Nissan Frontier reviews

1999 Nissan Frontier Walkaround

The Frontier was completely redesigned last year and was introduced with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. For 1999, this engine powers all two-wheel-drive Frontiers and XE 4x4 models. The 2.4-liter, double overhead-cam engine is rated at 143 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 154 foot-pounds of torque at 4000 rpm. More than 80 percent of all compact truck buyers opt for two-wheel-drive models, according to Nissan.

A V6 has been added to the lineup this year, but it is only available on 4x4 King Cabs. The 3.3-liter V6 provides more power to pull trailers, haul cargo or negotiate steep off-road hazards. The 3.3-liter V6 is rated at 170 horsepower.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, a four-speed automatic is optional. The automatic has been refined to reduce harsh shifting and gear hunting on steep grades. The towing capacity of the four-cylinder is 3,500 pounds with the manual transmission, 2,000 pounds with the automatic. Towing capacity with the V6 goes up to 5000 lbs. with the automatic.

The Frontier looks rugged with flowing body lines designed to impart a feeling of substance, strength and originality. The front is designed to look thick and brawny, while the tail lights and rear bumper are designed to look aggressive. Fender flares are standard on all SE and 4x4 models.

Several models of the Frontier are available, ranging from the basic Regular Cab XE up to the King Cab SE-V6 4X4. In between are a lot of choices. Our truck was an XE regular cab model -- the bottom of the line. If trucks were like houses, then we got the best deal in the neighborhood.

The XE comes standard with ABS, 15-inch wheels with P215/65R15 tires, power steering, a black grille and bumpers, dual outside mirrors, and full carpeting. Optional packages (see below) make it the XE a far more comfortable truck for everyday driving, but can add nearly $2,000 to the bottom line.

The Frontier's bed is the largest and deepest in its class. Cargo volume is 45.7 cubic feet for regular cabs, 44.1 cubic feet for King Cabs. Beds feature double wall construction and inner tie-down hooks are standard. Grooves cut into the walls of the pickup bed are designed to support pieces of plywood that can be arranged to form partitions to keep cargo from shifting around. If desired, a sheet of plywood can be laid horizontally to cover the compartments.

The front suspension is a double wishbone design with torsion bars and a stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a traditional live axle with leaf springs. This suspension design works well, providing carlike handling and ride. Braking is also good with disc brakes in front, drums at the rear, and a rear-wheel anti-lock braking system.