2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab LE

Smart and good looking


Along with SUVs, pick ups are no longer the purely utilitarian tools that they used to be. One of the principal signs of this trend is the increase in cabin dimensions and the reduction of the bed size. While not wanting to sacrifice the truck's prime reason for existence, automobile manufacturers have managed to combine capability with versatility. Just about every manufacturer has a different approach to this type of arrangement and in Nissan's case, it is quite clear that they have not trimmed the off-road capabilities part of the equation.

Nissan Frontier pricing begins at $23,198 for an XE 2WD and will jump to $40,198 for an LE Crew Cab 4WD with leather. I test-drove a base LE Crew Cab 4WD that retails for $37,898.

Exterior styling

The Frontier has a strong family resemblance to the Xterra and Pathfinder. Therefore, rugged good looks are to be expected. Nissan has done much to design the modern-day truck. Large square shoulders joined by prominent fender flares give the Frontier all the muscular "show" that it could ever possibly want. The Frontier is a handsome truck although I would suggest that Nissan dispose of the LE's 4-spoke alloys, they are some of the least appealing on the market.

There are two body styles in the Frontier's line up and they are an extended cab or King Cab and a Crew Cab. Body panels are well fitted and paint application is good.

Interior styling

The cabin of the Frontier is identical to the one found in the Xterra. The best way I can describe it is by saying that it looks bulbous. The layout of the controls is ideal and all of them are simple to use and understand. I particularly like the steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise buttons; they are amongst some of the most user friendly in the business. I am beginning to sound like a broken record nevertheless Nissan continues to cut corners when it comes to materials and assembly. The plastics are very hard and fit and finish is mediocre. For example, the hood of the gauges was loose. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is identical to the one in the Xterra however the audio quality is not the same; I believe it has to do with the reduced dimensions of the occupant quarters.

Front seats are cozy but again, the upper portion of the seatback pushes the occupant too far forward to make the headrest useful. The rear 60/40 folding bench is fine for short trips and when flipped up, provides a surprising amount of room for luggage and boxes. There are many storage bins throughout the cab including under the rear seats. The last few days of my tests saw the thermometer rise above 30 degrees Celsius. I was disappointed to find that the A/C had a hard time keeping the cabin cool.