2005 Nissan Frontier: Road Test
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2005 Nissan Frontier ▼
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- MSRP: $15,600 -$26,850
- Invoice: $14,754 -$24,831
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Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Frontier from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Frontier, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Frontier help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Frontier is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Only V6 models made available for test so far. Frontier's V6 has class-leading horsepower. It's strong from a stop and around town, especially in lighter King Cabs. Automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Test 4WD Crew Cab with automatic transmission averaged 14.5 mpg in mixed driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
Firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register noticeably, but are never jarring. Typical trucklike bounding and jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled. Little difference between models equipped with 16-inch tires and those with 17s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Firm and controlled for a pickup truck. Steering is weighty and direct, though slow enough to frustrate close-quarters maneuvering. Body lean evident in corners but well-controlled, and Frontier never feels tippy.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
V6 sounds coarse, but growls nicely under acceleration. Wind rush evident over 60 mph and becomes more noticeable as speed increases. Tires drone on rough pavement, and NISMO model's tires whine at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
Simple, handy layout. All controls within arm's reach, though they feel light and plasticky. Hard plastic used for dashboard, console, and door panels is merely serviceable.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Good head and leg room for all but very tall. Seats comfortable, but could use more side bolstering to hold front passengers in place through turns. Visibility to front sides can be blocked by wide front pillars that get wider at the bottom. Unobstructed rear visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
King Cab's rear seats more suited for packages than people. Only small children will fit. Children are also best suited for the larger Crew Cab; room is tight with seats even halfway back, and head room is lacking for anyone over 6 ft--especially with available sunroof.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Useful space behind front seats in both cab styles. Some thoughtful small-item storage up front, though console's shallow tray would benefit from rubber mat to keep objects from sliding around.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Frontier carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact-pickup market with a powerful V6, useful size that isn't too big, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts. Ride and handling are also good for the class, though the interior disappoints with too many hard plastic surfaces and little back-seat room.
Total Score
| 2WD SE King Cab, V6 auto. | 4WD LE Crew Cab, auto. | 4WD NISMO Crew Cab, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | 46 | 46 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 46
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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