2004 Nissan Frontier Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's compact pickup 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. So does the new LE Crew Cab model, which replaces last year's SE. 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. Crew Cabs have a 3-passenger rear bench seat, and King Cabs have one rear jump seat. A 4-cyl engine is standard for 2WD King Cabs. The 4WD models, Desert Runners, LEs, and all Crew Cabs come with a V6. A supercharged V6 powers SVE and S/C versions of both cab styles; these models also have larger wheels and stiffer suspension. All engines team with manual or automatic transmission. ABS is standard. An available option package for 4WD S/C Crew Cabs includes antiskid/traction control and a tire-pressure monitor.

Nissan begins selling redesigned Frontiers in calendar 2005 with new styling; larger dimensions; and bigger, more-powerful engines. The '05 Frontiers are built on essentially a cut-down version of the platform Nissan uses for its full-size Titan pickups.

News

Previewed at the January 2004 Detroit Auto Show, an all-new '05 Frontier goes on sale this winter as basically a cut-down version of Nissan's full-size Titan pickup. Nissan hasn't released full particulars yet, but says the new models will offer 4-dr King Cab and Crew Cab styles with burly Titan-like styling, plus larger dimensions. Wheelbase, for example, stretches 9.8 inches longer than before. Width goes up 1.6 inches, height by 3.0-3.5 inches, overall length by 9.8 inches. The redesign also brings a new engine crop. The lighter King Cabs offer a base 2.5-liter 4-cyl, replacing a 2.4, but most Frontiers should be built with a new 4.0-liter V6, replacing a brace of 3.3-liter V6s. With a promised 250 hp and over 270 lb-ft of torque, the 4.0 bests the previous supercharged V6 option. Transmissions change too, with a 6-speed manual replacing a 5-speed and a 5-speed automatic replacing a 4-speed auto. Standard antilock brakes and available antiskid/traction control return, but steering is updated to power rack-and-pinion, the front suspension to a double-A-arm layout. High-performance gas shock absorbers and 17-inch wheels join the options list.

Significantly, the '05s will be the first Frontiers to include front side airbags and to offer optional curtain side airbags triggered by rollover sensors. There's also a new dual-range 4WD setup with shift-on-the-fly electronic control; Nissan promises "substantially enhanced overall off-road capability." The company also touts roomier interiors and first-time-available power heated front seats. Like big-brother Titan, a spray-in bed liner is standard, and an available "Utili-track" cargo system features adjustable tiedowns and various storage options.

We should have more details and our first driving impressions soon, so keep checking back with us.

2004 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

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	4.6

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 V6 manual-transmission 2WD King Cab needed 11.2 sec. The 4-cyl models are sluggish.

Fuel Economy

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	2	2	4.1

Test supercharged Crew Cab long beds averaged 13.5-14.7 mpg. A 4WD King Cab with base V6 and manual transmission averaged 14.0 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for the supercharged V6, regular for the other engines.

Ride Quality

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	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

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	3.3

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 antiskid option, but it seems a worthy plus.

Quietness

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.5

Supercharger hushes the V6 some, but all Frontier engines are noisy and gruff. Wind and tire ruckus also higher than the class norm.

Controls

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	6

Industrial-looking 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 engaging headlamps.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4.1

Generous space for 6-footers, but standard seats too low for some, so available height-adjustment feature is welcome. Lower step-in for easier entry/exit than some rivals, but optional running boards impede the process.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
2	3	3	1.9

King Cab's side-facing, fold-down rear jump seat is small and tough to access because the cab lacks the rear-hinged back doors available on many rivals. Even Crew Cab entry/exit is awkward and there's not much room once aboard; leg space adequate for adults only if front seats are well forward, and toe room is tight.

Cargo Room

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3.1

Useful space behind front seats in both cab styles, but access harder in King Cabs due to lack of rear doors, though they do include a rear storage bin.

Value within Class

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
3	5	5	6

Frontier is a run-of-the-mill small pickup, feeling quite dated despite several years of mechanical upgrades and added features. King Cabs that are priced below most competitors' regular cabs, and the supercharged Crew Cabs with available antiskid system, are Frontier's main attractions.

Total Score

4WD XE-V6 King Cab, man.	2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, auto.	Class Average
32	37	37	40.2

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		32
Average Score		40
High Score		56

2004 Nissan Frontier Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 03/10/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Standard King Cab extended cab long bed, manual	$13,390	$12,944	$560

2WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, manual	$14,440	$13,656	$560

2WD XE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic	$15,590	$14,744	$560

4WD XE-V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, manual	$19,240	$17,995	$560

4WD XE-V6 King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic	$20,390	$19,070	$560

2WD XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab extended cab long bed, manual	$16,640	$15,737	$560

2WD XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic	$17,790	$16,825	$560

4WD SVE King Cab extended cab long bed, manual	$21,880	$20,464	$560

4WD SVE King Cab extended cab long bed, automatic	$23,030	$21,539	$560

4WD SVE Crew Cab short bed, automatic	$25,050	$23,429	$560

4WD SVE Crew Cab long bed, automatic	$25,600	$23,943	$560

4WD S/C King cab extended cab long bed, automatic	$25,040	$23,157	$560

2WD XE-V6 Crew Cab, short bed, manual	$18,970	$17,941	$560

2WD XE-V6 Crew Cab, short bed, automatic	$20,120	$19,028	$560

2WD XE-V6 Crew Cab, long bed, manual	$19,520	$18,461	$560

2WD XE-V6 Crew Cab, long bed, automatic	$20,670	$19,548	$560

4WD XE-V6 Crew Cab short bed, manual	$21,570	$20,174	$560

4WD XE-V6 Crew Cab short bed, automatic	$22,720	$21,249	$560

4WD XE-V6 Crew Cab long bed, automatic	$23,270	$21,764	$560

2WD S/C Crew Cab short bed, automatic	$24,420	$22,840	$560

2WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, automatic	$24,970	$23,353	$560

4WD S/C Crew Cab long bed, automatic	$27,020	$24,989	$560

2WD LE Crew Cab short bed, automatic	$22,920	$21,676	$560

2WD LE Crew Cab long bed, automatic	$23,470	$22,196	$560

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 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

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.

XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab/4WD XE-V6 King Cab adds to XE King Cab:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Map lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Raised ride height, full-size spare tire, 265/70R15 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

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, variable-intermittent wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Passenger-side visor mirror, rear privacy glass, sliding rear window, bedliner.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Sport suspension, 265/70R16 white-letter 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

265/65R17 white-letter tires.

XE-V6 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, digital clock, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, passenger-side visor mirror, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Full-size spare tire, 265/70R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

SVE Crew Cab adds to XE-V6 Crew Cab:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 supercharged engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, compass, outside-temperature indicator.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Sport suspension, 265/65R17 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

S/C Crew Cab adds to SVE Crew Cab:

Powertrain

Limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 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, 255/65R17 white-letter tires.

LE Crew Cab adds to S/C Crew cab:

Powertrain

3.3-liter V6 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Step rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: 3.3-liter supercharged engine, sport suspension.

265/65R17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Basic Gear Pkg.
Standard, XE King Cab, XE-V6 King Cab, Desert Runner	$1,200	$1,041
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock.

Utility Pkg.
XE King Cab, XE-V6 King Cab, Desert Runner	$1,100	$954
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.

Value Truck Pkg.
XE King Cab	$1,550	$1,458
XE-V6 King Cab, Desert Runner	$1,600	$1,505
Basic Gear Pkg., Utility Pkg., Power Pkg. plus bedliner.

Power Pkg.
XE King Cab	$750	$651
XE-V6 Crew Cab	$1,000	$867
XE-V6 King Cab, Desert Runner	$950	$825
Power mirrors and windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel (Crew Cab), cruise control (Desert Runner, Crew Cab). King Cab requires Basic Gear Pkg., Utility Pkg.

Sport Pkg.
XE-V6 Crew Cab	$700	$607
Limited-slip differential, step rails, roof rack. Requires Power Pkg.

Audio Pkg.
XE-V6 Crew Cab	$350	$304
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls. Requires Power Pkg., Sport Pkg.

Premium Pkg.
S/C Crew Cab	$1,500	$1,301
Leather upholstery, Rockford Fosgate sound system, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Dynamic Control Pkg.
4WD S/C Crew Cab	$550	$478
Traction control, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor. Requires Premium Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Collapsible storage box
LE Crew Cab, S/C Crew Cab, S/C King Cab, SVE Crew Cab, SVE King Cab, Standard, XE King Cab, XE-V6 Crew Cab, XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab/4WD XE-V6 King Cab	$420	$349
Requires bedliner.

Floormats
King Cab	$70	$50
Crew cab	$80	$61
NA Standard.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bed extender
LE Crew Cab, S/C Crew Cab, S/C King Cab, SVE Crew Cab, SVE King Cab, Standard, XE King Cab, XE-V6 Crew Cab, XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab/4WD XE-V6 King Cab	$240	$177


Bedliner
LE Crew Cab, S/C Crew Cab, SVE Crew Cab, Standard, XE King Cab, XE-V6 Crew Cab, XE-V6 Desert Runner King Cab/4WD XE-V6 King Cab	$360	$215
Std. SVE King Cab, S/C King Cab.

2004 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.	1036	1036	1102

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

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	22/27	17/20	15/19

4-speed automatic	20/24	17/21	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

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	Optional/--	--

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

< 2004 Nissan Frontier Photos

Also in the 2004 Nissan Frontier Review:

Nissan Frontier

Nissan Frontier Road Test

Nissan Frontier Prices & Equipment

Nissan Frontier Specs & Safety

Nissan Frontier Photos

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