2002 Nissan Frontier: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Frontier drops its regular-cab body style for 2002, but becomes the first compact pickup with a crew cab long-bed model. Frontier comes as the 2-dr King Cab extended-cab, and as the longer Crew Cab with four conventional side doors. King Cabs use a 6.2-ft cargo bed. Crew Cabs have a 4.6-ft bed or, as the new Crew Cab Long Bed, the 6.2-ft box. The Crew Cab Long Bed rides a 15-inch-longer wheelbase than other Frontiers. All Frontiers are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. The base engine is a 143-hp 4 cyl. A 170-hp V6 is standard in 4x4s, Desert Runner, and Crew Cabs. S/C versions have a 210-hp supercharged V6, 17-inch wheels, and stiffer suspension. Manual transmission is standard, automatic optional. V6 models have 4-wheel ABS. Also new for '02 is a redesigned instrument panel and an available high-watt Rockford Fosgate-brand audio system. A locking tailgate is standard.

COMPETITION

Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out: The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.

This year we are limiting our Recommended choice to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.