2007 Nissan Frontier Review
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By Larry Edsall

Overview

It's difficult to imagine a mid-size pickup that's more like a full-size pickup than the Nissan Frontier. The Frontier shares much of its architecture with the full-size Nissan Titan. A powerful 4.0-liter V6 comes on all but the base model. Rated at 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, Frontier's V6 tops any straight-5 or V6 the competition has to offer, and rivals the output of the Dodge Dakota's optional V8. Pair this with its strong chassis, and the Frontier offers up to 6500 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload of over 1500 pounds. Yet it's still maneuverable and easy to park.

New for '07 is a Crew Cab Long Bed, carrying the same 73.3-inch bed as the King Cab. (The standard Crew Cab bed measures just short of five feet, at 59.5 inches.) King Cabs come with two forward-facing rear seats; Crew Cabs feature a roomy passenger compartment with amenities much like those you'd expect in a sport-utility vehicle. Frontier is available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and in King Cab or Crew Cab configurations.

Additional changes for '07 include a passenger-side seat-belt reminder light and new MP3 input jack for the optional six-CD changer. V6 models now run cleaner than before, advancing from Low Emissions (LEV2 LEV) to Ultra Low Emissions (LEV 2 ULEV) status. Option packages have been revised, and new packages debut.

The Nismo version (Nissan Motorsports) features special off-road shock absorbers and tires, underbody component-protecting skid plates and an optional active traction system with technologies such as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.

Model Lineup

The 2007 Nissan Frontier comes in four trim levels: base XE, well-equipped SE, more luxurious LE, and the Nismo off-road model. SE, LE, and Nismo are available in King Cab (an extended cab with auxiliary rear doors) or Crew Cab (four full-size doors) configurations, with rear-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and are powered by a V6 engine. XE choices are more limited.

Frontier XE ($16,050) comes only as a King Cab 2WD with a 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It does offer the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic ($1,050). XE has manual-crank windows and 15-inch wheels. A Preferred Package ($1,550) adds air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio, tilt steering column, sliding rear window and privacy glass. Buyers may also opt for a Power Package ($950) that combines cruise control with power windows, locks (with keyless entry) and mirrors. Cruise control is also available as a stand-alone option ($300). New for '07 is an Appearance Package ($550) that adds chrome bumpers and 16-inch wheels.

Step up to Frontier SE, and you can choose from six configurations: 2WD King Cab ($18,950), 4WD King Cab ($21,650), 2WD Crew Cab ($20,800), 4WD Crew Cab ($23,500), 2WD Crew Cab Long Bed ($21,600), and 4WD Crew Cab Long Bed ($24,300). Standard equipment includes air conditioning, chrome front bumper and grille, sliding rear window, AM/FM/CD audio, tilt steering wheel, and the 4.0-liter V6. A six-speed manual transmission is also standard. Options for SE King Cab include a five-speed automatic transmission ($1,050) and 16-inch alloy wheels ($400). Again there's a Power Package ($1,050) that incorporates windows, locks, mirrors and cruise control; ordered on the Crew Cab ($1,250), it includes a microfilter for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Available only on Power-Package Crew Cabs is a power sunroof ($700). New for '07 is the SE Value Truck Package ($1,000-1,350), which includes the complete Power Package, plus limited-slip rear differential, floor mats, a bed liner for Long Beds, and a bed extender and alloy wheels for short beds.

Frontier LE 2WD King Cab ($22,900), 4WD King Cab ($25,600), 2WD Crew Cab $24,600), 4WD Crew Cab ($27,250), 2WD Crew Cab Long Bed ($25,100) and 4WD Crew Cab Long Bed ($27,500) come with all the standard features of the SE, plus power mirrors, windows and locks; fog lamps; chrome exhaust tips, door handles and exterior mirrors; remote keyless entry; height- and lumbar-adjustable driver's seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel; illuminated vanity mirrors; compass and temperature readouts; trip computer; sunglasses holder in an overhead console; driver's side seatback map pocket; and a first aid kit. Automatic transmission is also standard. Satellite Radio ($350) is available in either the Sirius or XM flavor. LE Crew Cab buyers can the sunroof ($700), Rockford-Fosgate audio with six-CD/MP3 capability ($850), and/or leather upholstery ($1,700). King Cab customers can opt for a similar audio upgrade ($550) that skips the fancy brand name but includes a vehicle security system.

The Nismo model is available as a 2WD King Cab with automatic transmission ($22,600), a 4WD King Cab with manual ($24,250) or automatic ($25,300), a 2WD Crew Cab with automatic ($24,650) or a 4WD Crew Cab with automatic ($27,350). (Nismo is not available as a Crew Cab Long Bed.) All share most of their standard and optional equipment with the LE grade, but add special off-road wheels and tires, off-road Bilstein shock absorbers, skid plates, and an electronic locking limited-slip rear differential.

Optional on 4WD automatic-transmission Nismo and LE is Nissan's Advanced Off-Road Traction System ($500-700), which includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The less extensive Active Brake Limited Slip Package ($350) is available on LE and SE.

Available accessories include a hard tonneau cover ($1,060), a sliding bed divider ($270), a non-sliding bed extender ($260), a sliding bed extender ($300), a tow-hitch receiver ($410), bed rail caps and under-rail bed liner ($430), and side step rails ($300). Not all of these are available on all models, however, so check with your dealer.

Safety is improved for rear-seat passengers when you order the optional side-curtain airbags that cover both front and side windows in the event of a side impact, providing head protection. A Side Airbag Package ($550) that includes side-impact airbags for torso protection and side-curtain airbags for head protection is available on all trim levels, but only with certain other equipment.