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Used 2005 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
236 reviews

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Not sure I made the right choice...

Tex, 01/15/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my first Nissan and my first truck. Bought this truck base on price primarily, as compared to Taco. Didn't consider US products base on previously bad experiences. After 5100 miles the dash rattles sometimes when idling, the rear suspension squeaks (I HATE squeaks and rattles), and presently the dealership can't figure out why it won't start. The dealer set me up with a rental F150 Crew Cab which, I hate to admit, I like- it's very comfortable and responsive. Heed other reviews that comment on the driver arm rest, driver side only door unlock, key fob, and plastic dash- these turned out to be real annoyances for me. If I could give my Frontier back and get all my money back, I would.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Mid-size Pickup Truck

Nissan Frontier, 01/17/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great vehicle. I love the horsepower it has and the overall look of the vehicle. It feels solid I recommend it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

best truck i ever had

nissan1, 01/17/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab LE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

reliable,sturdy and powerful. I put alot of miles on this truck during the first six months and it just keeps running smoother.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Value

Colin, 02/17/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I chose the Frontier after comparing it with the Tacoma. Both looked and drove great, however Toyota couldn't compete in price. I was also impressed with the added hp and sharper interior design. I have been very impressed with the performance, especially the tight handling and impressive git up. I also love the 4wd feature. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best truck yet!

mauifrontier, 03/19/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this truck! After 4 months of ownership, it's still a blast to drive and so nice to look at. Very off road capable and comfortable. My previous truck was an '03 Tacoma xtra cab 4x4. I was perfectly happy with that until driving this truck. I'm so glad that Nissan is getting back on track creating exciting and and attractive vehicles again! It reminds me of the products they had in the early 90's. Keep up the good work Nissan!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love this truck.

Jim, 04/28/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Two days arfter purchasing this truck I drove from Dallas to Seattle. Since then, I've driven to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Missouri and New Mexico. I've never had a problem. I take it off road frequently and love it. I wish I would have gotten an off-road package, but I'm still very happy with it.

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5 out of 5 stars

best truck ever

Mikey_Missles_41102, 05/02/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this is by far the best truck i've ever owned. no more american made for me!!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Another Great Truck

Spawnman, 05/10/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just found a brand new 2005 Frontier on the lot, bought it in less than 1 hour. Traded in my 2000 Frontier. This is an awesome truck. If it didn't have a bed in the back I wouldn't believe it's a truck! Rides and the doors close like a car. Very quite inside while driving.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

2005 Nissan Frontier SE 4x2

Joe, 05/11/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have put almost 13,000 miles on this truck since purchasing new in Aug. 2005. The milage is a good mix of highway and city driving. Overall the truck is a solid performer. I haven't hauled anything really heavy but what I have hauled did not strain it in the least. The cockpit has a real nice feel with easy access to everything. Plenty of storage space for all the junk you would need to carry. Driving on the highway is great at higher speeds. It doesn't have a lack of get up and go. Short hauls with passengers is about all I would suggest. The seats are comfortable. Overall craftsmanship is top notch.

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5 out of 5 stars

Still early, but a great truck

amram80, 05/15/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Traded in a full size Chevy to get better gas mileage. So far, so good. I'm getting about 4 to 5 more miles per gallon, which in my case translates to about 40 to 50 dollars of savings per month.

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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota Killer

Bill Walters, 05/31/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I shopped Toyota and many other products from the American "Big Three" and settled on the 05 Frontier XE. This workhorse has style, class, dependability, a comfy ride amd all appointments in the right place. It outperforms the Toyota Tacomas in every aspect and is priced under Toyota's ( fixed pricing ). Econony is great at 24-25 MPG and the Frontier does not have that "sissy" look that Toyota's do. The ride is like driving a nice SUV. Pay load is good for a mid size truck too. Fifth gear could use a little more "beef" but a small bother compared to the overall performance of the Frontier. I would recommend it to any one. I'll get 200,000 or more miles of great service from this vehicle.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

features

fred, 05/30/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Disappointed it did not come with safety remote key entry, rides a little rough. First time pick-up owner I expected more comfort. After purchase dispointed in jump seats instead of 4 seats. Bad choice on my part. Color was not first choice but acceptible. Overall pickup is very good and enjoy a lot. pricing of basic vehicle color should not change options or price.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Truck

Michael , 08/15/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have been very pleased with this truck. I did consider a Colorado at first but very soon discovered that the L5 engine was just not a best choice for the powerplant. The 4.0 in the Frontier is very strong and will leave all other midsize and most fullsize trucks in the dust. The only complaint I have was that splash guards werent a standard feature. The tires sling up and leave a lot of chips on the paint. There is a hint from the ride of a larger truck but soaks up the bumps fairly well. All and all its a great truck and I am very pleased with my decision.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great but...

Bill Mac, 09/04/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fantastic truck. I have two complaints: 1) Fosgate stereo has great sound but unless you use the satelite hookup (very expensive) you have 2 AM radio bands and only 1 FM - no sense there. The other is the weight of the tailgate. If not fully latched and falls while driving it may bend the sheet metal in the lower corners of the tailgate - has happened to me twice. Needs to be lighter or have a counterweight to keep gate from "banging" down.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent truck so far

bosox, 09/03/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall the truck is great and I love it.There are a few annoyances though. One is the passenger side jump seat flops down under hard braking or bumpy conditions (Still happens periodically even with the upgraded seat locks from Nissan).Second there are some squeaks, rattles, and vibrations, especially around my rear sliding window when it is open. Third and most annoying is that if I'm coasting in neutral or I have the clutch pushed in the transmission rattles when going over bumps. It's really anoying on the trail and rough dirt roads. My dealer supposedly tested another manual frontier and said it was normal. Fourth is that the front of the truck picks up lots of bugs in the summer.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

More for your $$ thanToyota

Dana, 12/01/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had every intention of purchasing a Tacoma double cab 4x4 but came home with a Frontier 4x4 Nismo crew. Definitely a lot more bang for the buck, interior feels more spacious with incredible power to spare. I was impressed with the build quality & ride. I have owned both a SE-V6 King cab pickup & SE-V6 Pathfinder years ago & decided to come back to Nissan after a long Toyota run. Yes, Toyota makes a very nice product but was totally impressed with the new Frontier's. Interior perhaps a bit too much use of plastic but otherwise very functional. Great looks, nice overall packaging.

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5 out of 5 stars

Driving a Silver Bullet

silverbullet99, 03/07/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab LE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My truck is a beast. It makes right at 300 horses and will blister just about anything. The truck rides like a dream, ages ahead of the old F-150 I had. The only thing is it gets 17 miles to a gallon.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab XE

Steve, 05/02/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have the 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab XE . It has the 5 speed manual transmission with powerful 4 cylinder engine which is also great on gas. I get a lot of nice compliments since I've had it.

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5 out of 5 stars

05 Frontier Crew Cab SE 2WD V6 Auto

Rob, 05/13/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 18 months and 21000 miles, I can honestly say I love this vehicle! Powerful engine, smooth ride, just dosent feel like a truck. I have driven my truck on several long trips and it cruises effortlessly at 80-85 mph, very quiet and comfortable. I've owned Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas and a VW, and can say that so far, this is my favorite. I'm very impressed with the build quality of this truck too, especially the engine/transmission and fit and finish. I would definitely recommend that anyone looking at a mid-size truck to do yourself a favor and check out the Frontier!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2005 Nissan Frontier XE

Joe, 06/08/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a very nice truck to own. Very sharp looking truck. All my friends like the look of it and how it rides. Only problems I notice are: (1) your legs come close to hitting the lower dash; (2) truck horn is very wimpy and truck should have two horn buttons at each edge of steering wheel, not just one in center that is hard to use; (3) don't plan on getting any custom wheels for it because the 6 X 114.3 lug pattern is not standard size - there are very few makers of custom rims that will fit on the truck, very few custom rims will fit; (4) interior should have two dome lights, one near front of cab and other near the back of cab.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome truck!

Steve, 06/09/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this truck! It has been an incredible driving truck since my first test drive. I really was not even in the market, having just purchased a 2006 Tundra doublecab 4x4 SR5. We were at the dealership looking for a ride for my son, and I just wanted to take a ride in one, and that's all she wrote. It's a much better ride than the land barge I just bought a year ago. The v6 power plant Nissan uses is vastly superior to the gas guzzling v8 in the Tundra. I average about 20 mpg (6 spd. manual). The best I could muster in the Tundra was 16.5 mpg. I actually got 23.5 mpg on a trip to the coast! Way easier to park in tight situations than the Tundra. Check out the Frontier, it won't disappoint!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Great truck

Dave, 08/03/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I feel in love with this truck as soon as I saw it. But looks were just what got me started. It handles well, is comfortable to drive and has made life a lot easier when it comes to working around the property, because it goes just about anywhere.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The next generation

zoom, 10/24/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned several Nissan products. My last truck was a 98 king cab with a 3.3 v-6. I had a guy come to my house and request to buy it, seeing the next generation truck I agreed. He is completely happy as am I. My Nismo is so much better in every way. I can get over 21 mpg on the hwy, mixed driving around 18.5. The power difference isn' even close,this truck will haul, drives great, rides great with 31.5 psi in the tires. In my opinion, and I have owned all domestic vehicles, this is solid satisfaction!

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4 out of 5 stars

Started out amazing, but...

fronteeer, 03/22/2008
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've written a few favorable reviews about this truck, but it's had a few major problems and I'm afraid it might become a liability soon, since the b2b warranty's gone and the power train is close. Nissan replaced the entire HVAC unit because it only worked on hot and cold, and they couldn't fix it. I recently had a belt and tensioner changed to get rid of a loud squeak when idling cold. The fuel gauge went nuts and I had to have everything changed from the gauge back. Now there's a loud clunk coming from the drive train when I accelerate while turning, in both 4x2 and 4x4. Sometimes the steering wheel pulls so hard to one side after turning, I have to basically stop and let it go.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Sportscar with truck bed

JimInFLA, 04/01/2008
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my '05 Frontier 2wd used w/ about 10k miles. Traded in an '02 Chevy Avalanche. It was great but the gas was killin' me and we don't need the 4wd in FL. My Fronty has plenty o' power... it's like a sportscar w/a truck bed, I swear! I love the bed's adjustable tiedown system. Not crazy about the roofrack but it does have a sunroof that is nice, although I mostly run the A/C. I'm a lead foot and I can get about 17-19 mpg doing about 75-85 mph on the highway. It's squirrely in the rain b/c it's sort of light in the backend like my old '98 2dr Tahoe. The front seats are uncomfortable on long road trips. They also need to redo the center console so you have an elbow rest.

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5 out of 5 stars

Nifty Nissan frontier

Albert Palos, 07/21/2019
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This frontier was a truck i could depend on. Good on power. Hardly broke down,and if so, it was only minor. Yeah it has dents & minor scratches, but it's a truck. Gives it character

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
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

15 years & 219K....it just won't die.

sdkid, 05/27/2020
updated 12/04/2020
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab XE Rwd SB (2.5L 4cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought mine NEW in August of 2005, an XE KC with the 4 cylinder and hand crank windows...unheard of today. In all this time, I replaced the brakes ONCE-- at 145k. I replaced the clutch at about 150k miles. I had to have the gas tank sending unit replaced at about 170k-- Nissan paid for it. A few years later at about 210k, I had to replace the tank itself as I got a tiny leak that could not be repaired. Mobil 1 synthetic it's whole life. It looks like most of the problematic reviews were with the 4.0L 6cyl. Glad I got the puny (and arguably underpowered) 2.5L 4, which can still tow a 2,000 pound pop-up camper with ease. I will likely never own a truck or any other vehicle as reliable as this one. I moved North a few years ago, and I will need a 4wd truck to replace this one.... I don't think any other will match up to the reliability I have experienced with this truck. EDIT: the COVID pandemic seriously muted my travels this year. I am currently just under 221,000 miles. I bought a 2019 F-150 as a replacement vehicle, and will remain hopeful that my maintenance and repairs are minimal. My old Frontier will find a new home with a new owner soon. I would not be the least bit surprised to see it run another 100 thousand or more. It just won't die. :)

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

My Nissan

Ron, 02/08/2005
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the first Nissan of any type in our family. Trucks I have previously owned: 5 new full size fords (still have a super duty f250 10 cyl) 6 new full size dodges, 1 new Dakota, 1 new full size chevy. Since they upgraded the size and power of the Frontier I decided to give it a try, during my second visit to the dealership I bought my Nismo package crew cab in superblack. I absolutely love it. Prior to buying this year I also tried the dakota, tacoma, tundra, titan, chevy. No comparison - they all had different quirks that I did not like but with the Nissan I found nothing that I did not like. After the first thousand miles I have found nothing to disappoint me.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Not too bad

bosoxer, 06/29/2008
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was my first Nissan and although I've had some problems with it, I still really enjoy it. For some reason, my drive train was "falling off," so that was fixed. Had problems with my heating system, which still was completely fixed, and a few little things like an emissions sensor, and windows power unit. I'm a bit nervous about how much has gone wrong in 3 years, as my truck only has 35,000 miles on it, and I do not ride it off- road. The power is tremendous in this truck. It really gets up and moves. The turning radius is horrible. The ride is smooth however. Keeping my fingers crossed on future repairs as my warranty ended this month. Would still recommend this truck.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Chinese Firedrill

fpkarau, 07/05/2009
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a company vehicle used extensively offroad. Performs well off road. It comes without skid plate and managed to tear oil pan off first 2 months we had it going through a mud hole on a construction site that every other rig on the mountain traversed without incident. Aluminum rim destroyed first month and needed to replace all stock tires as well as they are junk. Most irritating thing about this unit is that is has no keyless entry yet only one key tumbler in drivers side door only. Result is that if you want to enter vehicle from passenger side you have to do a "Chinese firedrill" around the truck to open unit from driver's side door and return to passenger side. Moronic design.

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5 out of 5 stars

Crew cab mid-size frontier truck

Susana and Jorge, 01/31/2005
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Mechanical Performance 4.0 V6 Engine 265 hp perfect. 5 speed automatic transmission and suspension perfect. Frontier nissan 4x2 crew cab 2005 It's The Best! why? Because the Engine Immobilizer works better than Toyota tacoma double cab 2005.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I Love it

Nismo, 02/17/2005
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've only had the truck for about 2 weeks, but it's really fun to drive and has a lot of power. It has nice features and seems to be very well built and rugged.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great to Drive

FRONTIER LOVER, 03/12/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded my 2000 Frontier for the 2005 model. After reading the Edmunds Reviews along with my experience with the 2000 there was no other choice. I looked at the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, the Dodge Ram Series and those that GM had to offer, which confirmed my thoughts about the 2005 Frontier. I like the overall rugged looks of the exterior, the well laid out interior, its performance and roadability. I try to find reasons to get it out on the road and enjoy the drive. Best choice I ever made.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

annoyance overshadows good

king, 07/13/2006
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall driving is an improvement. Too bad you ruined it with that horrible cover on the back

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4.75 out of 5 stars

"Unfortunately my Wife LOVES it!!!

Tim, 03/05/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I wanted to put some miles and seasons on my new 4x4 before I gave my review. I love it more now than when I 1st bout it. I used to own a Chevy S10 4x4 that I had to put in reverse to engage the 4x4--a real pain!!! With this 4x4on the fly, I can't wait for it to snow. It's got great ground clearance and cuts through deep snow like butter! My wife uses any excuse to drive it, I can't get her out of it. I love the spray-in bedliner with the util-trac rails. With the bed extender i go from a 5' to 6'bed. Interior is very comfortable and a smooth ride. 265hp acceleration very powerful. test drove dodge durango as well. NO comparison. Gas mileage @16- 20. Could use heated outside anti-fog mirrors

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2005 NISMO 2WD

ras1500, 11/27/2007
2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my second Nissan product and both have been extremely reliable. The NISMO is a great truck with plenty of acceleration and fun to drive. Fuel mileage is around 20 MPG combination city/highway. The build quality of this truck is not as good as my Japanese built '99 Pathfinder; sealant in the pickup bed is sloppy and there's some glue on the headliner.

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