2005 Nissan Frontier First Drive

Big, bad engine in a tough guy truck


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2005 Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is indeed a weighty offering – from its big class-leading engine to its comfortable interior, functional bed, off-road capability and styling. The styling is close to the Titan in look – starting from the grille and sweeping along the aggressive stance, tough fenders and clearance. Despite that, however, the 2005 Frontier is possibly the least aggressive of the Big Three mid-size trucks – and many have walked away from the Tacoma and the Dakota with the opinion than macho was a bit overworked. As long as the Frontier comes in Screaming Yellow, however, those who wish to make a statement with their truck will be happy, and for the rest of us – those who don’t wish to look like a cartoon – the Frontier is a mellower, mature offering.

All in all, the Frontier plows new ground in the mid-size truck market, and in the process covers up such rusty offerings as the Ford Ranger and weak competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado. The 2005 Nissan Frontier matches up well with – and maybe goes one better than -- class leaders Tacoma and Dakota, especially when it comes to the things trucks should always do: provide low-end power, towing capability, off-road prowess and an interior that is car-like in its functionality and comfort. Where the Frontier falls short is in a few small but critical areas: no standard stability control, and none at all for the least expensive trims, and the overall dearth of featured equipment down on the discount side. King Cab XE 4x2 owners get little of what makes the Frontier such a great truck: no chrome front bumper, no UtiliTrack or spray-on liner, no lumbar support or vehicle control, no power anything.

For a truck based on power, it’s a shame that Nissan can’t power share a little to the lower-cost models. Outfitted as it should be, however, the Frontier will do some consider able damage to other trucks vying for sales. It has the engine, interior refinement and off-road capability to tug and toss the mid-size truck segment all over the Texas bush.