Midsize SUV; Built in USA |
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Good condition price range: $5,900 – $31,300* |
2005 Nissan Frontier
2005 Nissan Frontier
2005 Nissan Frontier
Pros: |
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Cons: |
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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.
Overview
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.
Yearly Updates
2006 Frontier There were no significant changes for the 2006 Frontier. |
2007 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 Frontier The 2008 Nissan Frontier was largely unchanged. |
2009 Frontier The 2009 Nissan Frontier was little changed except for slightly freshened exterior styling. |
2010 Frontier The 2010 Nissan Frontier saw no significant changes. |
2011 Frontier Frontier received new trim-level designations for 2011. S, SV, and off-road PRO-4X replaced XE, SE, and LE. The Crew Cab offered a top-line SL trim as well. |
2012 Frontier There were no noteworthy changes to the 2012 Nissan Frontier. |
2013 Frontier Frontier added a new model called Desert Runner for 2013. A Value Truck Package replaced the previous SV Premium Utility Package, and most models added some standard equipment. Fuel economy was also supposedly improved thanks to reduced engine friction and aerodynamic enhancements. |
2014 Frontier New standard features for the 2014 Frontier included Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and cruise control. The optional navigation system added voice recognition and NissanConnect Apps smartphone integration. |