1998 Nissan Frontier XE 2.4 KA24DE

Summary:

A truck. Nothing more, nothing less

Faults:

Cracked exhaust manifold at 80k from fording an icy river with a red hot engine.

A/C pulley at 100k - probably for the same reason since it's on the bottom.

Driver's seatbelt wore out - replaced by Nissan for free outside of warranty.

Paint clear coat is flaking on hood for some reason, rest of the body and paint is perfect.

General Comments:

I bought this truck to use as a daily driver and four wheel in the Colorado Rockies. It has never let me down in either capacity. I have a 6" Calmini lift and 33" tires. I love that everything is manual. Manual transmission, manual transfer case, manual locking hubs, manual windows, manual locks. These components are so simple, they would be trivial to fix if they ever failed. It has some creature comforts too - nice radio, great two way speakers, ice cold A/C, fog lights, cruise, intermittent wipers.

I'm happy about the old-school approach to this vehicle. It's a truck and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. If you want a cushy ride with power everything, buy a late model American truck and deal with all the repairs. If you want a truck, get one of these. Especially the 2.4. Yes it's a little underpowered, but it's rock solid and ridiculously easy to work on. The engineering is top notch. I've never needed to consult a manual when working on it. Everything is very obviously well constructed and comes apart with a metric 10, 12, or 14.

I've given it Valvoline red its entire life and it neither burns, nor leaks oil. It has never overheated, even hauling a full bed with the A/C on uphill. Gas mileage is 25 MPG on the highway. All fluids are still crystal clear and it's quiet.

At times, I wish it had softer more comfortable suspension - it was rough even before the lift. However, when the sky dumps 4' of snow on us or the s**t hits the fan, we're glad we have the Nissan.

This truck just doesn't quit. I hope the newer ones are built to this same quality level, but I kinda doubt it. Being a 1st gen, it's essentially a hard body with a facelift. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a reliable truck that reminds you of the American trucks you grew up with, look no further - this is what you want. I loved my Chevy, but I would never trade it for my Fronty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2016

1998 Nissan Frontier 2.4 liter

Summary:

It is a solid, dependable, reliable truck. Easy to work on

Faults:

I have had the truck only for one year, but so far there have been no problems. I had to do a brake job, but I don't see that as a problem, rather normal maintenance.

I do wish it had a bigger fuel tank.

General Comments:

I love this little truck. It belongs to my son. I have a 2005 Ford F-150, but my son and I have been swapping trucks, as he has been wanting to drive the bigger F-150.

I love the fuel economy and the reliability. It has decent power for a 4-cylinder, and I am able to use the truck to pull a trailer loaded with mowing equipment.

I'm curious to see how the truck does in snow and ice this winter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th September, 2011

1998 Nissan Frontier LX 4 cylinder

Summary:

Comfortable truck, great engine

Faults:

Problems:

The big ones are synchro on 2nd gear is worn out.

Rode the clutch too much because of that, and now the clutch is worn out.

Other than those, there was the myriad of small fixes that are standard (belts, brakes, etc).

General Comments:

Comfortable truck, great engine.

Loses power on the uphills... but what can you expect for a 4 cyl loaded down.

Problems just started now, and they are partially from neglect (sorry truck!!).

Drove the truck across Canada a few times, all seasons, handled great, was dependable to start even at -30 C. 4x4 kept me from getting stuck and kept me on the road in all conditions (lived in a mountain town for a while... we got large amounts of snow, and when other vehicles were off the road, this one was still out there).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2011