Faults:

Bad Fuel Pump, Paint Bad, various plastic and lights broken.

General Comments:

I would definitely think twice before buying a Nissan Frontier as this truck can barely pull itself anywhere, let alone pull or tow anything. Plastic is terrible, seats suck and Manual Transmission is absolutely horrible this thing is so hard to shift gears and let me tell you don't try to race anyone because of tranny it sucks. Overall engine needs to be turbocharged, otherwise is a big waste of time and money and self Respect. Nissan should be able to make better vehicles than this being a HugeCompany, this truck is built like it came out in the 60's. Definetly wouldn't EVER Never EVER buy again, this truck has pissed me off many times. Very SL0W and no Miles Per Gallon!!!

Faults:

Not the best gas mileage and some slight paint blemishes.

Tailgate handle is coming loose.

General Comments:

Recently purchased the truck as tow vehicle for another car as well as general work truck. The truck towed a 4,800 lb load (2,000 lb trailer with a 2600 lb 240sx on it with some junk inside) 500 miles from San Francisco to San Diego without a hiccup! Even going up steep (9% inclines) the engine would just keep on working, not fast, but it was sufficient to get it where it needed to go. Never overheated, and was exceptionally stable on the freeway even under hard braking, with only a slight wiggle over bad pavement.

Without a heavy load, the truck drives well, with very good visibility, stopping and handling. Personally I find the seats very comfortable especially for long drives, however the controls are mounted far from the driver. Although gas mileage isn't great, but I found odd that even towing a large load, I still got around 17 mpg, which is about the same as unladen..

I also wish there was an intermittent wiper option.

So far an excellent and handy truck, well worth the money, but for future heavy towing, I plan on installing a Limited Slip Differential as well as a transmission cooler.

Faults:

After just 2000 miles of ownership (14k on truck) I was having difficulty shifting the 5 speed into 1st gear. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem. It became more and more persistent and escalated to other gears. Finally after 9 months, 12,000 more miles, and 5 visits, the dealer agreed to pull the transmission and found a piece of rubber binding in the clutch. The entire clutch assembly was replaced. After several more months the clutch was squealing on launch and was again replaced, after complaining to Nissan Consumer Affairs. So far it's still okay.

Universal joint was replaced under warranty.

Fender flare seal replaced twice and tailgate finisher replaced 3 times due vinyl delaminating from metal. Covered twice under warranty and once through Nissan Consumer Affairs.

At 40,500 miles the Malfunction Indicator Light has illuminated. The dealer replaced the evap canister vent valve for $200, but the next day the light came back. Now they say the fuel tank is rusted through causing the loss of fuel pressure! Note that just 100 miles before this the tank was removed to replace the fuel pump sending unit under recall. Also note this is a 2WD truck that has not been run hard or off road, and I keep it very clean year round. They tell me a new tank runs $580! I can't find an aftermarket tank for anything later than a 95 model. The parts stores say they've never heard of replacing a tank that new. It's currently under review with Nissan Consumer Affairs.

General Comments:

The truck looks great with its high "4WD" stance, even though it's only 2WD. Good "tough" looks all around.

The interior is very comfortable, although the base model lacks cruise control and other features found standard on many other vehicles in this class.

The engine revs high and is very smooth. High marks here!

Gas mileage averages about 19. Pretty poor for a 2WD, V6 with a 5 speed. I have friends with full size V8 4WD trucks that get 17.

The "reliability" of this truck is okay, as it has never left me stranded. However the "durability" is poor. Now that the warranty has expired it will cost me a fortune to keep it going! Of the 20 vehicles I have owned this has been the MOST disappointing. Way to go, Nissan! Or is it my service dealer??? I can't tell which is worse!