2006 Nissan Frontier: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This compact pickup truck offers two cab styles, both with four doors. King Cabs have small rear-hinged back doors that don't open independently of the fronts. Crew Cabs have four conventional doors. Kings have flip-up rear seats and a 6.1-ft-long cargo bed. Crews have a rear bench seat and a 5-ft bed. Both come as SE, LE, and NISMO models with a 265-hp V6. King Cabs add a base XE model with a 154-hp 4-cyl. Manual transmission is standard: a 5-speed with the 4-cyl, a 6-speed with the V6. A 5-speed automatic is optional. All Frontiers are available with rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that includes low-range gearing but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. ABS is standard. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags for both seating rows are optional. So is traction/antiskid control. The NISMO is named for Nissan's motorsports arm and comes with heavy-duty off-road equipment. A factory spray-in bedliner is available, as is Nissan's Utili-Track cargo-bed system with adjustable tie-downs. Leather upholstery is an exclusive option for LE Crew Cabs and includes heated power front seats.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.