Used 2002 Nissan Frontier King Cab Consumer Reviews
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Great truck, I'll stick with Nissan
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
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Frontier Desert Runner
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.
- XE King CabMSRP: $4,2993 mi away
- SE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $6,99026 mi away
- XEMSRP: $8,95039 mi away
Nice & Slow
Great truck, nice looking, great mpg, very slow. I have an auto with 63,000. Something squeaks when i go over bumps.
Fontier 2002 2wd 4cyl auto just shy of 200k
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.
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Love this truck!
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.
so far, so good
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 .
Chuck's truck
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.
great truck, much better than its review
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.
Disappointed
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.
I'd buy again but Frontier too big now
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.
Disappointment
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!!
Great Work Truck!
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.
What a disappointment
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...
had 3, but no more, EVER!!!
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.
good truck
this is my first truck and my next truck will be a nissan
Great Truck
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!!)
Excellent basic weekend pick-up
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.
Gets me and my stuff there
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.
2002 Nissan Frontier King Cab SE
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.
Toyota can't touch my Nissan!
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!
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- Value
Driver Makes the Gas Mileage
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.
my truck
I like the Nissan, it drives nice.
Nissan's go..go...go and go.............
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.
xe
I have had excellent service from this truck and would have no qualms about purchasing another. Thus far I have encountered only one defect which related to emissions controlat around 9,000 miles. It did not affect the performance of the vehicle. The problem was identified and repaired quickly. The truck is slow at takeoff unless I put my foot down heavily. This truck has an excellent turning radius, which comes in very handy in tight parking situations. which I forget about. The interior of the truck is laid out very well for my tastes, with plenty of space and easy ingress and egress.
Love the truck, but it could be better
I Love the truck, but it could be better. The driver's seat lacks lumbar support, the seat belt is hard to latch, the quality of exterior paint was poor... Don't get me wrong, I love the truck. That supercharger is killer, but attention to detail would have made it even better.
like my truck :)
just got the truck so havnt had any mechanical problems obviously, so this is basically a 1st impression. the interior seems to be pretty cheap, but its VERY comfortable, more so even than the sedan i drove before. the turning radius is amazing for the size of the vehicle, i can get it into anywhere! it is a little slow to start but when you put it in overdrive its much better, very smooth on the highway. I LOVE the way it looks too. PERFECT truck for a girl who needs one, but wants to be able to see over the dash! its just the right size for me.
Great Toy
I read the reviews. I did my research. I found one on the internet. Without even a test drive, I bought it and the dealership drove it down to me (4hrs one way). If you want a small truck that has the OMMPH, here ya go. If you expect to get 20+MPG.. don't buy this truck. It is a PERFORMACE vehicle. Fun to drive and no major issues so far.
Cons of the 2002 Frontier SE-V6
Overall, this is a good vehicle, but I remember looking up reviews on Edmunds in April prior to purchasing my truck and one reviewer wrote in about the "clicking" noises in the front. I figured it was a fluke and wouldn't happen to me. Well, it did. I have "clicking" and occassional metallic "squeaking" noises in what seems to be the front suspension -- Primarily when im turning around a corner. Had it in twice and it's still not fixed....
fun truck
Fun truck to own, never been in the shop, great performance.
ok
i have had a couple problems with mine there are ok trucks but could use a little work
??? windowshield wipers and brakes
I have had nissian trucks since 1984 and this is the second one from this dealer and frankly was not happy about the service given I am taking back again for the brakes to be checked out. The wipers smear in different spots. AND THE THING THAT ALL MY NISSIANS HAVE DONE IS THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE MIRROR SHAKES AT 45MPH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT.
Not satisfied
Hard riding truck. Lots of squeaks and rattles that the dealer has been unable to eliminate.Truck is underpowered and yields poor fuel economy.Cheap interior, especially carpeting and upholstery.
Good basic small pickup
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.
You Guys Are Crazy!
This is absolutely the best truck available on the market today. I have never driven anything like this machine. I had always been a Ford lover, but I fell in love with this vehicle the minute that I saw it. It was five thousand dollars cheaper than anything comparable to it. Plus, it has more power than any truck in its class. I get 15 to 18 miles per gallon even when I punch the supercharger frequently. I plan on keeping this truck forever. I have experienced no problems with it and I am confident that I will not because it was built by hard-working Americans.
My First vehicle
I have a 2000 nissan frontier and I love it. It is my first vehicle. The truck has been very good for me, I haven't had any major problems with it. It gets me back and forth to where I need to go with no problems. I have fun driving the truck. Because of my experience with the truck I will probably buy another Frontier in the future.
Love my Truck
Overall, I've been very happy with my truck. It rides and drives like a truck, a little slow to start, but passes without having to downshift. I have noticed that the ABS light has been on faintly since I got the truck, although dealer says it is fine - I've been told "all of them are like that". Only other problem was the rear window started leaking during heavy rains due to a poor seal around the brake light on the cab.
2001 SC King Cab Desert Runner
Good overall. Good styling. Good power. Comfortable leather seating. Poor fuel economy. Costly to repair in accidents.
Commute Brute
This truck is a typical Nissan truck. Runs forever, not much power, but will run and run and run. 52,000 miles an no problems. Just gas and oil changes. I kind of neglect the truck, but heck I only paid 13,000 for it. If I can get 6 years out of it with no major repairs and then sell it for 2,500 it is a win win. I like the style and 24 mpg highway.This kind of truck is a must for a homeowner that needs some weekend hauling. They say you can never give up a truck once you have one. Ok off to Home Depot adios,
not yet sold
Not yet sold on this vehicle. I have a 2002 V6 4x4 XE king cab. Gas milage good at 20-21 mph everywhere. Having problem with clunky brakes, fade in pedal, long stops and heavy pulling to left. Loud wurring noise,like that of a power steering pump is getting on my nerves. Fit and finish not the greatest. At 7k miles (8 weeks old )it is starting to get squeeky. Motor is loosening up and acceleration is improving. Love the look, price was right. Will be making first trip to dealer for service, we'll see how that goes.
I Love my truck
I bought my 2002 Nissan Frontier KC with 35000 miles on it and i love it it could use a lower gear in the rear end and a better clutch but over all this truck is great! this is my first truck i couldnt have picked a better one, if you are looking for a ranger,forget about it, the nissan is the best way to go. it has japinese quality and reliabilty and a higher resale value also. this is just a great truck over all.
2002 SE-V6 Desert Runner -King Cab
I just think it is awsome I just live it because I just feel so comfromable in it and the sound system is great and handles very well and is sitting high which I loveand it came standard with steps ,bed liner, bed extender.
3.5 Year owner says "Good Truck"
It has been my primary vehicle for 3.5 years and I have just turned over 70K miles. I commute 28 miles one way every day with this vehicle, have taken it off road a handful of times and hauled numerous heavy loads. I pretty much abuse my vehicles and don't baby them. If I keep the highway speed under 70 mph I average 20 MPG. The horn broke after 1.5 years while it was still under warrenty, other than that I have had zero problems with this vehicle ,nothing but oils changes. The truck has held up well, still starts and runs like a new one. I would definitely consider buying a Nissan again.
Love my Frontier!
I love my Nissan Frontier. I got a basic "truck" with no frills. I'm enjoying the excellent gas mileage and good road manners. This is my 4th Nissan... there will be many more in my future.
frontier good truck
I purchased tuck 4 mos ago. very nice no repair problems at this time. very dependable truck....
2002 Nissan Frontier review
I own a 2002 XE V6 4X4 extended cab. For the most part truck has been a good vehicle. The only major complaints that I have with the vehicle is that it is a bit under powered. The gas mileage is not the greatest averaging about 17-18 mpg. Lastly, at about 5000 miles the vehicle developed a few really annoying squeaks and rattles. Other than those few items the truck has been great so far.
My new lemon
Well, my family has owned Nissans since 1984 so i really wanted to like this truck. However, after taking it back 4 times to Boulder Nissan and twice to John Elway Nissan I am still having major probs with it and thanks to the terrible/rude service at Boulder Nissan I'll be using the Colorado Lemon Law to get my money back. They still haven't sent me my owner's manuals and i've had this truck for 6 months! The two major probs i still have are it pulls to the left when i brake and have a very loud squeak coming from my rear window seal that silicone hasn't fixed. Mighty dangerous when it's icy!
My 2001 Frontier
Been a little over a year, and a little over 17,000 miles. 4 cylinder, auto king cab xe... I have to have a truck for work...and I don't have lots of money. The Frontier fits the bill. It hasn't faultered once, carries dirt, landfill, and all the stuff I need it to, and it looks "funky". I live in FLA, and it's very, very hot now. I'm amazed at how cold the ac is. It's not fast, wasn't meant to be...it doesn't corner well, and that doesn't matter to me. Little kid in on my block calls it "future truck." Good title, cause I plan on keeping this truck well into the future.
Good Commuter
Bought brand new with only 6 miles on the odometer. Haven't had a single major problem. Had the belts replaced at 57000 miles. Other than that, oil changes and gas fill-ups. It doesn't have very much power and the A/C drains even more from the already struggling engine. However, my 5spd manual gets pretty good gas mileage (as much as 28.5 hwy).
NOT BAD FOR THE CASH!!
I have the same clunking in the front end after one week!! Americans can NOT build quality in the states... Truck looks very cool, great price, great deal on my trade from this dealership as well. This is for all you people complaining about the GAS MILEAGE, its a TRUCK get over it or drive a compact car!!!!
2002 Nissan Frontier
Good truck, nice interior, comfortable. Poor power, not really fun to drive.