1998 to 2004 Nissan Frontier
The Draw: Here’s an older-generation small truck, but one of the market’s favourites. This Nissan Frontier era is much-loved, should prove very reliable, and should be available on the cheap. Nissan’s ‘98 to ‘04 Frontier was a true compact truck that offered plenty of selection and capability, and words like “excellent,” “dependable” and “bulletproof” come up frequently in owner reviews online.
Notably, this generation Frontier offered a supercharged 3.3L V6 available teamed with four-wheel drive and a manual transmission, which is sweet. Otherwise, check out a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 143 horsepower or a non-supercharged 3.3L V6 with 170 ponies. Crew Cab, Double Cab and King Cab variants were available to suit a variety of needs.
Frontier owners are big-time into the styling of these machines, as well as their real-world workability. Many owners report satisfaction with overall comfort and off-road capability, too.
The Checks: This is an “older” generation of truck meaning it’s a good candidate for a full check for rust on the body and frame. Don’t be shy; get down low and look at the rocker panels, frame rails, and body panel edges for signs of corrosion. Pay close attention to the inside, lower portion of the doors, too. Pull back the weather strips on the doors and check for rust underneath them, as well.
Ensure you can switch into and out of the Frontier’s various four-wheel drive modes as outlined in the owner’s manual. Further, note that supercharged models require premium fuel, and poor performance accompanied by a “rattling” sensation from the supercharger is likely the result of a limited-performance engine management calibration engaged temporarily in response to cheaping out on low-octane gas.
Have a mechanic look for any oily fluid leaking from the bottom of the engine, the differential and the transfer case, if so equipped. Also, look for signs of oil splatter visible from the inside of the rear wheels. This could indicate leaky axle seals, which may adversely affect the vehicle’s ability to stop.
The Draw: Here’s an older-generation small truck, but one of the market’s favourites. This Nissan Frontier era is much-loved, should prove very reliable, and should be available on the cheap. Nissan’s ‘98 to ‘04 Frontier was a true compact truck that offered plenty of selection and capability, and words like “excellent,” “dependable” and “bulletproof” come up frequently in owner reviews online.
Notably, this generation Frontier offered a supercharged 3.3L V6 available teamed with four-wheel drive and a manual transmission, which is sweet. Otherwise, check out a 2.4L 4-cylinder with 143 horsepower or a non-supercharged 3.3L V6 with 170 ponies. Crew Cab, Double Cab and King Cab variants were available to suit a variety of needs.
Frontier owners are big-time into the styling of these machines, as well as their real-world workability. Many owners report satisfaction with overall comfort and off-road capability, too.
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| 2001 Nissan Frontier (Photo: Nissan) |
The Checks: This is an “older” generation of truck meaning it’s a good candidate for a full check for rust on the body and frame. Don’t be shy; get down low and look at the rocker panels, frame rails, and body panel edges for signs of corrosion. Pay close attention to the inside, lower portion of the doors, too. Pull back the weather strips on the doors and check for rust underneath them, as well.
Ensure you can switch into and out of the Frontier’s various four-wheel drive modes as outlined in the owner’s manual. Further, note that supercharged models require premium fuel, and poor performance accompanied by a “rattling” sensation from the supercharger is likely the result of a limited-performance engine management calibration engaged temporarily in response to cheaping out on low-octane gas.
Have a mechanic look for any oily fluid leaking from the bottom of the engine, the differential and the transfer case, if so equipped. Also, look for signs of oil splatter visible from the inside of the rear wheels. This could indicate leaky axle seals, which may adversely affect the vehicle’s ability to stop.
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| 2004 Nissan Frontier (Photo: Nissan) |