2004 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner XE-V6 review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Haven't had anything go wrong this truck. I've had it almost four years.
General comments?
I don't have any problems driving this truck. I enjoy driving it. The automatic is nice, it's my first automatic vehicle. It's peppy enough for me, maybe not for others--but then it's a truck--not a race car.
When you turn the headlights on, the numbers on the speedometer gauge light up. This is fine when it's dark, but at twilight the numbers are very hard to read because the background shows up gray at twilight.
It would be nice if the seats were more comfortable, but they're okay.
I like how the Desert Runner has the heavy-duty chassis and ride height of the Frontier 4X4. I can take it places off road, because of the high clearance, but when the road requires four wheel drive I have to turn around. Still, I've had a lot of fun with it. Would like my next vehicle to be a 4WD.
A lot of night drivers think the low beam headlights are on high beam and I get hi-beamed a lot. The same thing happens to a 2004 Xterra driver I know. Maybe the height?
Gas mileage isn't great. I average 21 mpg on the highway, but that's real careful driving, some of it below the speed limit when I can, safely.
It really is a sharp looking truck! Mine is solar yellow. Front bumper is yellow too. I'm disappointed that newer Frontiers don't come in this color any more.
Need to be careful of that enormous, plastic bumper on front. I did some minor damage to mine a few days after I got it and bought a bumper guard (not a grille guard) to protect it. What happened to chrome? More expensive I guess. It would sure be nicer to clean all those bugs off a chrome bumper than a plastic one painted a light color that shows every bug.
The locking tailgate is nice. I have a tonneau cover on my Frontier and I do lock the tailgate when I need to.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.3L V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 19 miles |
| Most recent distance | 44000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan Frontier |
| Date of Entry | 22nd July, 2007 |

