Used 2003 Nissan Frontier King Cab Consumer Reviews
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Great little truck in general
beast10r, 10/08/2014
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
When I was looking for a truck I needed something that I could get into relatively cheap that I could haul my motorcycle around with, and last a long time. After doing lots of research I decided on the Frontier. I bought the truck with 75k on it 2 years ago, and it currently has just under 100k. The previous owner took good care of it and gave me a bunch of maintenance receipts and so far it's been trouble free except for a bad knock sensor, but that doesn't really effect anything. That said, it's not very powerful and it drinks gas like a V8. It should have had a 6 speed but with this truck you trade power and efficiency for reliability. If your Ok with that, then it's great.
Too many issues
sourkrautgreg, 05/18/2010
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
My previous truck was a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE V6 ext Cab. I traded it in on my current truck and only had to replace the fan belt when it broke at about 100k. Loved that Truck. I have had numerous issues with this one however. I have had to replace the clutch and the AC compressor at 62k. The speed sensor had been on its way out since before then, and finally quit outright at about 85k. Now at 95k and need to replace AC comp again. Nissan dealer installed it.
2003 Nissan Frontier for sale near you
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- XE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $6,00056 mi away
- XE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $12,89977 mi away
- XE-V6 Crew CabMSRP: $10,79587 mi away
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Great Light Duty Pickup
yader84, 08/06/2012
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
I test drove all the light duty trucks before I bought this in 2007. Tacoma was small, lower to the ground, and more bouncy. Mazda felt loose, Ranger couldn't touch the interior space. The Nissan is stable, feels larger than others, has great towing capacity (3000#), and I get 27 mpg. For the size, it has power you wouldn't expect. Best of all, it has had no major problems, and that's at 175,000 miles.
Great truck
Darrell Smith, 11/06/2009
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this truck now for over a year. And with 90,000 on the odom. Ive given it 1 full engine and tranny tune- up. It cruises on the hiway at 2500 rpm's doing 70 mph. And Idle's Smooth as glass. I give it 4 out of 5 Starz
My next truck....
f41driver, 11/10/2002
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I drove a '99 Frontier XE 4cyl King Cab until it had 207,000 miles in it when I worked for a Nissan dealer as a parts driver, and I can tell you this is the most durable truck I've ever been in. The updates are mostly cosmetic between '99 and '03, so I feel this experience relevent. I'm planning on buying a 2003 Frontier sometime next year.
Nissan king cab 2wd
vwtommy, 11/23/2002
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Much higher up than the comparable 2 wheel drive Toyota. Very solid and fun to drive. The stick shift shifts great. And less expensive that the Toyota. I think it is more truck for the money...Would purchase another and my other car is a 1998 Toyota T100!
Fun economical compact pickup
Rob Dollen, 10/05/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
There is a fair amount of power in this 4 cylinder.
Hurts so good . . .
Richard911, 04/04/2004
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nice rig. I had a 1994, same setup, 4cyl 5spd. Very dependable. Had a problem with the seats on long commutes. The seats would cut off circulation to my legs. I wound up retro-fitting some 280Z seats. I thought they had this solved in the newer rigs. No way! This is not the car for a 6' tall man.
are ya kidding
redhot, 08/17/2008
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just bought a new tundra, (let my wife take it over). Took over her frontier for work. It's a tuff little truck that can take a beating and gets great gas mileage. 4 cyl bear basics does the job, been getting 24 mpg driving across New Orleans. Pot holes, railroad tracks, ya name it, handles it all. Be my work horse till she wears out, gets wrecked, flooded or stolen. 29k on it.
Another trustworthy truck!
MtbVA, 05/16/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
For 16 years I've driven two NISSAN Trucks ('84 bought used in '89) & ('95 bought new), this is my third. Not one problem that wasn't normal wear & tear (brakes/tires/clutch)! Extremely low maintenance costs! This truck has many more creature comforts & storage options than my past trucks!
Great times and good fun!
grizzlyrizzly, 01/02/2004
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
It was between the frontier and the tacoma and when it came down to money, power, and interior room there was no comparison. The extended bed liner and the 4wd drive makes it unstopable. It has gotten me out of many sticky situations. Test drive and you will see too....
Frontier's Amazing
Ballistics, 02/14/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have always had Toyotas, I thought I'd try Nissan. The Nissan feels heavier, but has better center of gravity feelilng. Has outstanding noise supression cab. In WV, running 70 up hills in 5th gear feels good! I had to drive 3 hours in 4WD in near white-out snow, the vehicle was very stable and reliable, rarely broke traction and handled well. My only disappointment is the consistent 15-17 mpg. However, considering all the other pluses I have no regrets. Frontier delivers on demand every time.
You get what you pay for...
Sambo, 06/10/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wanted something simple with a low overall cost of ownership. So far so good with 9000 miles on the odometer. 4 cylinder is peppy and 5 speed transmission is nicely matched. Mileage is 23 MPG in mixed driving. A/C really sucks the power-I turn it off when I need some speed. Interior is nice. Exterioe styling is great. Made in the USA-I like the idea of keeping those 5800 Americans working hard in Smyrna, TN.
Nissan Frontier
jh4451, 09/04/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy the Nissan Frontier so far. The style of the exterior is what sold me. I also like the extend a bed feature. The interior controls are not easy to see with the shift lever in the way. But so far, that is the only minor concern I would have with the vehicle.
great truck
shazdaddy, 09/26/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
had to downsize rom dodge ram..miss the horsepower but overall very happy with truck...fells bigger than it is
What a TRUCK!!
MrK33, 05/06/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one truck that you don't want to skip. It has a decent 143 hp 4cyl engine that gets great economy, especially with today's gas prices. Between my first 2 tanks of gas, I've gotten 25.2 mpg in mixed driving. That's BETTER than EPA highway, and the engine isn't even totally broken in yet! The seating is really comfortable, and you feel as though you're driving a larger vehicle, only it's very easy to park. The HVAC controls are clean and intuitively laid out. In fact, the cleanliness of the whole dashboard is great. If you want a real truck, but don't want to get something unreliable (American made), or expensive, check out the Frontier!
VERY GOOD TRUCK!
Mr. Mustard, 06/20/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 2003 Nissan Frontier my wife and I purchased is quite a value. It is very solidly built, quiet inside, and has the feeling of a much larger truck while driving it. I have been a Toyota fanatic for years, but the Frontier is by far a much improved truck than before and is a greater value than the Tacoma.
Under the Radar Value
rkt440, 06/24/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've always been aware of the Froniter but I never realized what a value it really is. Quality Japanese craftsmanship, the right features (Alloys, A/C, CD), slightly larger motor and you get a super-cab for the price of a similarly equipped, regular cab Ranger.
One Owner 16 Years of Satisfaction!
George Fuller, 02/16/2018
updated 08/16/2019
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After 16 years of ownership, I can honestly say I'd buy another without hesitation. Extremely dependable and had only let me down once but it was only because the battery went dead after 10 years!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great little truck
Otis , 02/11/2021
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 2003 frontier V6. I bought in 2005 with 28,000 miles. It’s now 2021 and the truck has about 200,000 miles and is still going. The truck is a workhorse. I have hauled trailers here and there and the V6 helps a bunch. The gas mileage is ok and if your hauling a trailer it’s not that great on mpg. Did the timing belts and water pump around 100,000 miles. Then again around 170,000. Small repairs here and there. The valve seals were leaking around 170,000 so had those redone. Now at 200,000 the catalytic converters are going bad but it still runs. I would give this truck 4-5 stars. The V-6 gives you some horsepower when needed on the highway ect. I ended up getting a dodge 3500 dually but I still have the Nissan for zipping around town and taking the kayaks to the river. I have the desert runner v6. It doesn’t have 4x4.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
EXCELLENT VEHICLE
JANICE, 09/01/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab Standard Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I LOVE MY NISSAN. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN.
AWSOME TRUCK
Harvey Anthony, 10/11/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SC-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This truck is all and more than I hoped it would be. It's fast when I want, has awsome 4wd capability, and drives like a 2wd.I drove a long way to get it [ 4wd sc not available in my area] and have been happy that I did. Only flaws, kind of flashy for my taste, and I only wonder what the guy was thinking when he made the instrument panel the way he did...awful,but I can live with it!
Enjoy the Ride!
Nate240-Z, 09/14/2005
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I LOVE this truck! I have almost 45000 miles on it now and not a single problem. The interior does not have the cheap look and feel that the Toyota has. The interior is also extremely user friendly. Once you get rid of those horrible BFG rugged trail tires for a real All Terrain tire, I suggest the Yokohama Geolander A/T+II's, the off-road ability is amazing. I had NO wet road traction with the BFG's and the Yoko's solved that problem. I ordered mine with the 5spd manual which has a 4LO crawl ratio of nearly 40:1. Gas mielage is good for a 4x4... I average 20mpg on the highway and 15-16 in town, also while towing my '72 240Z on the hwy (3300lbs w/trailer) I averaged 16mpg @ 65-70mph.
Better buy the Tacoma
srl99, 12/08/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
Value
Swing, 07/31/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I named her Harriet...
H.B., 08/29/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Good Value for the money
Copeland, 09/13/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Value for the money. The V6 Runs strong, handles good for a truck. Gas mileage is average for trucks in this class. The interior is laid out well. Very comfortable and fun to drive on long trips. This truck can rival any compact truck around. Very impressive for the price. Good, reliable and well built. The Frontier in my opinion is highly underrated. Good looking too. Nothing else looks like it.
Functional and Affordable
MGutierrez, 07/21/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 Frontier Desert Runner because it fits my needs for my lifestyle. Having the 2 seats in the KingCab has been perfect for traveling with my 3 girls, as they have plenty of room. I use my truck quite often for work, loading it with heavy items, and its great for a trip up to the mountains as it has plenty of power. I suggest a frontier to everyone!
Desert Runner
TonyM, 07/19/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really enjoy this truck. Rides and drives well and yet feels like a truck. Much better value in my opinion than Prerunner.
Lovin it
LWUANG, 10/14/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
wonderful truck, first and certainly not the last nissan truck. gets looks all the time.
Top Notch Nissan
Greg Gumbo, 11/07/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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........
2WD Desert Runner XE
S Modica, 11/11/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
First Nissan
Front 4 you, 11/10/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful, fun to drive truck. gets the looks being bright red and different from the rest. plenty of power and comfort.
Excellent Truck
ChrisViper, 11/29/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Shift_Respect
Nissan Dirt Trail, 12/03/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
theodore popee, 06/24/2005
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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,
Great truck for a lot of gas
Darby19d, 08/12/2005
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SVE-V6 4WD SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Frontier is a great truck: fun to drive, comfortable, reliable, does everything I ask it to without complaining. But my only complaint is that it sucks gas like no one else's business. I average about 15-16 MPG. Granted, I live in the city, which isn't optimal for fuel efficiency, but it still hurts the pocket book. It still get's below average gas milage on the freeway (about 16-17 MPG), but it's still better than in the city. My recommendation, if you do a lot of freeway driving or don't live in the city, it's a great truck to drive. If you live in the city, you better be rich.
Cheaper than Toyota
srl99, 03/28/2004
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
So far so goog little truck
dcdoc97, 08/22/2006
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab SC-V6 Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl S/C 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!!)
Best Truck Ever Built
big332, 04/09/2003
2003 Nissan Frontier 2dr King Cab XE-V6 Desert Runner Rwd SB (3.3L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.