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2005 Nissan Frontier Preview
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Thanks to this prodigious power and the Nissan Frontier's all-steel, fully-boxed, Titan-derived frame, the towing rating is expected to exceed 5,500 pounds. High-performance gas shocks will be available with an optional Off-Road package, and four-wheel-drive models will be equipped with Nissan's All-Mode 4WD system which includes operation in 2WD, automatic 4WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low modes. An electronic rear differential lock helps the 2005 Nissan Frontier 4WD gain traction on loose surfaces. Both the King Cab and the Crew Cab measure 205.5 inches stem to stern, with larger interiors and, finally, rear side access panels for the King Cab. Options include a roof rack similar to the one available on the Nissan Xterra, as well as a spray-in bedliner and a Utili-track system of adjustable aluminum bed tie-down cleats. The 2005 Nissan Frontier shares its bodywork forward of the B-pillar with the redesigned 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The look is rugged and purposeful, with a large angled strut grille design and big front overfenders providing the appropriate amount of tough truck styling. Aft of the front doors, the new Frontier resembles the existing truck, with refinements evident in the side quarter windows and rear taillamps. Nissan's signature plastic tailgate insert unfortunately carries over to the redesigned 2005 Frontier. Inside, the basic dashboard design is simple and functional in terms of layout and design, with a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, large rotary knobs for climate control and a simple stereo design that all appears to be functional while wearing work gloves. A handy dash-top tray is included, and the center console cupholders are large. The 2005 Nissan Frontier will be competing with fresh and redesigned entries from every existing compact truck maker (except Ford and Mazda) when it goes on sale in the fall of 2004. Based on what we know now, it's got the goods to find popularity with small truck buyers.
Photos courtesy of Nissan North America
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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