Review of 2005 Frontier K/C LE

[reverendbiker]

I just took delivery of a 2005 King Cab LE 4x2, having traded in my Ranger Edge. I would have liked to have the Crew Cab seating, but I use the truck on my ranch and really need at least a 6' bed. I bought the Nissan for 2 reasons-- 1) I wanted side-curtain airbags, and 2) I own a 2002 Pathfinder and am in love with the VQ engine.

Power: Are you kidding? After flogging that Ranger 3.0, I feel like I'm driving a AA fuel dragster! I don't tow anything other than a motorcycle trailer with this truck, but for my driving style it has more than adequate torque and a very smooth power delivery. A+

Driveability: I'm a little disappointed in the low-speed steering effort--it's really heavy. At speed the steering effort is just fine, but in parking lots and on pasture roads it takes a little muscle to maneuver. Highway driving is great in the SE--if I don't watch my speed I'll look down and see that I'm cruising at 80-90. Smooth as silk. B+

Utility--I use this truck for hauling stuff around the ranch, and the Utili-track system is great. I like the spray-in bed liner and rail caps. Storage room inside the King Cab is just adequate, but I really like all the storage compartments and cup holders. A

Accessories: I'm not an audiophile, so the stock radio/single CD works for me, and I like the fact that it is placed high on the dash and is easy to see and operate. A/C and heater controls are simple and easy to use, as are the cruise control buttons. Windshield wiper controls took a bit of getting used to. A-

Service: I do all of my own maintenance, so I crawled under the truck to check out accessibility. I was pleased to see the undercab design--everything was tucked up into the frame rails, leaving no parts hanging down. That clearance is important when you're driving in pastures. The oil drain plug is easy to reach, but the filter is a little tougher--you have to remove a small cover plate to access it. It is located right on the front of the engine, though, and is easy to reach from below. Under the hood, all of the service items (fluids, battery, etc) are very accessible. I'm not wild about the dipstick placement, as it is low and hard to see. B-

Mileage: On the first couple of tanks I'm getting about the same as I did in my Pathfinder, which is very close to the 15/20 EPA estimate. I am using 87 octane now and am experiencing no problems. B+

Quality: Initial impressions have been very good, and I have found zero defects. I hope that it is as reliable as my Pathfinder, which is three years old and has NEVER been back to the dealership. A+

I have added a Frontier page to my web site and have included pics of the truck and any mods that I make. Check it out here:
http://www.reverendbiker.com/frontier/frontier.htm

[blackknight03]

man that is a sharp looking truck... I'm glad you are so pleased with it! Let me shed some light on a few things. I understand your feelings on the wiper controls and the steering because I went from a 2001 Silverado to my frontier. but after living with my frontier for quite a while I'll never own a truck with a column shifter or limp and loose steering ever again. The layout of blinker on one side and the wipers on another is genius and when you have a console with bucket seats the shifter should be in the console... no reason for it to be on the column. As far as the steering goes I prefer it so much more now that I'm used to it. It is just so much more direct and precise even though it takes a little more effort at low speeds. I have a friend with an 02 Ranger Edge and the difference between my truck and his is like night and day. Once you go with a foreign truck you'll never go back.

And let me say you've got a pretty good set-up... not only do you serve the Lord but it seems He has blessed you with some nice toys to take care of!!! if you want a more active forum you can join us at nissanforums.com in the Truck/SUV section. Lot's of frontier and pathfinder owners there!

later,

[reverendbiker]

Originally Posted by blackknight03

man that is a sharp looking truck... I'm glad you are so pleased with it! Once you go with a foreign truck you'll never go back.

And let me say you've got a pretty good set-up... not only do you serve the Lord but it seems He has blessed you with some nice toys to take care of!!! if you want a more active forum you can join us at nissanforums.com in the Truck/SUV section. Lot's of frontier and pathfinder owners there!

later,

Thanks for your response, and thanks for the kind comments about my truck. I have owned a 2002 Pathfinder since it was new, so I couldn't wait to jump on the Frontier when Nissan finally dropped the VQ engine in it. Maybe I should explain the toys on my web site--I retired from a career in the corporate world when I felt called into the ministry. I completed seminary studies and now serve as a minister in a town in Central Texas. It was quite an adjustment--believe me, I didn't buy that Viper on my current salary! Thanx for the heads up on the nissanforums.com board--see ya there. God bless,

[joeb2112]

very cool truck indeed!!

2 weeks ago - I took delivery of a 2k5 Nismo CC - gotta love it - went from a bimmer 5 series to my current ride, and don't regret the decision one bit!!

Great website by the way - looking forward to your progress and mods..

[reverendbiker]

Originally Posted by joeb2112

very cool truck indeed!!

2 weeks ago - I took delivery of a 2k5 Nismo CC - gotta love it - went from a bimmer 5 series to my current ride, and don't regret the decision one bit!!

Great website by the way - looking forward to your progress and mods..

I've scheduled some dyno time for next week to test the truck with a tank of 93 octane. Will it increase horsepower? Hoe will it affect fuel economy? Stay tuned for the results...

[zeamays1]

Thanks for that great in-depth review. I have been going back and forth trying to decide between the '05 Frontier and Tacoma. I have an '01 Frontier and love the ride and handling, but it has had a lot of defects. Almost all have been minor, but a pain nonetheless.

Love your website, I have added that to my favorites

[reverendbiker]

Originally Posted by zeamays1

Thanks for that great in-depth review. I have been going back and forth trying to decide between the '05 Frontier and Tacoma. I have an '01 Frontier and love the ride and handling, but it has had a lot of defects. Almost all have been minor, but a pain nonetheless.

Love your website, I have added that to my favorites

Sounds like you are considering the same two trucks that I (and many others) did. Though I chose the Frontier I sure can't throw any rocks at the Taco--it looks like a fine truck, and it's hard to beat Toyota's record for reliability. I settled on the Frontier or a couple of reasons--availability of side air bags, and ability to operate on 87-octane gas. I'm happy with my choice, as my truck has been trouble-free, gets 18 mpg combined/21.8 highway, and will run off and leave my buddies in their F-150's.