Introduction
DETROIT, Mich. - Compact trucks don't get any respect. Updates to existing models happen infrequently, and they commonly soldier on for a decade or longer before enjoying a complete redesign. When they do get updated, the formula is straightforward: six-foot bed, regular and extended cab, two- or four-wheel-drive, four-cylinder or V6 engine. This year and next, however, major players in the segment are giving their trucks a thorough going over, except for Ford which currently fields the best selling of the bunch (but not for long, we'd wager). Chevrolet and GMC both have new compacts out for 2004, and in 2005 we'll be seeing the redesigned Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma. Mitsubishi will offer a version of the new Dakota, but Mazda is forced to continue with its aged Ranger-based B-Series Truck.
The all-new 2005 Nissan Frontier is also scheduled to arrive next year, and it's a good bet that the company will increase its market share with this impressive entry.
Nissan has decided to ditch the regular cab model in favor of volume production of King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Only the basic two-wheel-drive King Cab will be equipped with a four-cylinder engine. All other models will benefit from the installation of a 4.0-liter V6 under the hood that makes more than 250 horsepower and more than 270 lb.-ft. of torque (final power ratings will be available closer to the introduction of the 2005 Nissan Frontier). A six-speed manual transmission is standard on 2005 Nissan Frontier models equipped with the V6 engine, with a five-speed automatic listed as an option.
All-Mode 4WD
Thanks to this prodigious power and the Nissan Frontier's all-steel, fully-boxed, Titan-derived frame, the towing rating is expected to exceed 5,500 pounds. High-performance gas shocks will be available with an optional Off-Road package, and four-wheel-drive models will be equipped with Nissan's All-Mode 4WD system which includes operation in 2WD, automatic 4WD, 4WD High and 4WD Low modes. An electronic rear differential lock helps the 2005 Nissan Frontier 4WD gain traction on loose surfaces.Both the King Cab and the Crew Cab measure 205.5 inches stem to stern, with larger interiors and, finally, rear side access panels for the King Cab. Options include a roof rack similar to the one available on the Nissan Xterra, as well as a spray-in bedliner and a Utili-track system of adjustable aluminum bed tie-down cleats.
The 2005 Nissan Frontier shares its bodywork forward of the B-pillar with the redesigned 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. The look is rugged and purposeful, with a large angled strut grille design and big front overfenders providing the appropriate amount of tough truck styling. Aft of the front doors, the new Frontier resembles the existing truck, with refinements evident in the side quarter windows and rear taillamps. Nissan's signature plastic tailgate insert unfortunately carries over to the redesigned 2005 Frontier.
Inside, the basic dashboard design is simple and functional in terms of layout and design, with a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, large rotary knobs for climate control and a simple stereo design that all appears to be functional while wearing work gloves. A handy dash-top tray is included, and the center console cupholders are large.
The 2005 Nissan Frontier will be competing with fresh and redesigned entries from every existing compact truck maker (except Ford and Mazda) when it goes on sale in the fall of 2004. Based on what we know now, it's got the goods to find popularity with small truck buyers.
Photos courtesy of Nissan North America
