2003 Nissan Frontier: Road Test
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2003 Nissan Frontier ▼
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- MSRP: $12,989 -$26,939
- Invoice: $12,352 -$24,492
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Our road test for the 2003 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2003 Nissan Frontier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
S/Cs are the fastest Frontiers, but still aren't much quicker than most V6 rivals. Test 2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed with automatic transmission did 9.3 sec 0-60 mph. Test '02 V6 manual-transmission 2WD King Cab needed 11.2 sec; an '03 should be similar. The 4-cyl models are sluggish.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Test supercharged Crew Cab long beds averaged 15.1 mpg with manual transmission, 13.5-14.7 with automatic. A 2002 4WD King Cab with base V6 and manual transmission averaged 14 mpg; '03 should be similar. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the supercharged V6, regular for the other engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | 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 more-comfortable small pickups, with little impact harshness on sharp bumps. Still, as with any truck, ride can be choppy on rough or broken surfaces, especially without a load. Crew Cab long bed's 131-inch wheelbase matches Dodge Dakota's as longest in class and helps smooth ride motions some.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | 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 evident in any model, as is rear-end hop with an empty cargo bed. Supercharged models' stiffer sport suspension doesn't help handling much. Steering too heavy, annoyingly numb, and slow. Have not yet tested a Frontier with the new antiskid option, but it seems a worthy plus.
QUIETNESS
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Supercharger hushes the V6 some, but all Frontier engines are noisy and gruff. Wind and tire ruckus also higher than the class norm.
CONTROLS
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
"Industrial-look" dashboard matched by utilitarian cab decor with drab fabrics and too much cheap-looking plastic. Simple control layout works well enough, but main gauges are in deep coves and hard to read unless illuminated by turning headlamps on.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | 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, but standard seats too low for some, so new height-adjustment feature is welcome. Lower step-in for easier entry/exit than some rivals, but running boards impede the process.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 |
Even Crew Cab entry/exit is awkward and there's not much room once aboard either cab style. Leg space adequate for adults only if front seats are well forward, and toe room is tight. King Cab's side-facing, fold-down rear jump seat is small and even tougher to access.
CARGO ROOM
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | 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 space behind front seats in both cab styles. Kings include a rear storage bin for '03.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
Frontier is a run-of-the-mill small pickup, feeling quite dated despite several years of mechanical upgrades and added features. The supercharged Crew Cabs and newly available antiskid system are the only real attractions, but there are better alternatives to any Frontier.
Total Score
| XE King Cab 4WD, man. | S/C Crew Cab 4WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 2WD, auto. | S/C Crew Cab long bed 4WD, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 39.1 |
Total Score: 36
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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