'05 vs. '09 Nissan Frontier

[dmuramoto]

These comments are from Nissan Sport's Offroad editor Allen Cox. who recently sold his 2005 Frontier pickup. We had the opportunity to test a new '09 Frontier and compare the features. Allen (who goes by Cyclemutt on several offroad websites) modded his Frontier carefully with a lift kit, exhaust, oversize wheels and aggressive tires. But now it's gone to a new owner and here's what he thinks of the new model:

On the PLUS side: Nissan managed to rid the Frontier of a driveline 'thunk' that Allen thinks was diff or axle related. A induction growl was also tamed on the VQ40DE and the truck has plenty of power to put down. He likes the new grille, headlights and tailights that came with the mid-model restyling. On the MINUS side: Nissan incorporated the ALBS system into the package without providing a way to shut it down for hardcore offroaders who might need to spin the tires while climbing a steep rise. Moving inside the cabin, Allen thought the IP looked cheap; particularly the radio and HVAC system in the center stack.

As a former Frontier owner, Cox still likes the Frontier and can see buying another one in the future. But he'd look for an older '05 model over a more expensive 2009 Frontier if, or when, he does!

[dmuramoto]

My impressions of the Frontier are also positive. After driving one on an off-road course in Washington, I know it'll go up and down steep hills and gullys that look impossible to get across. On the streets and highways it'll usually operate on, the Frontier is a nice, solid ride. The VQ40DE will spin the tires easily when going around a corner quickly (don't ask how I know), but remains tractable enough to be a good daily driver.

The Frontier cabin is nicer than the one in my C3500 crew cab dually that tows the 24' enclosed racecar trailer! Too bad it's too small to really take on this 10K+ pound towing job. One flaw in the Frontier cabin is the rubber cupholders in the center console. These are also used in the current model Nissan Pathfinder and are designed to be removeable for cleaning purposes. Problem is, they stick to the base of the can or water bottle of waterever you're drinking. I carried one halfway to the office, before it popped off and I realized what it was!

[dmuramoto]

Well, it's time to update this thread with some comments on the new 2010 Frontier. Driving a Pro-4X model out of the Denver press fleet, I continue to be impressed with the solid build quality of these trucks. They are, if anything, MORE solid and rattle-free than the last one I drove. And I have to say, it beats the hell out of my Chevy C3500 for comfort. Too bad that 4.0 liter VQ isn't in a one-ton chassis, it feels plenty stout at 261 HP/281 TQ at low RPM.

[audtatious]

I liked the 2k2 SE model I drove on occasion, far more than the 2k1 Xterra SE. I need to test drive a new model myself and do a comparison.