2005 Nissan Frontier NISMO 4x4 review from North America

Roof rack rattle.

Great truck overall. Plenty of truck-based features. Not the best off-road vehicle, but definately not the worst. Then again, what's better than a Wrangler?

4x4 system with rear e-locker and traction control, hill ascent and hill descent, all make this a great off-road vehicle for anyone, mainly newcomers or those who like to stay on the safe side.

Towing isn't bad at all, all things considered (remember people, this isn't a fullsize V8, it's a 4.0L!). Max towing is rated at 6,100 lbs (with CC 4x4 Nismo), pretty sure it could handle it. Acceleration limited while towing, but stability and control not affected with a lighter load - I haven't towed anything too heavy.

Now the fun part... This thing handles better than most of the cars I test-drove and owned, no joking or over-exaggeration! center of gravity is low enough to keep the wheels exactly where you want them.

0-60 and 1/4-mile might not be excellent, but the fun factor is definately top-notch. A.

Mple low-end to zoom off, and almost too much passing power anywhere between 50 and 70 mph.

And of course, race a 4,600lb 4x4 Frontier against a 3,800lb 5.7L 1500, make sure to waive when you pass it by!

Utili-track system worth it's weight in gold. Spray-in bedliner excellent. This truck can take a lot of abuse and show no signs of wear.

As for safety, I haven't been in any wrecks, but the amount avoided is amazing. The VDC system works amazingly well in wet/hazardous weather, or when the road turns to a dirt path while you're going 70 without warning... O_O.

By the way, the mileage is mainly city - about 18,000 in one year. Engine and transmission show no signs of wear (save a few mud splatters). Gas mileage is about 16.6 city, 19-23 highway.

P.S. This is not a minivan on crack! it's a pickup, and comes with all of the pros and cons. If you want to be pampered while still looking like you're not a soccer-mom/dad, go to your local honda dealership.