2005-2008 Nissan Frontier: Overview

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.