Used 2003 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews
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Better buy the Tacoma
Dumped all auto tranny fluid at 1507 miles due to wedge left in cooler line at factory. Nissan's response? Refill the tranny - you should have bought an extended warranty. Guess they don't know about service after the sale. I SHOULD'VE bought the Tacoma and you should too!
Best in Price
This is my third Nissan pickup in the last 18 years. So far it is starting out like the other two, no problems. I still own my 93 and plan to give it to my son when he turns 16. What can I say? I wouldn't have bought three in a row if they weren't a great little truck. I have nothing against Toyota, except that they cost about $2k more when compared to Nissan.
- XE King CabMSRP: $5,700250 mi away
- XE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $9,996256 mi away
- SE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $3,900375 mi away
mpg lousy for a small truck
like most things about the truck (the drive, how it handles, etc.). Interior controls are good, however mpg horrible for a small truck. less than 15 on the interstate, less than 12 in town. I bought the truck thinking fuel mileage would be reasonable (most small trucks are).
Best Compact on the market
I looked at all the compacts and even some full size trucks before buying my Frontier. Overall, the Frontier is the most practical for towing, hauling, and carrying passengers while still being able to fit in a parking space and not have to stop every 100 miles for gas. The long bed option is a must.
Needed a truck
Best bang for the buck.
All-Purpose Reliability
This truck is not for everyone, only anyone who wants to be able to do a whole lot of things! Hauling, towing, 4 people 4 wheeling skiing and it hauls ass!
LOVE MY TRUCK
With over 100000 mi i have had no problems. the dealer is superb in quality of work and price.
Greatest Truck Buy
This truck has been the best investment that I have made. I am in love with this truck because it is very reliable and durable. This truck is like a passenger car, SUV and truck. My family fits just perfectly. My wife rather use my truck instead of her mini-van (Chryler)which we are very disappointed with.
2003 Nissan Frontier
I love my Nissan. Could have better turning ratio. Seats could be more comfortable and rear doors could be made easier to get out of. Other than that all else is excellent.
Nissan 4 Alaska
After looking at Ford, Mazda, Jeep, and Toyota our Frontier fit our budget for our move to Alaska. We tested it out by packing our bags for a two week Christmas/New Years Vacation from Tucson to Vancouver, WA. The trip up was great and uneventful, but on the way back home a winter blizzard was closing the interstate as we drove through it. While other 4x4s were using their chains, ours stayed in the box and the Nissan handled the snow-packed roads with extreme confidence. We are looking forward to taking this tough truck off the road in North Central Alaska for the next three years. Creature comforts and toughness at a very reasonable price.
Cheaper than Toyota
Cheaper than Toyota and you get what you pay for. Auto dumped all tranny fluid at 1507 miles (yes, brand new). Nissan USA's response - refill fluid and have a nice day. Truck looks nice and gets excellent mileage on the back of tow truck. Can't operate defroster independent of A/C, shift lever blocks controls.
BEST I EVER HAD
NISSAN FRONTIER IS EXCELLENT...LIKE ALL NISSAN PRODUCT ...EXCITING,FUN AND BEST VALUE
Lovin it
wonderful truck, first and certainly not the last nissan truck. gets looks all the time.
Cramp My Style
I like the overall vehicle. It's a very nice riding truck. All that have driven in it thinks it rides like a car and not a truck. It has a good style on the outside but lacking on the inside.
Best compact truck
This is the best compact truck on the market for the money.
go nissian
This is my second nissian I had a 2001 crew cab traded it at 60,000 and got a 2003 holds value well, I had not one problem with either nissian. Could not say that for the s10 pickups I used to own.
So far so goog little truck
Bought this truck used in May 2006. Inside is comfortable. Outside is nice. have taken couple of trips of 300+ mile and it was a comfortable ride. cab is quite in highway speed. turning radius could be better. horrible gas milage (15 city, 17 highway)!! I pulled a boat and a trailer with a combined weight of about 4200 lb from LA to Las Vegas. the truck had no problems except going up hill (it could only go 50 mph up hill!!)
Nice Truck
This is my first Nissan and so far I am happy. Good Power....great ride....good amount of room. Moved several people and even with the short bed and a tonneau cover had a substantial amount of room.
4X2 aweful in the snow
Truck is great if you live in an area of the country that doesnt get snow, otherwise by a 4X4. I bought the 4X2 because it was cheaper, wish I ought the 4X4, the truck kicks out and has poor traction in snowy weather conditions. Also truck has poor MPG. Other than that the truck runs smooth and handles bmps better than any vehicle I have driven.
It gets complements all the time!!!
Great truck and very good looking, cause it has been complemented alot!!! Fun to drive, definitely!!!!! Gas mileage could be better but I think it is geared pretty low in the higher gears!!!!!! Back seat is a little tight for the average adult but my kids love it!!!
Excellent Truck
This truck is awsome, it drives great and has no problems at all. GREAT BUY!
Value
Outstanding vechicle! It has great gas mileage with and without the air conditioner running, considering how high the price of gas is right now. Great for long trips,and the bed liner makes for easy clean up when needed for yard work.
It's a very strong vehicle
a very good vehicle with a great reputation!
Great truck to have fun in!!
I bought this truck brand new while stationed at FT. Sill, OK. I used this truck to pull the biggest U-Haul trailer (I think it's a 6'x12') from there to Kansas City, MO. That's about 455 miles. It was stuffed to the roof with belongings, including the interior of the truck, and the bed. It pulled it wonderfully at about 70 MPH the whole way. Only got about 7 miles to the gallon, but I was pulling roughly 3,000 lbs. I bought a reciever hitch to pull the trailer. I haven't had a single problem with it, 4WD works great in snow and having fun in the muck.
What a fun truck!
I always wanted a truck, but had never driven one and knew nothing about them. I test drove them all, and settled on the Frontier for reasons of price, 4 doors, and appearance. I was lucky to find a 2003 used, low-mileage SE Crew Cab in solar yellow with all the options I wanted. It is SOOOO fun and I enjoy the attention it generates, (although I am a middle- aged lady with a kid in college!) I am sure glad I traded in that "soccer mom" beige minivan!
Super Charged
Great Truck. A pleasure to drive.
XE V6 crew cab
My 2003 Crew Cab, XEV6 is my 6th Nissan truck since 1986. I have owned virtually all the body style and both the 4 cyl and 6 cyl engine..The mechanical reliabilty is unmatched. The only problems I have encounters are water pumps and AC failures. While it is underpowered it still remains at the top of my list!!!
Just got it, still evaluating
I just got the truck, after being a dyed in the wool Ford man. Nissans to me seem to be some of the most durable, and time tested out there. My truck is an absoulute pleasure to drive, and it gives the best mix of practicality, and functionality. My wife even likes it. We have our first child on the way, and needed another four door vehicle.
excellent truck
My 03 nissan xe crew cab has been excellent. the v-6 with the 5spd mt is fun to drive. the ride is truck like as it should be. great commuter truck and weekend project truck. i get at least 1 compliment a week on it and have to say it's great. right size, right feel, right look.
I'll keep her till she quits.
I bought my truck used with 500 miles with everything but leather. Its my main vehicle and my family car. I've got 60k miles on it and haven't had any problems. I've taken it off the road a couple times and seems to do a decent job at it for a two wheel drive. Seems to go where you want it to in the slippery stuff. Tires like to spin on wet pavement by the way or maybe I've just got a heavier foot. Havent spent much time in the back seats myself but had some heavier inlaws back there for a twelve hour trip with out to many complaints. I've also had it about as full as you can get it cargo wise and dosen't seem to effect the ride, acceleration or handling much.Go with the l. bed version.
2WD Desert Runner XE
I have only had this truck for a few weeks but I already have grown very fond of it. Previously I owned a '98 S- 10 I enjoyed it very much but from the firt day I knew the Nissan was a better truck.
4 doors for two labs.
This truck was a purchase for our growing family. A LARGE male lab now has a LARGE little sister. The back doors were to be used by the dogs for easy in and out. They do not get in or out using the back doors. They use the same doors as the people do. The center console has held up very well with dogs walking on it almost every day. They enjoy the extra room compared with the extra cab Toyota we had.
Top Notch Nissan
I have owned an 84 Nissan truck, a 95 XE V6 ext cab, and now the 2003 Frontier XE V6 Desert Runner. By far the best Nissan I have owned to date. Every design short coming of my previous truck ( which were few) have been re vamped and nicely modernized. Nissan continues to lead the pack in design and performance. My 95 2WD being the work horse it was, I opted to buy an 2WD Frontier. With the added ground clearance, who needs 4WD? She gets me every where I wanna go........
Great truck
I love this truck!!
Awsome Truck
This is a awsome truck that is big and can haul around a lot of stuff. IT has big tires and has good ground clearance so a teen as myself can go over things and not mess anything up!!
Great truck
I love the truck. It is my first truck ever, so that might not say much. The ride height is great. Love the sound system. Should have bought 4x4. The long bed is a must. Of course the back seat is cramped. But overall satisfaction is excellent. Watch out for the nissan dealers though. Watch out for the speed limiter too. Sucks if you do not know it is going to happen.
king of the wild
Great small truck. I would stick with a 6cy model. Nissan has bulit this truck to run forever.
Best Truck Ever Built
Nissan has really built an excellent truck. It does everything I need it to do. The ride is great, the looks are awesome, and the engine is the quietest I've heard.
So Far So Great
I've owned Toyota pickups in the past, and I come from a family of "American Only" trucks. I have to say that this is by far the most bang for my buck. The towing capacity is terrific, and my daughter fits well in the back seat. My wife, who happens to drive a top of the line Honda Accord V6 completely enjoys this truck.
First Nissan
Wonderful, fun to drive truck. gets the looks being bright red and different from the rest. plenty of power and comfort.
2003 Nissan Frontier SE V6 Long Bed
Not enough power out of the 3.3 V6. Horrible fuel mileage. Cheap look to the interior.
I named her Harriet...
I love my new Frontier. I had a base model toyota from '92-'02...I was shopping for a Tacoma and discovered the Frontier. Its visual styling,abundance of extras (compared to Tacoma)and just the overall feeling of getting alot of Bang for your Buck can't be beat.It handles great, has good gas mileage,and has all of the bells and whistles I was looking for...I recomend Frontier to anyone who is thinking of a new small pick-up!
Best of the 2003s
I looked at all the 03 mid-size crew-cabs before buying. The Nissan was the obvious choice. It had the most powerful engine (super-charged V6), the longest bed, quietest interior, and was thousands less than a comparably equipped Toyota. I have a fully loaded top of the line truck with every option and a few aftermarket add-ons. This truck has proved to be religiously dependable and an excellent buy. I get 17 mpg in the city and close to 22 on the highway. I don't like the fact that it needs premium gas and the Firestones that come on the S/C 2x2 are JUNK (I got less than 20k miles from the first set, and I am a very conservative driver. The second set isn't fairing any better).
Great Truck
Awesome Truck. No problems whatsoever. Plenty of room for kids in back seat but adults are very cramped. Plenty of power and tranny is silky smooth. Comfortable ride on long trips but curvy roads are a nightmare. Gas mileage is about 15-18 in city or on hwy. Very solid feeling vehicle.
Love The Truckie
Well I had the truck for Two and a half years, and have not had any mechanical problems.It is a comfortable ride,fuel economy is not bad either.Handles pretty well.I Get alot of compliments, I must say its a great looking truck.
Excellent Truck
100% problem free at 8K, MUCH more roomy than the Toyota Tacoma, Easy to self maintain the basics i.e. oil changes, filters, etc., Factory installed tires on 16in aluminum give a secure feel on the highway going 55 in heavy rain.
2003 4x4 Crew Cab is awesome!
I compared Chevy, Ford,GMC,Dodge,Toyota & Nissan.I settled on the nissan because of the history(making trucks since 1933), quality (one of the best records), price(3K less than the toyota) and dealer experience(modern nissan is the best). Toyota does not offer the long bed or manual trans.It's styling is tough & the rear is geared better at 4.64 axle ratio. The fit&finish of the truck is great,seats are comfy & snug to the body. The engine is powerful with fuel economy. seeing 21 hwy 17 city. Overall very pleased with this truck. All nissan frontiers are born in Smyrna, Tennesse with %60 american made parts more than 40-60% of "american" trucks.
WHAT VOLVO?
SUPER TRUCK. LOVE THE 4 DOORS. GREAT RUGED LOOK
Shift_Respect
I drive my Fronty hard. I'm always delivering 10 foot metal studs and drywall with no problems. For a compact truck it's very rugid indeed. For the price of Frontiers you really get your money's worth. I recommend a Fronty to anyone shopping for a well built compact truck.
Weak on power until
Weak on power untill I adjusted timing up, not so much it pings just before. Still 2.4 engine does not have the power 2.5 altima motor has This truck has style large hauling compasity jump seats behind passenger 24 mpg need to keep rpm up if you want speed steers a little hard with power steering for an old man with open heart,