2002 Nissan Frontier Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Nissan continues to enhance its compact pickup line with the introduction of the 2002 Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, the first compact crew cab pickup to offer a full-size bed. Other improvements for the Frontier lineup include a redesigned instrument panel and console and an available Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system.

　　

zzdcar says

　　With a variety of body styles, engines and trims, the Frontier should cover just about every compact truck buyer's needs.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$178/mo  for Frontier Standard

　　Frontier Standard

　　2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $12,799 MSRP2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $13,849 MSRP2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $13,799 MSRP2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $14,849 MSRP2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $15,999 MSRP2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $17,049 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $18,399 MSRP2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $18,599 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $18,949 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $19,449 MSRP2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $19,649 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $19,999 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $20,999 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M) - $21,549 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $22,049 MSRP4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $22,599 MSRP2dr King Cab SE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $19,199 MSRP2dr King Cab SE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,399 MSRP2dr King Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M) - $20,349 MSRP2dr King Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $21,399 MSRP2dr King Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M) - $22,949 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) (Most Popular) - $23,399 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $23,949 MSRP2dr King Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $23,999 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $25,999 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $26,549 MSRP2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,799 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $21,899 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $22,449 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 2WD SB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $23,199 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 2WD LB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $23,749 MSRP2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $23,999 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $24,499 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $25,049 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD SB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $25,799 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD LB w/Leather (3.3L 6cyl 4A) - $26,349 MSRP2dr King Cab SVE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $22,389 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SVE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $24,379 MSRP4dr Crew Cab SVE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A) - $24,929 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　When it comes to compact pickups, style is an increasingly important selling point. Functionality is great, but only if it comes in a neat and brightly colored wrapper.

　　Need proof? How about the Nissan Frontier? Restyled last year, Nissan's compact pickup looks to tear the heads off its compact competitors and eat them for lunch. The dominant front bumper and multi-unit headlights combine to produce a machine-like look that does away with the previous model's sedate fascia. The industrial theme continues with the Frontier's oversized fender flares and visible attachment bolts.

　　Fortunately, there's power to back up the power tool styling. A supercharged 3.3-liter V6 is the most powerful engine, and it makes 210 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque when mated to the four-speed automatic transmission (the five-speed manual drops the torque rating to 231 lb-ft). There's also a normally aspirated V6 worth 170 hp and a 2.4-liter four that produces 143 hp.

　　The Frontier is highly configurable to better match your particular needs. There are two main body styles: King Cab and Crew Cab. The King Cab is Nissan's extended-cab pickup. It has front bucket seats and additional seating for two passengers in fold-down rear jump seats. Available trim levels include the Spartan standard truck and four-cylinder XE, the V6-powered XE and SE and the supercharged SC and SVE. The SC is the most feature-laden, and it comes standard with items like air conditioning, 17-inch wheels, remote keyless entry and antilock brakes. Those looking for power and a smaller price tag should consider the more reasonably priced SVE. Four-wheel drive is available on most of these models, but if you just want the tough look of a 4WD, Nissan offers the Desert Runner, a 4x2 King Cab featuring the same heavy-duty chassis, ride height and stance as the 4WD Frontier.

　　Compared to the King Cab, the Frontier Crew Cab has a larger cabin with expanded rear-seat accommodations. While still not exceptionably roomy, the rear seat is certainly big enough for children. Rear forward-hinged doors offer improved access to seats. The V6 (normally aspirated and supercharged) is the only engine available, and trim levels are the same except that there is no standard Crew Cab. In the past, the Crew Cab only came with a truncated 56.3-inch cargo bed, but for 2002 Nissan is also offering the Crew Cab Long Bed. This version has a full 74.6-inch bed.

　　Nissan has also enhanced the previously dull interior design. These changes include a new instrument panel with three "cockpit-style" round gauges, new climate controls and a new console with a side map pocket. A 25 percent-larger glove compartment and up to three interior power points make Frontier more practical than before. Another major change and ergonomic improvement is the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system. Finally, audiophiles should appreciate the newly optional Rockford Fosgate 300-watt, nine-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD player. It's available only on Crew Cab pickups.

　　The Frontier is a solid and versatile truck, especially with the Crew Cab Long Bed. But there are other trucks you will want to consider in your buying decisions, notably the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger.

　　

2002 Frontier Highlights

Type: Crew CabKing CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: XE-V6SE-V6SC-V6SVE-V6XE-V6

　　

Base MSRP	$18,399
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$239/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles