1998 Nissan Frontier XE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Small problems, but very reliable

Faults:

Air bag light.

Speedometer quit working at 130,000 miles.

Clutch went at 110,000 miles.

Lock in hubs on left side broke because they're made of plastic.

General Comments:

This truck is very reliable and can stand up to rough treatment, but the speedometers are bad, been looking for used ones, but they're bad also.

The lock in hubs are plastic, and if used a lot, will break and you have to replace the entire hub.

Air bag light came on at 80,000, and had the computer reset, but came back on.

I had 2 Ford trucks; one F150 and one Ford Ranger. The ranger blew up at 90,000 and the F150 had tons of problems.

Overall I would rate the 1998 Nissan Frontier probably 2 or 3 times more reliable than the Fords.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2009

1998 Nissan Frontier XE from North America

Summary:

Had for 11 yrs now. VERY reliable with regular maintenance. Started up every time in freezing temps

Faults:

I've never had any problems. Truck has regular maintenance.

General Comments:

Roomy cabin, great turning radius, can feel a little sluggish sometimes when trying to pick up speed uphill.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th December, 2008

1998 Nissan Frontier XE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

This little truck is like an energizer bunny; keeps going and going..

Faults:

Headlights went out at 64,000 miles.

Inside dashboard lights went out at 58,000.

Brake pads replaced at 60,000 miles.

General Comments:

The top cover came off at 40,000 (roof top cover). I went to the flea market to replace it and they gave me a better quality roof top cover. Kept sagging, I guess the heat wore it down (insulation cover), I don't have that problem anymore.

I will replace the carpet next. It is dirty but has nothing to do with manufacture. It is my fault. I spill drinks and eat in the truck. Seats are good. I shampoo wash them often.

Very reliable and starts quickly when it comes to cold weather. Has never left me on the streets. In fact, lots of people and friends ask me if I would sell them my truck.

I need a reliable car because I'm currently attending college right now, and I don't need a car that keeps breaking up on me. My previous cars have done that. Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford Tempo, and even my 84 Toyota Corolla, which lasted a long time and that was during my military years. Drove that son of gun out of town whenever I had a chance. It finally left me in between New Orleans and Houston.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th March, 2008

1998 Nissan Frontier XE KA24DE 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

The most durable thing I have ever owned!

Faults:

3 batteries.

Broken torsion bar at 150,000.

First alternator at 180,000.

Starter at 260,000.

Transmission at 245,000.

Original clutch at 205,000 miles.

A/C compressor clutch and cycling switch at 125,000.

Water pump at 190,000.

Steering wheel and driver's seat replaced at 250,000 due to wear, and door strikers and window seals done at that time as well.

White paint peeled severely and was repainted by owner after 8 years.

Both crank seals and valve cover gasket have been replaced in the last 50k miles; now has no leaks.

Cracked exhaust manifold at 260,000.

Currently needs upper control arms.

General Comments:

The most amazing ownership experience I could ever hope for. Built like a tank, it takes severe abuse like no vehicle I have ever owned. The majority of the miles were delivering pizza, and very few are highway.

It has 160psi of compression in all 4 cylinders after more than 1/4 million miles (spec is 150-178psi), uses 1/4 quart of oil between changes, despite getting close to 300k miles.

Like most 90's Nissan's, if you take reasonably good care of it, it will last almost indefinitely.

It is not a good handling truck, but if that is what you are looking for, buy a sports car.

It is pretty good on gas (22-24mpg city), has very comfortable seats and doesn't break down all that often. I would highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for solid transportation - but go find your own. This one is mine and I am never getting rid of it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th August, 2007

27th Sep 2008, 01:55

I am the original poster of this review, and figured I would add an update. I just passed 300,000 miles in September of 2008, and it continues to be a very good little truck. It currently has a power steering leak due to a worn box (needs fluid every 3 weeks), and is in need of another compressor clutch for the A/C because it is slipping. This is a common issue on these trucks, but not by any means something that will disable the vehicle. In the last year it has spent most of it's time delivering pizza again and covers around 2700-3000 miles a month. I had one minor break down due to an aftermarket oil pressure gage tee that I had installed which broke off in the block. I fixed it in a few hours and was back on the road the next day. The crank seals leak a bit once again, and it now goes through a quart every 3,000 miles. All in all, not anything to complain about considering just how good it has been. After all, even the best high mileage vehicle will have a few faults now and then.