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Used 2002 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
131 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Great truck, I'll stick with Nissan

biker, 03/22/2010
updated 01/11/2018
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
33 of 33 people found this review helpful

This is my second update since I posted my original review. It is January 2018 and my 2002 frontier has approximately 132,000 miles and has required zero repairs since my last update July 2016. Maintenance since then is tires, belts, oil changes, Coolant Flush and Brake fluid replacement. I broke my cab mounted rear brake light (Not the fault of the truck) and when I replaced it found a little rust beneath it. As the paint on the roof is getting oxidized a bit, I am going to repaint the roof soon and address the small rust area. This is an update of my original review from 2010. It is now July 2016. I still have this truck I bought new.... Now I am at 14 years with my Frontier and it still going strong. I bought this truck new in 2002. I use my Frontier for towing a motorcycle trailer and it does fine. The interior looks great with slight wear on the drivers seat and sun visor. The paint is still in good shape even though it is always outdoors in the Florida weather (Including 3 hurricanes in 2004) In 14 years and 125000 miles, I have replaced the A/C compressor, a valve cover gasket and a shifter seal. That is it....The gasket and shifter seal...200 bucks including labor....The A/C about 900.... Not bad for 14 years. Front brake pads replaced once. Rear brakes...original. Clutch...Original. Suspension, original. The 2.4l 4 banger with the 5 speed is adequate but won't win any drag races. The gas mileage is great. Even with a raised topper, I get 25 and without the topper I average 26-28 on the highway. The ride is a bit stiff but it is a truck after all. Overall I am very satisfied and plan to keep it forever.... I will update this review again in a few more years.....

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Little truck, lotta truck !

john d, 02/24/2009
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

I use the truck primarily to tow a 3000 lb camper. The 3.3 L engine in the 2002 was rated at only 170 hp but this little truck seems to use all of them as it tows the camper plus another 500 lbs of camping gear as though it is not there. That is both with power and mileage. The camper and gear doubles the weight of the truck alone with no more than a 15-20 % increase in fuel consumption. For power I'm comparing it to my old Ford full-size with a 351 V-8. Never any maintenance in nearly 8 years of use other than regular preventative maintenance. Cannot recommend this little truck too much!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Best truck ever

Alan Sargent, 11/19/2015
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SVE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

I've had this truck for almost 14 years, it's been in the shop once. It still runs and looks great.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2.88 out of 5 stars

Frontier Desert Runner

crazymagman, 04/30/2006
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

Have had the truck just over a year and have not been overly thrilled. As a Desert Runner it is fun to drive off road and you can go anywhere you want, but it feels unconnected from the road and like it is working very hard on the interstate to keep up to speed. It's okay, but not quite as good as I would have liked.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

old truck new love

carol_okc, 01/03/2011
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful

I looked long and hard for the perfect truck - and I've found it. I've always driven full-size pickups but wanted better economy, 4wd, a decent cargo capacity, and room for my two big dogs for everything except hauling the big round bales of hay. Still have the 2500 Ram for the latter, but the Frontier handles everything else beautifully. Since I tend to drive my vehicles forever, I wasn't concerned about this being older and having a bit over 100k miles on it. I did have my mechanic go over it thoroughly, freshening several things that needed to be addressed, but still brought it in at my budgeted figure - and expect to drive it at least another 100k miles. Can you tell I love it??

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4 out of 5 stars

Great truck except for bogus OBD codes.

Michael Huston, 09/01/2015
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SVE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

I saved literally thousands of dollars by buying a code reader and simply erasing the bogus cat failure codes. I do almost all of the maintenance. including the timing belt; the truck has seen the inside of a shop only twice for small repairs. Some features of the design are stupid. Replacing the driver's side valve cover gasket is a total nightmare, because the intake plenum has to be removed. You also have to take off the plenum to replace the knock sensor, although it can be relocated to the top of the engine. I figure that these are dealer-welfare designs. Altogether, I have been happy with this, my first truck. It is the perfect size for my hauling and commuting needs. I hear tI needed another truck. hat the new ones don't have the bugs of the '02s. Probably would buy one if

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

Nissan Quality w/No Legroom

BlackIron, 12/09/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I'm 6'3" and owned my 2002 Nissan Frontier for 13 months. The outside of the Nissan is sharp when you get it decked out with the running boards, the body moulding, and the overhead racks, and not an ounce of problem out of it the whole time. The interior front seats are fine...plenty of room for two people...but there is ABSOLUTELY NO leg room in the back seat of this vehicle...the long bed is nice if you haul things and came in handy several times.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Nice & Slow

Ben, 08/14/2008
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great truck, nice looking, great mpg, very slow. I have an auto with 63,000. Something squeaks when i go over bumps.

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5 out of 5 stars

Just about worth every penny!

Greg D, 08/27/2018
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Originally purchased this vehicle new from a dealership in San Diego. Paid invoice for it. Bought it for my wife. She drove it for 13 years I've been driving it since. The wife is 5'6" and around 120lbs. I am 6'3" and over 250 lbs. We have done some dirt road off roading. Not any hardcore 4x4ing. I have nicknamed the truck Bart. In the city and on the highway it drives great. We have had extremely aggressive off road tires on it and now has the least aggressive. Bart served us well. It gets the same gas mileage towing or not. We towed two Jet Seadoo Jet Ski's about 5 hours one way to the rivers and lakes and never ever had an issue. After 15 years we had to put about $8,000 (not all at once, a portion was a battery, new tires, normal wear and tear items) into it for various items; replaced the suspension, rebuilt the supercharger, replaced the steering linkage and various other items. Since then for about the last year I have been driving it 60 miles per day. The A/C doesn't blow that cold anymore and it uses a lot more gas when I use it. If I keep it under 65mph I get 16mpg. We have serviced it often. The transmission slips once in a while, during a hot day, I drive it for 30mins then turn it off for an hour, after I start it it runs very rough for a few minutes then back to normal and I'm back driving again. It's due for another timing belt and new struts. We never lifted it nor put anything after market on it except a stereo with Bluetooth and a new 6" subwoofer (the old one dry rotted). Bart has always been garaged so the paint is in good shape. I replaced the headlights and the cargo lamp because the plastic gets old and fogged. We love how Bart looks and he's fun to drive. I'm considering replacing him but we will probably just continue to dump money into him because it's less than trying to replace him. Grace & Peace

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Fontier 2002 2wd 4cyl auto just shy of 200k

truckcommuter, 02/11/2017
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I like my last of the little Frontiers. Unfortunately it will get replaced by a car because all manufacturers have gone to to over-sized, gas wasting behemoths they call mid size pick up trucks. My Frontier is a daily commuter, still gets 20-24 MPG always did. Regular maintenance (oil , trans fluid, belts , shocks, muffler,etc.) has gotten me up to 195.5k . Dealer replaced one rear axle bearing during the first month of ownership due to a factory error. Dealer ignored assembly issue from factory for installation error on an intake coolant hose , the fix was picked up by my (independent) mechanic who says he had three more of the same truck with the same problem in the 6 months following. The only unusual items were the infamous steering linkage replacement that plagued 2wd Frontiers at about 75k (Nissan does not sell replacement tie rod ends individually). Both rear brake cylinders had to been replaced about the same time .Water pump around 105k. Had a piece of wiring harness ground out and kill the engine a couple months back. My mechanic said that the insulation became brittle and rubbed off. What do you want for a 14 year old truck? 1 hour of labor and its up and going again just like before. My mechanic said years back that I should be able to make 200k, so that's where I'm goin. Should hit that this summer at about the time the truck turns 15 years old. The dealer parts source I use in Texas is now having a hard time getting parts for my previous generation truck. Its doesn't have NAV, blutooth, backup camera or , power windows, and has a cheezy 2 speaker stereo ,but it does what its supposed to do, roll down the windows and drive. Sometimes with a mower or furniture in the back. I'll miss it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2.25 out of 5 stars

Avoid this Lemon

ikeburns, 07/01/2014
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 15 people found this review helpful

This truck has been a lemon since the day I bought it. The knock sensor and the catalytic converters (yes, plural) go bad at 100k miles, and you're looking at 3k to fix all this, or else you can't pass emissions. I've talked to mechanics and they say that they see this all the time with Nissan frontiers. You'll need to get the Nissan parts, because aftermarket parts aren't compatible and you'll waste your money, & still not pass emissions. The AC has gone out on me twice, and even the electrical components struggle. I've only got 145k highway miles, and I've struggled mightily with the catalytic converters, knock sensors, AC unit (broken twice), electrical, tailgate handle, door handle

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5 out of 5 stars

LOVE my truck!

Gena, 05/08/2016
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have had 3 Nissan trucks. A 1983, 1986, 2006 Titan and this one. I looked for months trying to find a crew cab 4x4 long bed. NOT easy but I drove 6+ hours to Utah to get this one. A friend went with me and we stopped to look at another one same year and she ended buying that one. Hers had a lift kit. So mine is a SC super charge model and I am glad I got that one because the SE which is the one she got does not have the power I have. But I did put a lift kit on it and I really love how it handles. We took off into the Mts of Utah with 4 feet of snow and the truck did awesome. I have Bridgestone AT on both trucks and they really get you moving. Suck up the gas though but hey. I also have a cap on it so the gas sucks even more. I get a lot of looks and folks say it's a sharp truck but the gas mileage is not up to par. I have to use the mid grade which is now $2.56 a gal. Doing a tune up was a challenge. I had to remove the super charge unit to get to some of the plugs. I had an upgrade muffler put on. I mainly have the truck because Nissan is the only truck that has a crew cab with a long 6 foot bed. I have had notes left on the truck from folks wanting to buy it. I haven't had it in the shop much because I had a bunch done to it all at once which was a fortune but my friend did it. We drove from Las Vegas to Pennsylvania during the bad snow storm and I wanted to be sure I wouldn't have an issue. If you do get this truck get the lift kit because it really does make a difference in the handling. Much more fun to drive. As far as the comfort of the truck it is way better than the other trucks I was driving before this one. We drove both trucks 6 days across the coast during the worst snow storm and we probably drove 10 hours a day with several breaks because we have 2 very large shep mix dogs who rode in comfort as well in the back of the truck. I love driving this truck! It is comfy and I installed a JVC CD player with USB/Bluetooth. I have seen a couple trucks in my area but they are the extra cab short bed and they stare at my crew cab long bed wishing they had it!!

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Super Yellow Truck

street2nerz, 04/10/2006
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall, this is THE BEST truck I have ever owned! Absolutely NO mechanical issues AT since new. About the only thing I wish were different are the Front seats, they have no lumbar support. and the addition of a footrest would have been great. Other than that, this is a great truck. I particularly like the styling over the newer nismos as well. It's just better! Oh, one last item, the brakes are good, but easily could have been much better, when are the manufactures gonna get wise about slapping some brembo'son their sport trucks! WHEN!!..I'd easily pay the difference. I am not easy on my vehicles but this one has really done a great job. Break in your engine and change the oil often!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Chuck's truck

caw, 01/03/2005
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have enjoyed my 2002 Nissan Frontier very much since I purchased it three years ago. I was originally drawn to the interior design, and made my purchase based mostly on this, as well as the reputation for quality that Nissan has. I was a bit disappointed in the acceleration, having just traded in a full sized Ford truck, but soon learned that there was more power there than it seemed, it just requires fully depressing the accelerator pedal and holding for a few seconds. I have been pleased with the handling and turning radius, as well as the convenience of the interior layout. I feel more like I'm driving a car than a truck, which is just the way I want it. I am now buying a 2004 model now in lieu of the 2005.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

so far, so good

maas, 11/24/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I had a 95 Nissan pickup that never did me wrong, but it was time to get something newer. I decided to stick with Nissan due to my past experience. I love this truck, but I keep hearing about people having problems with them and that scares me. One thing I can say is that the A/C makes some strange noises that I fear will mean problems in the future. Also, my clutch pedal squeaks. Gas mileage stinks big time. Overall, I think it's great, but I'm still worried that it will end up having some problems .

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2.88 out of 5 stars

2002 Frontier just so-so

Larry Cline, 10/27/2006
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A bit underpowered. Poor fuel economy (15-17 mpg in combined city/highway use. Fairly comfortable, with good room front & back, although back less so for adults. The long bed is handy, although it makes thre truck very difficult to park; a short bed with the removable bed extender might be good enough if you don't haul large items regularly. One extremely annoying design flaw: the vents cannot be closed completely off, and the ductwork runs close to the engine, so hot air is blown in all the time. On days over about 65 degrees, you have to keep the a/c turned on or windows down or it gets very warm inside.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

Billiard, 09/24/2003
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased another Nissan soley due to my previous XE-6 extended cab had no problems in the 9 years I drove it other than an $14 relay I replaced in the ignition system. I've had this one for 2 years and have already had too many problems. After only 3 months, my belts came off while driving due to a failure of the part that keeps the tension in the belts. This year, the regulators in both the front windows had to be replaced when my windows would not roll up. A piece on the wind shield for the luggage rack broke and the whole assembly had to be replaced. And now, by CD player will not accept CDs.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love this truck!

WilliamB, 11/12/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I just got my v6 Desert Runner from a dealer. It was used, but this truck runs great! The v6 isn't as strong as its competition, Toyota Tacoma Prerunner v6, but it still packs a pretty good punch. For its size, the acceleration is pretty good. The ride is smoother than I thought. Overall, this is a very good vehicle. I recomend looking into one if you are searching for midsize trucks.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

great truck, much better than its review

jaron, 06/18/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

despite lackluster magazine reviews, I have a fleet of these trucks (they seemed the best value for the money, and unlike the Toyotas, can be had for around $4000LESS than MSRP) and am thoroughly impressed. I'll purchase another fleet of the same truck in three years.

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3 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

jratzloff, 10/06/2008
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

I bought the Desert Runner (100,000 miles) after owning a 97 Dodge. The heater core had to be replaced ($700), the heater controls on the dash were "stripped" out and did not work properly($250), and the air distribution box under the dash still needs to be replaced, but I won't do that for a while, if ever. I've had many small trucks, but none rode as rough as this one. I have replaced the shocks and will change tires soon. On a smooth road, it is great, but on a rough road, wow!. Steering wheel blocks the dash instruments (I am 6'3"). Truck looks great and has enough room inside for me, but I am really disappointed in the mechanical aspects of the truck, specially for a Nissan.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I'd buy again but Frontier too big now

kyboy, 09/13/2008
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Truck is babied. Other than oil and filter changes, no expense, but air went out at 45k. Still on original tires at 55k. Rear vibrated even when new, 55-65 mph. Gearing is very tall, making engine appear sluggish, took some time to get used to having to rev up to take off, but love the mpg, 24/28.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Frontier

FYREGOD, 01/08/2008
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have 2 complaints with my truck. It's averaging below 20 mpg. I previously owned a '99 S-10 V6 that averaged just over 20 mpg. I was really expecting the newer Frontier to be a little over 20, but I average about 18. Half of my 60 daily commute miles are highway. A few months ago I drove 1500 miles to visit family in California and it averaged 19 mpg (averaging 80 mph). I am very impressed with it's performance. Shortly after purchase the stereo won't play or eject CDs (err03), but it sounds great still. I am also considering buying a new extended cab Frontier when this one is paid off. Overall I'd give it about a 95% satisfactory rating.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2002 Nissan Frontier Saved my Life

doris, 07/25/2007
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

This truck has been a delight to drive. In only 4 short months, I grew to LOVE it and the ability it provided to haul things around. However, last weekend, I ran off the road in the rain and crashed head-on into a large tree. My truck gave its life for me! The police officer said I probably would have been killed, or certainly seriously injured, were it not for the air bag and seat belt. My air bag, seat belt, and the structural integrity of the truck saved my life. I had only a few bruises. The truck was totaled, but I was so impressed by its performance while I owned it and in this worst of circumstances, that I'm buying another one!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Great Work Truck!

baldbastard420, 04/16/2003
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Great little work truck, the 5-speed gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive...incidently the squeek that is heard when turning is the rubber stops, you will notice that this only happens when the wheels are turned all the way in either direction, like when making a U-turn.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Disappointment

Joe, 07/08/2008
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

The 4X2 V6 Frontier has limited power and handles poorly. Don't try to go up hill in 5th gear with the A/C on. After 8,000 miles the A/C compressor pulley started squealing and then broke off. this truck will get stuck in HARD PACKED sand with all season tires so get the All Terrain. The stock speakers blew out twice on both sides and the cd deck always froze up. I just replaced them with aftermarket due to the warranty expiration. The # 4 and #6 spark plugs are very hard to get to and the alignment has never been correct. Even after getting new tires and having an ajustment kit added it pulls. The clutch pedal squeaks after every rain so keep WD40 in the garage. Generic fender flares fade!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nissan quality cars and trucks

THOMAS MANZO, 06/03/2006
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've owned a couple of Nissans and they are both outstanding vehicles. Reliable quality vehicles. I never had to worry about being let down or stuck somewhere on long trips cross country and I drive them hard. High mileage vehicles and they handle and drive like new. Very happy and satisfied with the vehicle, and I love my 2002 4WD Longbed fully loaded Frontier.

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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota can't touch my Nissan!

Sheri W., 12/14/2021
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had my truck for 15 years now & I still love this truck! It has been in New England almost all it's life (except 1 yr out West) where they aren't afraid to use a lot of salt on roads in winter! My truck, being 20 years old, doesn't have any rust anywhere on frame, undercarriage, or body! It's original paint is still in great shape... Not faded! When I went out West & back in this truck I towed a fully loaded (household goods) enclosed 6x12 dual axle trailer w/o any problems & had avg. mpg of 21. Even climbing up & over a 14k foot mountain in Colorado w/loaded trailer the truck didn't struggle at all! I only have 123,000 mi on it now 20 years later but considering the same it's in (fantastic!) & the fact that I love this truck... I have no desire to sell it! This is my 3rd consecutive Frontier (had a '98 & a '01 that I bought both new) & have NEVER been disappointed in any of them! I say that Toyota can't touch my Nissan when comparing equivalent trucks example: '02 Frontier vs '02 Tacoma... It's true! Toyota didn't have the same towing capacity & I believe the engine in the Toyota was not as strong. Besides... Nissan did not have an issue with the frame breaking in half behind cab at front of bed that Toyota did back then! That issue cost Toyota millions as they had to buy back the vehicles from owners (I had a friend that owned an in-tact frame recall Toyota that Toyota ending up giving her $1000's for it)! Also, I've owned 4 Toyota trucks going back to the early 1980's. They were nice for that point in time but, in my opinion, the Frontier is leaps & bounds ahead of Toyota for several reasons! If I hit the lottery I would keep my '02 Frontier but be compelled to buy a brand new fully loaded Pro4x Frontier! I love the new redesign!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Little Big Truck

Jerome, 09/04/2018
updated 03/05/2020
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

None to worry about if all maintenance are performed according to specifications. 19 yrs and running. Reliability and overall performance has not changed.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Gold SC Crew Cab 4WD

Jon-Michael DeBona, 08/11/2005
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My pickup was incredibly reliable which is typical of Nissan. This was my second Nissan. I never had a problem with either. After over three years I have not had to have any repairs done to my Frontier whatsoever. I'm thinking of trading it in for Titan only because I want more space.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2002 Nissan Frontier King Cab SE

brandy, 04/06/2005
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The truck drives great the only issue is the gas mileage but that is only becuase I was used to driving a 4 cylinder and this is a V6. Handles wonderful in snow, and rain. Looks nice and I love that we bought it.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

had 3, but no more, EVER!!!

stevey_name, 02/16/2004
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 3rd Frontier. I had a 2000 Frontier that I had bought NEW and had a ton of problems with it. These trucks need to be made in Japan where the assembly process is much better! Anyway, I gave Nissan another chance when I bought a loaded up 2001 Frontier Crew Cab 4x4... I only had it for 3 months and it seemed ok?! Here I am in another Frontier, and it has problems galore. Radio went out already, raw gas smell under the truck that is 'undiagnosable' and catalytic converter smells every few days. On top of that, now I have some electrical issues that who knows what it'll cost. I'm trading it and will absolutely NEVER buy a Nissan truck again.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

good truck

jarius, 07/26/2006
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

this is my first truck and my next truck will be a nissan

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4 out of 5 stars

Gets me and my stuff there

sivartk, 12/24/2005
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my truck new for about $13,000. The only "upgrade" that it has is the color keyed body moldings. Minor repair work has needed to be done before 18,000 miles....squeaking front bumper and already had to replace the 3 belts in this little 4-banger due to squeeking. Other than that it is rock solid. It takes a while to get used to the look of the "rubbermaid" front end, but a simple grill insert improved the looks and protected my radiator. Use it to commute to work (2.2 miles) and average 23MPG w/o the AC. On the highway I have got as high as 28MPG. Great fuel economy in town even compared to some mid-sized sedans, plus you can't haul a sheet of plywood in a sedan.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent basic weekend pick-up

Mike2575, 10/13/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I shopped this and the Toyota Tacoma - this had a better price point, and the dealer was not the usual jeck. Runs fine, no issues in 10 months. Great weekend hauler.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Lots of Warranty Work, but still fun

scottn, 06/18/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had my truck in the shop several times since I bought it in October. Bad rotors, faulty computer, popping noise in front end, and this week - bad window motor. The good news - I don't have a single complaint for the service department. They are quick and friendly. Those are, for the most part, minor problems covered by warranty. I still love the truck and after 10,500 miles in 8 months, it's still fun to drive.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

What a disappointment

tjniemann, 08/24/2003
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Upgraded from a 2000 to a 2002 Frontier. Shouldnt have. Same front end squeaks from the poor front bumper design: 2 trips to dealer. Mismatched decals and condensation in the bedlamp: 2 trips to dealer. Continual loss of coolant: Three trips to dealer, the last of which they decided to tear it apart and replace head gaskets. Thinking seriously about getting my old one back, if for some strange reason its still there...

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4.13 out of 5 stars

First truck and so far, so good

EGP, 02/26/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A year and 13K+ miles, no major problems so far. Sales process and service top notch. For pros & cons, here we go: This is not a full size truck. This thing bounces around on rouch roads like Charo from the Love Boat. I got the Crew Cab for my 3 year old and it is tight, yet very functional. Also, this thing sucks petrel like no other 6-cylinder, albeit supercharged, engine I have ever seen. A- for you looking for me to grade on a curve.

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5 out of 5 stars

Driver Makes the Gas Mileage

diffie, 08/14/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Mechanically perfect and absolutely reliable, this 3800-lb truck w/ 3 adults, a pop-up camper, and other gear went from Dallas to the mountains above Sante Fe. Plenty of power to pull this 6500-lb GVW up to 11,000 ft. 15mpg in the steep parts, 17mpg in the prairie when towing. 20mpg when driving sans trailer. The only thing I do not like about this truck is that I paid too much for it because 3 week later these trucks were discounted by $3000. I was not happy with my dealer... Trophy Nissan of Dallas. I'll not shop there any more.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

Long Distance Driver, 08/06/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I drive 200 Miles to work on Sunday Night and then the same on Friday. About 20 miles aday at work. Solid, fun to drive, great fuel ecomomy for a small truck (28 mpg at 75 mph). Only complaint was dealer who repeatedly lied during sale (surprise!!)

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nissan's go..go...go and go.............

odachimaster, 01/02/2007
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have owned Nissan mini-trucks since 1984 purely by accident Toyota at the time were to stuck-up so I compared the 2 trucks and Nissan had the better truck on paper and since they were willing to deal I had that truck 12 years 188k and never changed a clutch this is my third one I have 51k on this one and I put new tires on it not to long ago.(I got 88k on 1st set of truck tires) I have had nothing wrong with this truck other then what I or my son have done to it.(Bent back bumper, My son's Battle Bot hurled a 10lb. Alum. box 100' into my truck blowing out my window and leaving a nasty gash all fixed) So, I say if you want something dependable you cannot go wrong with Nissan.

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5 out of 5 stars

my truck

Mary2, 05/27/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I like the Nissan, it drives nice.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Frontier SC

Bob D, 01/14/2007
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
1 of 6 people found this review helpful

This is the second Frontier I've had and this time I will never purchase another Nissan again. I had reliability issues with the first Frontier that I had, a 2000 and was offered a "good deal" on a trade in on a 2002. The 2002 has been no better. This vehicle is extremely costly to maintain.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Kinda Used..

Origamiman, 08/10/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was driving a Crown Vic. I loved my roomy 4.6 V8 car,but i needed something more updated; plus, people always thought i was a cop. Loved the look of the Nissan for the dollar. Both the Ford and Dodge had better engines, but the Dodge was too expensive and the jumpseats in the Ford are a joke. I settled on A Nissan XE 2002 barely used. It only had 4000 miles on it, and most of the features i wanted. I built my truck online and i would of had to pay much more money if was brand new. I got a find.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Suburban Workhorse

J. Locke, 05/30/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab XE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Recently moved from NYC to suburbs. Found myself borrowing/renting trucks or tying oversized items to car roof too often. Purchased Frontier compact pickup with quad cab, 5 sp manual and long (74") bed. Has quickly become my full-time weekend car. Enough interior room for all (3 fit in back seat easily), plenty of hauling capacity, 4WD for the beach. Acceleration is a little slow on the parkway (compared to my cars), gas mileage is reasonable. Biggest problem is a lack of center consol parking brake handle in the hills. This small truck handles nicely both on and off road. Reasonably quiet. Even my wife enjoys driving it.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Fun To Drive

BrianN, 08/18/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great looks, good towing capacity and cargo room. This truck rides better than most, but it's acceleration is not the best. Still the truck is very fun to drive. Gas Milage is a little dissapointing, but not the worst in its class. So far I'm very happy and I would buy a Nissan again.

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5 out of 5 stars

Mud Slingin in Style

McFack, 08/26/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great Truck! Easily $3k cheaper than Toyota or Ford Sport Trac w/ comparable options. I purchased for looks, options & $price$. Options:4WD,Automatic,Long Bed,Under rail bed liner w/ rail caps,Rockford Fosgate 6-disc.CD,Tow Hitch,Leather Package(Includes Sun Roof & Security System) Added Options:H&H Tool Box Nit Picky Complaints: (1)Clicking noises under the hood when putting the truck into gear. I think this is typical of Frontiers, but I’ve never heard of this before. (2)When I turn on the AC the compressor makes a noise like one beat on a drum. I hope this is not the sound of future repairs. Otherwise the AC works great!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

2 Dr. KC 2WD XE

Joeeick, 05/09/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased a Nissan Frontier XE for a no-frills truck. I looked at every truck in it's class and for the money it is the best. Handles well, so-so power, and good looks.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The best truck of 2002

Stephen Tyson, 05/31/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SVE-V6 4WD LB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It simply has the best exterior design. The inside on the other had could be better.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great overall truck

JNegron, 08/26/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SC-V6 2WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love this truck. The aggressive styling and performance in this truck is impressive. The fact that there are not that many supercharged Frontiers on the street make people really acknowledge the better look of it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good basic small pickup

dageezer, 08/28/2002
2002 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I needed a vehicle that was good on gas for commuting to work and could haul stuff on the weekends for various home improvement projects. I like the handling and overall ride of this truck. The interior with the bucket seats is a little cramped for me (i'm 6'5"), the bench seats would've been better. It's pretty quick once you get it moving, a little more low end torque would be better as another reviewer said. The base CD stereo system is pretty decent. Overall I don't think you can go wrong with this truck.

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