this was the compact's first real reworking since 1986. Frontiers were offered in three trim levels: base (regular-cab 2WD only), XE, and SE (extended King Cab only). Regular-cab models had a 6.5-foot cargo bed, and King Cabs got a 6.2-foot bed. Regular-cab Frontiers had a bench seat and XE King Cabs got a 60/40 split folding front bench, while bucket seats went into SE King Cab models. All King Cab trucks had side-facing rear jump seats.A new twin-cam 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine developed 143 horsepower (9 more than before). Two-wheel-drive Frontiers came with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission, but initial 4x4s were manual-shift only. Frontiers with automatic got a column-mounted shifter. Towing capacity was 3500 pounds with a 5-speed, or an even ton with automatic. The part-time 4-wheel-drive system allowed shift-on-the-fly changes in and out of 4WD High at up to 50 mph, but was not intended for use on dry pavement. Except on upper models, hubs had to be changed manually. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard on 4x4s, while 2WD models got rear-only ABS. The passenger-side airbag could be deactivated for use with a rear-facing child seat. Rivals included the Chevrolet S-10, Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, and Toyota Tacoma.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Nissan Frontier: A V6 engine became available for 1999, borrowed from Nissan's Pathfinder sport-utility vehicle. The V6 was offered in new 4-wheel-drive extended-cab "King Cab" models, in XE or SE trim. A 4-cylinder engine continued to power regular-cab models and other 2WD and 4WD King Cabs. All Frontiers offered either a manual or automatic transmission, except for 4-cylinder 4x4s, which were manual-shift only. V6-equipped 4x4s had automatic-locking front hubs, while 4-cylinder 4x4s retained manual hubs. Four-wheel antilock brakes were standard on 4x4s, the Desert Runner, and all Crew Cabs.

2000 Nissan Frontier: A Crew Cab model with independent, front-opening rear doors appeared for the 2000 model year. Crew Cab Frontiers had front bucket seats and a 3-person rear bench, but the cargo bed was only 4.6 feet long. An optional tube-frame enclosure extended the bed, allowing longer loads to be carried with tailgate down. Regular-cab trucks came only in XE trim with a 4-cylinder engine and 2-wheel drive. A V6 was standard in Crew Cabs and optional in King Cabs. Both of those came in XE or uplevel SE trim. Also new was the Desert Runner, a 2WD V6 King Cab built on the higher-riding 4x4 chassis (also used by Crew Cabs).

2001 Nissan Frontier: Frontier got a new 210-hp supercharged V6 engine, revised styling, and a few new options for 2001. Newly standard was a locking tailgate, and new options included leather upholstery, in-dash CD changer, and steering-wheel audio controls.

2002 Nissan Frontier: Frontier dropped its regular-cab body style for 2002, but became the first compact pickup with a crew-cab long-bed model. Also new for '02 was a redesigned instrument panel and an available high-watt Rockford Fosgate-brand audio system.

2003 Nissan Frontier: Six-cylinder engine on 4WDs and Crew Cabs gained 10 horsepower. Antiskid system added in package with traction control and a tire-pressure monitor on 4WD XE and SE Crew Cabs.

2004 Nissan Frontier: No major changes were made to the Frontier in 2004.

1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Road Test

Pros	Cons

Standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (selected models)	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

Control layout	Rear-seat comfort

Ride/handling	Rear-only ABS on 2WD models

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Nissan's coarse 2.4-liter twin-cam four-cylinder engine does not have enough get-up-and-go for even base model 2WD regular cabs. However, manual-transmission clutch and shift actions are light and smooth and the automatic shifts crisply and kicks down quickly for more passing power. The new V6 engine made available for 1999 brought a welcome power boost for 4x4s, but was needed almost as much in 4x2 models. Though stronger than a 4 cylinder, however, the V6 engine still is less robust than most rivals. The Supercharged V6 introduced in 2001 gives Frontier a needed shot in the arm, even though it feels little faster than the top V6s in most rival compact pickups. A 4x4 King Cab V6 with manual shift took a leisurely 11.2 seconds to hit 60 mph, while the Supercharged V6 with automatic did 0-60 mph in an estimated 9.2 sec. Ride and handling are strong points, both ranking with the best small pickups. Bumps are taken in stride, and there's only moderate body lean in corners. Stopping power is only adequate with rear-only antilock braking, but swift and stable with the all-wheel system. Beware of the optional Off-Road Package, which makes the going a lot bouncier. Frontier has a fresh, carlike interior. That's pleasing, but the old-fashioned pull-out, umbrella-style hand brake is not. In addition, the automatic transmission's column-shift lever interferes with wiper stalk and climate controls. Climate and radio controls are mounted high, and within easy reach. All told, the interior design is far more modern than that of Nissan's previous pickup. Front head and leg room are generous for even 6-footers. As in every other extended-cab compact pickup, the King Cab's jump seats are child size. Crew Cabs, added for 2000, maneuver just as easily as King Cab models. The Crew Cab's aft entryways are quite narrow, and there's little leg room ahead of the hard back bench unless a front seat is shoved far forward. Entry/exit is good to the front, and 4WD Frontiers do not have as high a step-in as some competing 4x4 models. Interiors use plenty of hard plastic. All but the base 2WD model have front-door map pockets. Cloth trim on seats and door panels is more upscale than in the typical compact pickup.

Value for the Money
Neither the brawniest nor the most refined compact truck of them all, Frontier is still worth a close look. If the truck you find fits your needs, Frontier rates among the better small pickups.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Nissan Frontier SC Crew Crab 4WS, auto.	Rating

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	3

Ride Quality	5

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	4

Total:	38

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Engine noise: Engine rattle at startup is corrected by installing new camshaft bolts and a timing-chain tensioner. (1998-99)

Engine noise: Engine rattle after sitting overnight could require new cam bearing bolts and timing chain tensioner. (1998-99)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$725

Alternator	$410

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$850

Brakes	$355

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$570

Exhaust System	$260

Radiator	$285

Shocks and/or Struts	$470

Timing Chain or Belt	$180

Universal Joints	$330

NHTSA Recall History

1998 w/automatic transmission: Securing pin inside transmission-control assembly of some trucks can loosen, allowing shift lever to be inadvertently moved out of the "Park" position with key in ignition.

1998 w/bucket seats: In frontal crash, front seatbelt can slip between seat and seatback-recliner handle, where it can be cut by sharp edge of lever.

1999-03 w/V6 engine: Fuel pump terminal on fuel-sending unit of vehicles in certain states may develop crack in plastic molding; if corrosion and breakage occur, fuel pump could stop operating, causing engine to stop running without warning or be unable to start.

1999-2000: Taillight socket may have been improperly molded, resulting in locking tab having insufficient force to retain bulb.

1999-2003: 6 cylinder vehicles may have a cracked fuel-sending unit, causing the fuel pump to break. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2001: Fuel-tank shutter valves may be faulty on certain vehicles, resulting in possible fuel leakage. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

2002: Under certain conditions, on vehicles equipped with a supercharger, faulty airflow meters may have been installed, resulting in the illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and decreased engine speed. Dealer will inspect and reprogram affected meters.

2003 XE: Some vehicles may have spare tires with incorrect size rims, resulting in deteriorating brake performance. Dealer will inspect and replace affected rims.

1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
Frontier 2WD	$2,200-4,300	$1,600-3,100	$400-800
Frontier 4WD	$4,000-5,500	$3,300-4,500	$1,300-1,800

1999
Frontier 2WD	$2,900-4,600	$2,200-3,500	$700-1,100
Frontier 4WD	$4,400-6,500	$3,700-5,400	$1,500-2,300

2000
Frontier 2WD	$3,800-7,000	$3,100-5,700	$1,200-2,200
Frontier 4WD	$5,700-8,500	$4,900-7,300	$2,300-3,500

2001
Frontier 2WD	$4,800-9,000	$4,000-7,600	$1,800-3,400
Frontier 4WD	$8,000-10,500	$7,200-9,500	$4,100-5,400

2002
Frontier 2WD	$6,100-11,000	$5,300-9,600	$2,600-4,700
Frontier 4WD	$9,500-12,800	$8,600-11,500	$4,900-6,700

2003
Frontier 2WD	$7,500-12,500	$6,800-11,300	$3,800-6,300
Frontier 4WD	$11,000-14,500	$9,900-13,100	$5,900-7,800

2004
Frontier 2WD	$9,000-14,000	$8,100-12,600	$4,700-7,300
Frontier 4WD	$13,000-16,200	$11,800-14,700	$7,500-9,400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	crew cab	ext. cab	reg. cab

Wheelbase, in.	116.1	116.1	104.3

Overall Length, in.	193.1	196.1	184.3

Overall Width, in.	71.9	71.9	66.5

Overall Height, in.	65.9	65.9	62.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3742	3685	2911

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	--	--	--

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	19.4	15.9	15.9

Seating Capacity	5	5	3

Front Head Room, in.	39.3	39.3	39.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.1	41.4	40.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.8	--	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	30.7	--	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

First-year Frontiers came with a 143-horsepower, 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine. Starting in 1999, either the four or a 3.3-liter V6 was available, the latter producing 170 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed. The 2001 SC models added a 210-hp supercharged V6 engine.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I4	2.4 / 146	143	154	5-speed manual: 22/26 4-speed automatic: 20/24	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.5

ohc V6	3.3 / 201	170-180	200-202	5-speed manual: 16/19 4-speed automatic: 15/19	5-speed manual: 14 4-speed automatic: --

Supercharged ohc V6	3.3 / 201	210	231-246	5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 15/18	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Frontier

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2004 Nissan Frontier Review:

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier Road Test

Nissan Frontier Reliability

Nissan Frontier Prices

Nissan Frontier Specs & Safety

Nissan Frontier Photos

Nissan Frontier Full Review