2005 Nissan Frontier Preview

Larger and More Powerful

My Dad used to own a Nissan pickup, or rather a Datsun. We took it everywhere, from commuting around town to hauling supplies up to our cabin in the

The Frontier is one of the last vehicles in Nissan's lineup to receive a major update, but from the looks of it, it's been worth the wait. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

interior, an eight hour drive from home. Every now and then we'd take off to explore some remote fishing spot that often would be so far off the beaten track 4x4s dared to venture. While it wasn't a powerhouse, it got us where we wanted to go without ever letting us down.

This story, I'm sure is similar to thousands of others that could be repeated by Nissan pickup truck owners over the last few decades. The truck has become almost legendary, willing to put up with constant abuse without complaint.

A variety of generations later, time once again forces the need for change. After all, the Frontier is among the

New from the ground up, the 3rd generation Frontier shares a modified version of the same ladder frame used on the Nissan Titan truck. (Photo: Nissan Canada)

last of only a few models in the Nissan lineup to receive a major update. As it seems the wait has been worth it. Not only is the new truck completely redesigned with styling reminiscent of Nissan's new full-size Titan pickup, but it's larger and more powerful than the one it replaces.

Nissan's third-generation Frontier is new from the ground up, sharing a modified version of the Titan's fully-boxed ladder frame. Also as part of its Titan derived "F-Alpha" platform, it includes an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and an extended suspension stroke to improve its off-road ride quality. The new Frontier also features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS.