Sixth Place
Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SC
With the introduction of the Crew Cab Frontier in 2000, Nissan was one of the first companies to enter the compact crew-cab market. Since then the Frontier hasn't been left alone. Last year, the Nissan received a new front fascia, along with a supercharger option. For 2002, the Frontier gets a redesigned interior and now comes in a long-bed version that features a cargo area that is 74.6 inches long--the standard bed measures 56.3-inches.
Powering our longbed Frontier was the 3.3L supercharged V-6 that we first tested in last year's Pickup Truck of the Year test. As was the case last year, this engine was not a favorite of our testers. While this engine's claimed 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque look good on paper, the reality of this truck's performance didn't impress our judges. The supercharger merely changed the 3.3L V-6 from being underpowered to adequate. However, no gripes came from our judges with the rest of the drivetrain, and most liked the fact that the Frontier used a lever, instead of push-buttons or dials, to shift the transfer case.
The interior redesign for 2002 includes a new dash with what Nissan refers to as "cockpit-style" gauges. While most of the judges liked the new look of the dash, every one of them commented that the black and grey gauges are extremely hard to read during the day. Not helping the situation is the fact that the gauges are set way back in the dash so that little direct light reaches them. Many judges also had complaints about front seats that are extremely flat and offer little support. The rear seats also offer little legroom for adult passengers.
We were happy to find that Nissan ditched the low-profile street tires that came on last year's version of this truck and replaced them with 265/65R17 BFGoodrich RuggedTrail tires. These provided a major step up in terms of off-road traction. However, not changed from last year was the same stiff ride that tossed occupants about on our slow-speed trails. While the firm suspension performed a little better in our high-speed dirt sections, it lacked travel, and that forced us to proceed through the high-speed sections of our test loops at a slow, careful pace. The Frontier's firm ride and lack of wheel travel also hurt it on the sand dunes. So did excessive amounts of wheelhop.
Things didn't improve too much for the Frontier when we headed out for the highway. The firm ride that was present off-road made for a busy on-road ride. Plenty of wind noise crept into the interior at highway speeds. However, the firm ride did make the Nissan into a decent canyon carver and its small size made it maneuverable and easy to park.
While Nissan has been constantly improving the Frontier, some areas remain that need a bit of help. The truck needs more horsepower and better suspension. That's why this year it finished at the back of the pack.
We Liked
The terrific BFG RuggedTrail T/A tires this truck came equipped with. Good off-road tires on 4x4 trucks ought to be a given, but this isn't always so. We're pleased that this year, Nissan is equipping its 4x4 trucks with effective off-road rubber.
We Disliked
The recommended use of 91-octane fuel. Even using the highest grade of fuel, the Frontier is an underperformer. Put lower-grade fuel in it, and it will be more likely to detonate under boost, which will cause the spark to retard, further injuring performance.
Check it out if...
You like the Frontier's "with-it" looks.
Avoid it if...
You like to accelerate.
25 Words or Less
Every year, in spite of Nissan's continuing economic struggles, the Frontier gets better. Unfortunately, it still has a ways to go.
--Jon Thompson
The supercharged 3.3L V-6 just doesn't cut it. It needs better suspension, too.
--Craig Perronne
Take the "Supercharged" emblems off this truck! They announce a false sense that this is a powerful truck, when in reality it is just adequate.
--Greg Smith
The Frontier is not as refined as the other trucks tested here. Not even close.
--Trent Riddle