2000 Nissan Frontier Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2000 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2000 Nissan Frontier is right for you.

2000 Nissan Frontier Road Test

Pros	Cons

4-door extended cab	Rear-seat comfort

Handling	Acceleration (4-cylinder)

	Rear-seat entry/exit (King Cab)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	3	4

The 4-cylinder is adequate in 2WD models, sluggish in 4x4s. The V6 is stronger, but lags behind most rivals. We timed a 4x4 V6 manual-transmission King Cab at a slow 11.2 seconds 0-60 mph.

Fuel Economy

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	3	3	4.6

We averaged 18.5 mpg with an automatic 2WD regular-cab, but only 14 mpg with two manual 4x4s, though in admittedly hard driving.

Ride Quality

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	3.3

Among the best small pickups, with little impact harshness over bumps. But the optional Off-Road Package makes the going much bouncier.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	3.3

The 4x4s are agile off-road. On-road, only moderate cornering lean occurs in any model, but the back can skitter in bumpy turns and the steering is both light and numb.

Quietness

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
2	3	3	3.4

Both engines are noisy, especially the four. Wind and tire ruckus are also higher than the compact-truck norm.

Controls

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.9

Convenient carlike dash is good, except for the pull-out umbrella style handbrake and the automatic transmission column shifter, which blocks the climate controls and interferes with the wiper control.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	3.8

Generous space for 6-footers even in regular cabs, but not everyone will like the low-set seats. Good entry/exit even on 4x4s, which have a lower step-in than some 4WD rivals.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
0	2	3	.9

Front-opening doors make entry/exit easier on Crew Cabs, but the rear entryways are still quite narrow, and there's little leg room ahead of the poorly padded rear bench.

Cargo Room

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
1	3	3	2.3

Regular-cab pickups offer typically limited storage space behind the seats. But King Cabs and Crew Cabs, like other extended-cab pickups, have a good-sized storage area.

Value within Class

XE reg. cab 2WD, I4 auto.	SE King Cab 4WD, man.	SE Crew Cab 4WD, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4	4.6

The aggressive looks of the '01 styling should attract more shoppers. They'll find Frontier isn't the most-refined small truck. But it's competent and attractively priced, earning it our Recommended stamp.

Total Score