2006 Nissan Frontier Review
2006 Nissan Frontier Review





+17
Used Frontier for sale
Appraise This CarNissan Frontier model years
Nissan Frontier types
- King Cab
- Crew Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 engine, roomy interior, innovative bed features, stout frame and advanced off-road systems provide excellent capability in the dirt.
Cons
- No regular-cab body style available, too much hard plastic inside, choppy ride on pavement.
What’s new
There are only minor changes to this Nissan truck for 2006. A power package with keyless entry, cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors is available for the King Cab XE, and NISMO and LE models now have chrome accents on the gauge cluster and air vents. Additionally, manual transmission-equipped NISMO models have a new shift knob for 2006.
Edmunds says
A rugged chassis, powerful drivetrain and well-thought-out features make the 2006 Nissan Frontier a leader in the midsize pickup pack.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Nissan Frontier XE 4dr King Cab SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$187/mo for Frontier XE
Frontier XE
vs
$227/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Fully redesigned for 2005, the Nissan Frontier is now one of the better midsize pickups available. Its current styling apes that of its bigger brother, the Nissan Titan, and it also shares a number of significant features, such as a factory-applied spray-in bedliner, a useful bed channel tie-down system and a fully boxed, all-steel frame that makes it tough enough for extreme off-road conditions.
The Nissan Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs with the Titan, including a double-wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. The Frontier Crew Cab is identical in length to the extended-cab (King Cab) version, but a larger rear-seating area and forward-hinged rear doors make it a flexible vehicle for family use -- at the expense of some bed space. Interior storage space is also an important consideration when you're buying a pickup, and both the King and Crew Cab feature reconfigurable rear seats. Note that the Frontier is not available in a regular-cab version. In a sign that Nissan is serious about dominating the compact truck market, the Frontier's top engine is a 4.0-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque.
With that kind of power onboard, the Frontier boasts a maximum tow rating of over 6,500 pounds, according to Nissan. A 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine is standard on the base Frontier King Cab model. Also offered are supplemental front-seat side-impact airbags and available supplemental curtain airbags for side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. With a tough look, innovative features, big horsepower under the hood and a high level of all-terrain capability, the 2006 Nissan Frontier provides serious competition for the Dakota and Tacoma. This is good news for compact/midsize pickup buyers, who have plenty of worthy candidates to test-drive when it comes time to shop.
Performance & mpg
The XE comes with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine rated for 154 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque; it can be paired with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. All other models come with a 4.0-liter V6, which produces 265 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices on the V6 include a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. Towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
Safety
Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard on all Nissan Frontier models. Optional are front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags that provide side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard passengers. In NHTSA crash testing, the Frontier earned four out of five stars for driver and front passenger in frontal impacts. In side-impact crash tests, it received five stars for both front- and rear-seat occupants.
Driving
Step on the V6's throttle in this Nissan truck and you get instant results, thanks to plenty of low-end torque and well-tuned transmissions. Ride quality is a bit choppy, though the steering is tight and communicative for a compact truck. Advanced off-road systems like downhill assist control and hill start assist make off-road models capable performers in the rough stuff.
Interior
The roomy cabin offers straightforward controls, comfortable front seats and an attractive design, though excessive use of hard plastic detracts from the overall look. The 2006 Nissan Frontier offers a utility bed package that includes a factory-applied spray-in bedliner and the "Utili-track" tie-down system. The tie-down system provides extra cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor, and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels to provide a wide range of attachment points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories are offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays, modular storage units and bike racks.
2006 Nissan Frontier models
The Nissan Frontier comes in two body styles -- extended cab (known as King Cab) and crew cab. The King Cab has fold-up jump seats and reverse-opening doors, while the Crew Cab has a larger cabin with fully usable rear-seat accommodations (that also fold up) and conventional rear doors that offer easier access to those seats. Available trim levels include XE, SE, LE and NISMO; all can be had with two- or four-wheel drive, except the XE which is 2WD only. The XE comes with only the basics, including cloth front bucket seats and 15-inch wheels. The SE adds more features, including 16-inch wheels, air conditioning and a CD stereo, while the LE includes 17-inch alloys, keyless entry, cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors. The NISMO trim, with its special suspension and tires, is for those people who plan to do serious off-roading with their Frontier. A leather upholstery package with power front seats is available on the LE, and a premium Rockford Fosgate with an in-dash six-CD changer is optional for LE and NISMO.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Nissan Frontier.
5 star(81%)
4 star(9%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(2%)
170 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.13 out of 5 stars
2006 Nissan Frontier
aolaniesene, 02/08/2011
2006 Nissan Frontier SE 4dr Crew Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
We purchased a Nissan because we believed in it's superior quality.
We believed that we would have a truck that would easily last us 10 years.
However, after just 4 years - and almost nearing to paying off this truck's loan - we experienced what other forums show is a common manufacturer defect.
At high mileages, Frontiers may experience a break in its radiator, causing coolant to mix in … with transmission liquid.
Even though we have been excellent Nissan clients, bringing in our Nissan for regular servicing to ensure it lasts long...we've been hit by this defect.
So, the non-reward for taking care of our truck is having recently paid approx. $6k..
4.5 out of 5 stars
LE Crew Cab Rocks!
D, 12/16/2005
2006 Nissan Frontier LE 4dr Crew Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Traded My 01 Tacoma. Had a great experience so I decided to buy another one. After testing driving both vehicles I found the Frontier was better equipped for my needs. The Frontier has a great ride. Stiff but very stable. I don't feel the bounciness on the highway as the Tacoma did on my test drive. The transmission shifts are quick and precise. Comfort is great. Albeit the Tacoma scored … better with their back seat. Price was the biggest deciding factor. The SR5 Tacoma costs almost $1500 more than my LE Crew Cab. The LE has far more options. I think the Frontier is a great bargain for what you get.
1.63 out of 5 stars
Avoid NISSAN!
cghoffpauir, 10/25/2012
2006 Nissan Frontier Nismo 4dr Crew Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
In May of 2012 the radiator failed on this truck and we had it replaced at the cost of $1000.00. My son drove this truck for three months after the radiator repair and then the transmission failed.
We had it towed to the dealership and were told that the repair cost was going to be $7,300.00.
We did some research and called about six or seven transmission shops in town and found one that … could do the repairs for $4,500.00.
So we had the truck towed to a new shop. The shop owner is very familiar with the defect and knows exactly what to do to repair it.
3.13 out of 5 stars
Great truck, BUT...
emg8160, 08/05/2014
2006 Nissan Frontier SE 4dr Crew Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I bought my '06 Frontier from an individual via Craigslist with 108k miles. I loved it for the 2 months I could drive it. Then, the tranny went out. Come to find out, this is common and Nissan never issued a recall. I found someone local who would install a re-manufactured tranny and new radiator (included all labor and fluids) for $4,000. I have been waiting for over 2 months to get my … truck back because their "parts people" from Chicago had originally gotten the wrong parts number for the tranny and are now waiting for a solenoid so they can complete the rebuild... I am now in the position that (if I ever get the truck back) I have more in it than it's worth so I HAVE to drive it now...
2006 Frontier Highlights
King Cab
XE
Base MSRP | $15,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $187/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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