2002 Nissan Frontier: Road Test
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2002 Nissan Frontier ▼
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- MSRP: $12,799 -$26,349
- Invoice: $12,171 -$23,956
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Our road test for the 2002 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2002 Nissan Frontier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Frontiers are strongest with supercharging, but even then, aren't much quicker than most V6 rivals. Test 2WD S/C Crew Cab Long Bed did 0-60 mph in 9.3 sec with automatic transmission; a 2WD V6 King Cab needed 11.2 with manual. Base 4-cyl models are impractically sluggish for most users.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
Test 2WD S/C Long Bed Crew Cabs averaged 15.1 mpg with manual transmission, 13.5 with automatic; Nissan recommends premium fuel for supercharged V6. Nonsupercharged models use regular; test manual V6 4x4 King Cab returned 14 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
Among the better small pickups, with little impact harshness on sharp bumps but, as with any truck, ride motions are choppy on rough or broken surfaces. Crew Cab Long Bed's 131-inch wheelbase matches Dodge Dakota's as longest among compact pickups; it smooths ride motions some.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.4 |
Cornering lean is always evident in any model, and as with any pickup, the rear end hops when the cargo bed is empty. Steering annoyingly light and numb. S/C model's stiffer suspension doesn't help handling much.
QUIETNESS
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Supercharger hushes the V6 some, but all Frontier engines are noisy and gruff. Wind and tire ruckus also higher than the class norm.
CONTROLS
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Revamped dashboard mirrors "industrial-look" exterior styling with, unfortunately, too much hard plastic. Simple control layout works well enough, but main gauges reside in deep, dark coves and are difficult to read unless illuminated by turning headlamps on.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Generous space for 6-footers even in regular cabs, but seats are too low for some. Good entry/exit even on 4x4s, thanks to a lower step-in than some rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 |
Crew Cabs have better entry/exit than other brands' extended-cabs with rear-hinged doors, but it's still tight getting in and out and not very roomy. Rear-seat leg space adequate for adults only with front seats well forward. King Cab's two fold-down rear jump seats are small, tough to get to.
CARGO ROOM
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
Useful storage room behind front seats in both cab styles.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 6.6 |
Frontier remains a run-of-the-mill small pickup, feeling quite dated despite its new SUV-style skin and flashy supercharged V6. Crew Cabs account for 45 percent of sales, with the new Long Bed expected to take 70 percent of those. Rivals have nothing like the S/C Crew Cabs, but there are better alternatives to any Frontier.
Total Score
| SE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab Long Bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 38 | 37 | 38 | 39.5 |
Total Score: 36
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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