2005 Nissan Frontier Review

Specifications

Larger and More Powerful

My Dad used to own a Nissan pickup, or rather a Datsun. We took it everywhere, from commuting around town to hauling supplies up to our cabin in the interior, an eight hour drive from home. Every now and then wed take off to explore some remote fishing spot that often would be so far off the beaten track 4×4s dared to venture. While it wasnt a powerhouse, it got us where we wanted to go without ever letting us down.

This story, Im sure is similar to thousands of others that could be repeated by Nissan pickup truck owners over the last few decades. The truck has become almost legendary, willing to put up with constant abuse without complaint.

A variety of generations later, time once again forces the need for change. After all, the Frontier is among the last of only a few models in the Nissan lineup to receive a major update. As it seems the wait has been worth it. Not only is the new truck completely redesigned with styling reminiscent of Nissans new full-size Titan pickup, but its larger and more powerful than the one it replaces.

Nissans third-generation Frontier is new from the ground up, sharing a modified version of the Titans fully-boxed ladder frame. Also as part of its Titan derived “F-Alpha” platform, it includes an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and an extended suspension stroke to improve its off-road ride quality. The new Frontier also features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

And how does it compare with the old truck in overall dimensions? Its wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer than the current Frontier which should provide improved ride comfort and great stability overall. The trucks overall length is now 205.5 inches, longer than the current model by 2.6 inches in King Cab guise and 5.6 inches for the Crew Cab. While larger, Nissan makes a point that its 2005 Frontier “is not as big as the full-size Titan.”

“The award-winning Titan sets the standard for innovation in pickup design, regardless of size - which, in turn, set the tone for the creation of the 2005 Frontier,” commented Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With the debut of the all-new Frontier, were solidifying Nissans truck presence in both the full-size and compact truck segments - essentially giving buyers the same tough truck in large and extra large.”

The new Frontier will be available in King and Crew Cab body configurations, plus rear-wheel drive 4×2 and 4×4 drivelines.

What about the rest of its drivetrain? The Frontiers current generation 3.3-L V6 is already a strong performer, but the new 4.0-L DOHC V6 steps up output with 250-plus horsepower and 270-plus lb-ft of torque. Thats an improvement of 70 horsepower and 68 lb-ft of torque over the current normally aspirated 180-hp 3.3-litre V6 with 202 lb-ft of torque.

The new engine design includes Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), a silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, a digital knock control system, cross flow engine coolant pattern, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs. In V6 guise the Frontiers maximum towing capacity will be rated in excess of 5,500 pounds. Incidentally, the new V6 will be assembled in the U.S., at Nissans engine production facility in Decherd, Tennessee.

Nissan has not announced a supercharged version of the new engine, currently an option. A 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, up 0.1 liters over the current base engine, will also remain in the Frontier lineup. Whats more, the 2.5 will also be available in the King Cab model - not so with the current Frontier four-door.

Getting power down to the road will be a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, the latter being the first of its kind to be offered in the compact pickup class. Both rear-wheel drive and electronically controlled part-time shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive will be available. The latter will include 2WD/4H/4LO modes driven through an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. Whats more, Nissan will provide a new advanced off-road traction system with 4×4 Frontiers, plus performance gas shocks and alloy wheels wrapped in off-road performance tires. The Japanese brand states that the trucks off-road capability will be “substantially enhanced in virtually every aspect.” On-road handling will no doubt be improved as well, especially in top trim where the Frontier features 17-inch alloy rims under 265/65R17 tires.

“With increases in all critical exterior and interior dimensions, it is easy to see that with this generation Frontier has grown up,” added McNabb. “The new Frontier also projects a more modern, rugged truck look and feel, both inside and out, with a robust, athletic style and intelligent-utility design features.”

Some of these intelligent utility features will be exclusive to the Frontier in its segment, handed down directly from the larger Titan. These include a spray-in bedliner, as well as the Utili-Track bed channel tie-down system that offers unprecedented cargo flexibility. How flexible is it? The system incorporates five “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed comprised of two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel. Also, removable utility cleats can be slid into the channels, providing a range of attaching points for tying down cargo. Nissan also provides a complete range of accessories to be used with the channel system, which include bed dividers, sliding cargo trays, modular storage units and bike racks.

While innovative functionality puts the trucks cargo carrying capability at the top of its class, the same attitude permeates the 2005 Frontiers interior. Accessing the cab should be easy due to large door openings, with the extended King Cabs back doors being hinged in reverse to convention. The King Cab features compact flip-up rear seats while the Crew Cab will deliver true 5-occupant comfort.

“The interior of the new Frontier, again following the high design standards set by the Titan, serves as a catalyst for active lives. It is both purpose-built and no-nonsense, yet at the same time offers the innovative, intuitive functionality and comfort that has been missing in the segment,” stated McNabb.

Safety features will include Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (incorporating dual-stage front supplemental airbags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), plus 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Front seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers will be available as optional equipment.

No doubt the much improved model will go far to improve Nissans position in the hotly contested compact pickup truck segment, helping the automaker to further its current sales boom. The 2005 Frontier will arrive in Nissan showrooms nationwide this winter.