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2003 Nissan Frontier Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Nissan Frontier Review:
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2.
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4.
2003 Nissan Frontier Review
An optional antiskid system and tire-pressure monitor headline '03 additions to these compact pickups. Frontier offers two cab styles: a 2-dr extended cab called King Cab, and a 4-dr Crew Cab. The price-leader Standard model and the Desert Runner, both King Cabs, come only with rear-wheel drive. Other Frontiers offer 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. King Cabs use a 6.2-ft cargo box. Crew Cabs offer 4.6- and 6.2-ft boxes. The 6.2-ft box adds 15 inches to the wheelbase. A 4-cyl engine is standard for 2WD King Cabs. The 4WD models and all Crew Cabs come with a V6 that gains 10 hp for '03. A supercharged V6 powers SVE and S/C versions of both cab styles; these models also get larger wheels and stiffer suspension. All engines team with manual or automatic transmission. ABS is standard. The antiskid system is bundled in an option package that also includes traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. The package is available on 4WD XE and SE Crew Cabs. Crew Cabs continue with a 3-passenger rear bench seat, but King Cabs now have one instead of two rear jump seats. A driver-seat adjustment for height and lumbar support is a new feature for selected models.
Competition
Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. 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.
Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
News
A new Frontier is reportedly due for 2005, possibly '06. The related Xterra SUV gets its own redesign about a year afterwards. Little is known about either just now, but look for Frontier to emulate the general burly look of Nissan's new full-size 2004 Titan. We'd also expect a larger, more potent V6 and perhaps a first-time V8 option.
The basic design of today's Frontier was never that great, and interim updates haven't done much for sales. In 2002, for example, Frontier dropped 15.9 percent from its '01 tally, which in turn was 17.8 percent down on calendar 2000 sales.
Titan bows later this year in 2-dr King Cab and 4-dr Crew Cab models with 2- and 4WD. Cargo beds come with a plastic liner and "Utili-track" attachment rails for securing cargo. King Cabs feature rear access doors that open from the front up to 180 degrees, an industry first. There's only one powertream, but it's all-new, comprising a 5.6-liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. With over 300 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, Titan can tow up to 9400 pounds, Nissan says, so Tital rivals most big domestic-brand pickups on that score. Ditto dimensions, performance and fuel economy. All models come with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes. The 4WD system employs an electronically controlled low-range transfer case. An available off-road package includes an electronic locking differential, plus heavy-duty shock absorbers, chassis skid plates, and large all-terrain tires. Standard wheels are steel 17-inchers; 17- and 18-inch alloys will be available.
Not surprisingly, Titan will be the basis for Nissan's first full-size SUV, the recently announced 2004 Pathfinder Armada. Both are built at Nissan's new truck plant in Canton, Mississippi.
The basic design of today's Frontier was never that great, and interim updates haven't done much for sales. In 2002, for example, Frontier dropped 15.9 percent from its '01 tally, which in turn was 17.8 percent down on calendar 2000 sales.
Titan bows later this year in 2-dr King Cab and 4-dr Crew Cab models with 2- and 4WD. Cargo beds come with a plastic liner and "Utili-track" attachment rails for securing cargo. King Cabs feature rear access doors that open from the front up to 180 degrees, an industry first. There's only one powertream, but it's all-new, comprising a 5.6-liter V8 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. With over 300 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque, Titan can tow up to 9400 pounds, Nissan says, so Tital rivals most big domestic-brand pickups on that score. Ditto dimensions, performance and fuel economy. All models come with 4-wheel ABS disc brakes. The 4WD system employs an electronically controlled low-range transfer case. An available off-road package includes an electronic locking differential, plus heavy-duty shock absorbers, chassis skid plates, and large all-terrain tires. Standard wheels are steel 17-inchers; 17- and 18-inch alloys will be available.
Not surprisingly, Titan will be the basis for Nissan's first full-size SUV, the recently announced 2004 Pathfinder Armada. Both are built at Nissan's new truck plant in Canton, Mississippi.
2003 Nissan Frontier Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Control layout | Rear-seat room |
| Acceleration (4 cyl) | |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
| Fuel economy | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Supercharger hushes the V6 some, but all Frontier engines are noisy and gruff. Wind and tire ruckus also higher than the class norm.
| 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
"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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
Useful space behind front seats in both cab styles. Kings include a rear storage bin for '03.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 39 | |
| High Score | 56 |
2003 Nissan Frontier Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/25/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Standard King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $12,989 | $12,352 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $14,039 | $13,057 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $15,089 | $14,033 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $18,769 | $17,261 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $19,819 | $18,226 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Desert Runner King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $16,169 | $15,038 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Desert Runner King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $17,219 | $16,015 | $540 |
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| 2WD SE Desert Runner King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $20,569 | $18,916 | $540 |
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| 4WD SE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $23,169 | $21,064 | $540 |
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| 4WD SVE King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $21,409 | $19,680 | $540 |
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| 4WD SVE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $22,459 | $20,853 | $540 |
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| 4WD SVE Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $24,419 | $22,456 | $540 |
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| 4WD SVE Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $24,969 | $22,962 | $540 |
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| 2WD S/C King Cab extended cab long bed, manual | $20,819 | $19,146 | $540 |
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| 2WD S/C King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic | $21,869 | $20,111 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Crew Cab, short bed, manual | $18,439 | $17,149 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Crew Cab, short bed, automatic | $19,489 | $18,125 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Crew Cab, long bed, manual | $18,989 | $17,661 | $540 |
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| 2WD XE Crew Cab, long bed, automatic | $20,039 | $18,638 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE Crew Cab short bed, manual | $21,039 | $19,347 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $22,089 | $19,438 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE Crew Cab long bed, manual | $21,589 | $19,853 | $540 |
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| 4WD XE Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $22,639 | $20,819 | $540 |
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| 2WD SE Crew Cab, short bed, automatic | $22,289 | $20,496 | $540 |
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| 2WD SE Crew Cab, long bed, automatic | $22,839 | $21,002 | $540 |
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| 2WD SE w/leather Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $23,879 | $21,959 | $540 |
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| 2WD SE w/leather Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $24,429 | $22,465 | $540 |
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| 4WD SE Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $25,699 | $23,364 | $540 |
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| 4WD SE Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $26,249 | $23,865 | $540 |
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| 2WD S/C Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $23,789 | $21,876 | $540 |
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| 2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $24,339 | $22,382 | $540 |
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| 4WD S/C Crew Cab short bed, automatic | $26,389 | $23,991 | $540 |
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| 4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, automatic | $26,939 | $24,492 | $540 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Standard
Powertrain
2.4-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, carpeting, tachometer, cargo-box light.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Tailgate lock, painted front bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, 225/70R15 tires.
XE King Cab adds to Standard:
Powertrain
5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear jump seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Painted rear bumper.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 3.3-liter V6 engine, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, raised ride height, full-size spare tire, 265/70R15 white-letter tires.
XE Desert Runner King Cab adds to XE King Cab:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Raised ride height, full-size spare tire, 265/70R15 tires.
SE Desert Runner King Cab adds to XE Desert Runner King Cab:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, fog lights, body-colored front bumper, step rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/65R16 tires, alloy wheels.
4WD SE King Cab adds to SE Desert Runner King Cab:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
265/70R16 white-letter tires.
SVE King Cab adds to XE King Cab:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 supercharged engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Passenger-side visor mirror, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 265/70R16 tires, alloy wheels.
S/C King Cab adds to SVE King Cab:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/55R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, step rails, raised ride height, 255/65R17 white-letter tires.
XE Crew Cab adds to XE King Cab:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, rear bench seat, front-hinged rear doors, AM/FM/CD player, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/70R15 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 265/70R15 white-letter tires.
SE Crew Cab adds to XE Crew cab:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, outside-temperature indicator, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Body-colored bumpers, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/65R16 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, leather upholstery, step rails, 265/70R16 white-letter tires.
SVE Crew Cab adds to XE Crew Cab:
Powertrain
3.3-liter V6 supercharged engine, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 265/70R16 tires.
S/C Crew Cab adds to SVE Crew Cab:
Powertrain
Limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, compass, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, step rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
265/55R17 tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, step rails, raised ride height, 255/65R17 white-letter tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Basic Gear Pkg.
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Standard, XE King Cab, XE Desert Runner
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$1,199
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$1,040
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Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player.
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Utility Pkg.
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XE King Cab, XE Desert Runner
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$1,099
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$953
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Tilt steering wheel, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, body-colored front bumper and fender flares, alloy wheels.
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Value Truck Pkg.
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XE King Cab, XE Desert Runner
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$1,199
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$1,127
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Basic Gear Pkg. and Utility Pkg.
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Power Pkg.
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XE King Cab, XE Desert Runner
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$899
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$779
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XE Crew Cab
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$999
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$866
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Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel (Crew Cab), cruise control (Crew Cab), height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment (King Cab). King Cab requires Value Truck Pkg.
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Sport Pkg.
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XE Crew Cab
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$699
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$606
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Color-keyed front bumper and fender flares, step rails, roof rack.
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Audio Pkg.
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XE Crew Cab
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$349
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$303
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls. Requires Power Pkg., Sport Pkg.
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Premium Pkg.
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S/C Crew Cab
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$1,499
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$1,300
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Leather upholstery, Rockford Fosgate sound system, steering-wheel radio controls, theft-deterrent system.
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Dynamic Control Pkg.
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4WD XE Crew Cab
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$749
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$650
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4WD SE Crew Cab
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$549
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$477
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Traction control, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor. XE requires Audio Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Collapsible storage box
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4WD SE King Cab, S/C Crew Cab, S/C King Cab, SE Crew Cab, SE Desert Runner King Cab, SVE Crew Cab, SVE King Cab, Standard, XE Crew Cab, XE Desert Runner King Cab, XE King Cab
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$419
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$349
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Floormats
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King Cab
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$69
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$50
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Crew cab
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$79
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$61
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NA Standard.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bed extender
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4WD SE King Cab, S/C Crew Cab, S/C King Cab, SE Crew Cab, SE Desert Runner King Cab, SVE Crew Cab, XE Crew Cab, XE Desert Runner King Cab, XE King Cab
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$239
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$171
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NA Standard, SVE, XE Crew cab long bed.
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Skid plate/bumper guard
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4WD SE King Cab, S/C Crew Cab, S/C King Cab, SE Crew Cab, SE Desert Runner King Cab, SVE Crew Cab, SVE King Cab, XE Crew Cab, XE Desert Runner King Cab, XE King Cab
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$399
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$307
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NA Standard, 2WD XE King Cab.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Tow hitch
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XE King Cab, SE Desert Runner, 4WD SE, SE Crew Cab
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$339
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$260
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2003 Nissan Frontier Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Frontier extended cab | Nissan Frontier crew cab short bed | Nissan Frontier crew cab long bed |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.1 | 116.1 | 131.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 196.1 | 193.1 | 211.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.9 | 71.9 | 71.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 63.2 | 66.7 | 66.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3685 | 3742 | 3855 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1400 | 1200 | 1400 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | 19.4 | 19.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.3 | 39.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.1 | 41.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | 37.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | 30.7 | 30.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | sohc V6 | Supercharged sohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.4 /146 | 3.3 /201 | 3.3 /201 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 143 @ 5200 | 180 @ 4800 | 210 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 154 @ 4000 | 202 @ 2800 | 231 @ 2800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 22/25 | 17/20 | 15/19 |
| 4-speed automatic | 20/23 | 17/20 | 15/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Frontier extended cab | Nissan Frontier crew cab short bed | Nissan Frontier crew cab long bed |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 | 3 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 | NA |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Nissan Frontier Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
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