2005-2008 Nissan Frontier: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2005 Nissan Frontier
2008 Nissan Frontier
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2005-2008 Nissan Frontier ▼

  • Price Range:  $8,100 - $21,300
CG Rating

46

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration (s models wiht manual transmission)
  • Handling
  • Fuel economy

Cons

  • Interior materials
  • Steering feel
  • Rear-seat room

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan's compact pickup trucks were redesigned for 2005. Frontier came in extended King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. King Cabs had flip-up rear seats and rear-hinged back doors that didn't open independently of the fronts. Crews had a fold-down rear bench and four conventional doors. King Cabs had a 6.1-ft bed, Crew Cabs a 5.0-ft bed. Based on a shortened version of Nissan's full-size Titan pickup platform, the '05 Frontier was 9.8 inches longer in wheelbase than the 1998-2004 Frontier and as much as 12.4 inches longer overall. XE, SE, LE, and NISMO models were offered; XE was exclusive to King Cabs. The NISMO Off-Road was named for Nissan's motor sports arm. Both cab styles were available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but included low-range gearing. Standard on XE was a 154-hp 4-cyl engine, replacing the previous Frontier's 143-hp 4-cyl. Standard on all other models was a 265-hp V6, replacing 180-hp and 210-hp V6s. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with the 4-cyl, a 6-speed manual was standard with the V6; the available automatic was now a 5-speed instead of a 4-speed. Frontiers came with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows were available. Traction control and an antiskid system were optional. NISMO models had Bilstein-brand shock absorbers, skid plates, locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires. They also offered Hill Start Assist, which prevented sliding backward, and Hill Descent Control designed to limit speed down steep slopes. The '05 Frontiers were available with a factory spray-in bedliner and Nissan's Utili-Track cargo-bed system with adjustable tie-downs and storage accessories. Other options included heated front seats and a tubular roof rack.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Nissan Frontier 4WD LE Crew Cab with automatic transmission Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 46
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier.

Year to Year Changes


2006 Nissan Frontier: There were no significant changes for the 2006 Frontier.
2007 Nissan Frontier: A longer available bed for Crew Cabs was the main 2007 news for Nissan's compact pickup truck. The King's 6.1-ft bed was newly available on SE and LE Crews.
2008 Nissan Frontier: The 2008 Nissan Frontier was largely unchanged.

Our road test for the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Frontier's V6 has class-leading horsepower. It's strong from a stop and around town, especially in lighter King Cabs. The automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch. Fuel economy is less impressive. Consumer Guide's test 4WD Crew Cab with automatic transmission averaged a thirsty 14.5 mpg in mixed driving. Frontier's ride is firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register noticeably, but are never jarring. Typical truck-like bounding and jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled. Frontier 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. Inside, major controls fall within arm's reach, though some feel light and plasticky. Hard plastic used for dashboard, console, and door panels is merely serviceable. Drivers and front passengers will find good head and legroom. The seats are comfortable, but could use more side bolstering to hold front passengers in place through turns. Wide front pillars that get wider at the bottom can block visibility to the front sides. Rear visibility s excellent. Things are more crowded in the back seat. 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 headroom is lacking for anyone over 6 ft--especially with available sunroof.
Value for the Money
Frontier stands out 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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Nissan Frontier 4WD LE Crew Cab with automatic transmission Rating
Performance 6
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 3
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 46

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Frontier includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Frontier .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Cold-starting problems: In very cold weather (10 degrees F or below) following a cold soak, the starter may not work after a short trip requiring replacement of the intelligent power distribution module. (2005-06)

Electrical problem: The electrical system could be damaged, or even start a fire, due to a short if trailer wiring is connected wrong. The company was updating earlier models with revised body control module and wiring harness, but only on vehicles that entered the shop so it is important to check that this service was performed. (2005)

Engine noise: A rattle noise from the 4.0L engine at around 2,000 rpm is the power valve actuator dithering and can only be corrected by replacing the manifold complete with new valve. (2005)

Engine noise: Chirping noise, especially on startup, on 4.0L V6 due to drive belt slippage requiring revised belt and tensioner. (2005-07)

Seat: On crew cab models, the jump seat won't stay up requiring replacement of the hinge locks. (2005-07)

Seat: On trucks with manual seats, the seat back may not move fore and aft due to separation of the linkage, which must be replaced. (2005)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $720
Alternator $390
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,870
Brakes $310
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $910
Constant Velocity Joints $1,840
Exhaust System $930
Radiator $510
Shocks and/or Struts $650
Timing Chain or Belt $760
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Frontier details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Frontier 4-cyl. $13,500-15,500 $12,300-14,100 $8,000-9,100
Frontier V6 2WD $15,600-20,000 $14,200-18,200 $10,000-12,800
Frontier V6 4WD $18,500-23,200 $17,000-21,300 $11,800-14,800
2007
Frontier 4-cyl. $11,800-13,300 $10,600-12,000 $6,600-7,400
Frontier V6 2WD $13,800-17,800 $12,600-16,200 $8,300-10,700
Frontier V6 4WD $16,500-20,500 $15,000-18,700 $10,600-13,100
2006
Frontier 4-cyl. $10,200-11,500 $9,200-10,400 $5,300-6,000
Frontier V6 2WD $12,000-15,500 $10,800-14,000 $6,700-8,700
Frontier V6 4WD $14,500-18,500 $13,200-16,800 $9,000-11,500
2005
Frontier 4-cyl. $9,000-10,200 $8,100-9,200 $4,700-5,300
Frontier V6 2WD $10,300-13,500 $9,300-12,200 $5,500-7,200
Frontier V6 4WD $12,500-16,000 $11,300-14,400 $7,100-9,100
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Frontier include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification crew cab ext. cab
Wheelbase, in. 125.9 125.9
Overall Length, in. 205.5 205.5
Overall Width, in. 72./8 72.8
Overall Height, in. 70.1 69.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 4226 3675
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1482 1583
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1 21.1
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.0 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.4 42.4
Rear Head Room, in. 38.7 38.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.6 25.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Frontier is available with either a 154-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, or a 265-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. A 5-speed manual transmission is available for 4-cylinder models, a 6-speed manual for V6 models. A 5-speed automatic is available for both engines.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.5 / 152 154 173 5-speed manual: 22/25
5-speed automatic: 19/24		 5-speed manual: --
5-speed automatic: --
dohc I4 4.0 / 241 265 284 6-speed manual: 17/21
5-speed automatic: 16/20		 6-speed manual: --
5-speed automatic: 14.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Frontier include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2005 Frontier
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Nissan Frontier directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2005-06 Frontier: On certain King Cabs, in a side impact crash, the fuel-filler cap may become dislodged, creating a fire hazard.
2008: The tire information label lists an incorrect vehicle capacity weight, according to Federal regulations. Nissan will mail a correct tire information label and installation instructions to owners of the affected vehicles.

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