2005 Nissan Frontier Consumer Reviews

Be very careful!

Written by: Bad Truck on 09/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This truck is a huge headache. I've had an enormous amount of trouble with it. Most of my problems were cosmetic related including a roof leak that Nissan can't seem to fix. Had the seal replaced three times and the windshield replaced once and it still leaks. Along with that the brake master cyl went out at 500 miles, bumper has been replaced twice, belt tensioner has been replaced three times, Window control module needs to be replaced, the timing belt system had to be replaced due to a technical service bulletin (only covered if the vehicle is under warranty). Do yourself a favor and buy a Toyota or Honda. I made the mistake of buying a Nissan because it was less money, bad move!

Favorite Features

The best thing about this whole truck is the power, stereo system, bed tie- down system and all the nooks and crannies for storage.

Suggested Improvements

This truck needs better quality materials from the outside in. Everything from the plastics to the rubber are cheap.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Happy Nissan Owner

Written by: Miasbuddy on 08/12/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 3rd Nissan and I'll never again buy anything other brand. My truck is sturdy and safe. Handles very well in all types of road & weather conditions. Has plenty of power and I can hold my own on the Interstate with the 18 wheelers. Driver's seat is very comfortable for my bad back. I've had no expenses outside of routine maintenance with any of the 3 Nissans. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Frontier to anyone looking for a reliable pick up truck.

Favorite Features

Handling on icy roads is excellent. Comfortable seats. Reliability.

Suggested Improvements

I can't ask for any more.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not too bad

Written by: bosoxer on 06/29/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This was my first Nissan and although I've had some problems with it, I still really enjoy it. For some reason, my drive train was "falling off," so that was fixed. Had problems with my heating system, which still was completely fixed, and a few little things like an emissions sensor, and windows power unit. I'm a bit nervous about how much has gone wrong in 3 years, as my truck only has 35,000 miles on it, and I do not ride it off- road. The power is tremendous in this truck. It really gets up and moves. The turning radius is horrible. The ride is smooth however. Keeping my fingers crossed on future repairs as my warranty ended this month. Would still recommend this truck.

Favorite Features

Power. Interior. Bed track system.

Suggested Improvements

Longer lasting parts. Better turning radius.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not sure

Written by: spiff on 05/23/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

A good solid truck with a lot of promise. I have owned it for 3 years now with nothing major wrong with it. Just a lot of little things. Things like gas cap door spring falling off, door handle cover falling off, ac ducts came loose, rear bumper lights becoming loose, rattling in the exhaust. I have to say it hauls a load well and the bed track system is great.

Favorite Features

The bed track system, power, ride.

Suggested Improvements

Could be put together a little better. More chip resistant paint.

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Sportscar with truck bed

Written by: JimInFLA on 04/01/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab LE Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I purchased my '05 Frontier 2wd used w/ about 10k miles. Traded in an '02 Chevy Avalanche. It was great but the gas was killin' me and we don't need the 4wd in FL. My Fronty has plenty o' power... it's like a sportscar w/a truck bed, I swear! I love the bed's adjustable tiedown system. Not crazy about the roofrack but it does have a sunroof that is nice, although I mostly run the A/C. I'm a lead foot and I can get about 17-19 mpg doing about 75-85 mph on the highway. It's squirrely in the rain b/c it's sort of light in the backend like my old '98 2dr Tahoe. The front seats are uncomfortable on long road trips. They also need to redo the center console so you have an elbow rest.

Favorite Features

Good strong engine. Tiedown system in the bed. A/C runs good. Gas mileage isn't bad for a truck.

Suggested Improvements

Need to be heavier in the backend, the rearend can get slippery in the rain. The front seats stink! The lumbar hurts your back afte riding for hours and I feel like they make you sit too close to the windshield, too far forward. They also need to redesign the center console. It's too far back!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Started out amazing, but...

Written by: fronteeer on 03/22/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I've written a few favorable reviews about this truck, but it's had a few major problems and I'm afraid it might become a liability soon, since the b2b warranty's gone and the power train is close. Nissan replaced the entire HVAC unit because it only worked on hot and cold, and they couldn't fix it. I recently had a belt and tensioner changed to get rid of a loud squeak when idling cold. The fuel gauge went nuts and I had to have everything changed from the gauge back. Now there's a loud clunk coming from the drive train when I accelerate while turning, in both 4x2 and 4x4. Sometimes the steering wheel pulls so hard to one side after turning, I have to basically stop and let it go.

Favorite Features

Great looking truck, very powerful, comfortable, sporty handling, configurable seating/cargo space, big wheels and tires, very high quality breathable seat fabric, towing and cargo capacity.

Suggested Improvements

More room in the back, better rear seat angle, more resilient paint and galvanized metal to avoid chips and rust, improved reliability. Mine might be worse than others, but if others are using this truck off-road and not breaking it, I'd be very surprised.

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2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab

Written by: silverbullet77 on 01/24/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab LE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Well, there is a reason my handle is silverbullet. These new frontiers will get up and leave just about any other truck on the road, plenty of power, plus a little more in mine, comfy interior, beautiful design, and all around nice ride.

Favorite Features

The power plant, design, and anything else you can think of.

Suggested Improvements

My only suggestions for improvement are that the truck has a horrible turning radius and the the location of the gas tank will not allow for a duel exhaust, the only exhaust kit I could get was a right side exit.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Cross country journey

Written by: Mike Q on 01/03/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab SE 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Drove from west coast to east coast towing a vw golf completely packed, with the truck bed overloaded as well. Power to get up and over the rockies no problem. Reliable and rides like a cadillac compared to my previous audi tt. Never owned a pickup before, and I'm not disappointed.

Favorite Features

The engine. Towing capacity, the ride, off road ability.

Suggested Improvements

Better seats. Trip computer should be standard feature.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Excellent in so many ways

Written by: David on 12/12/2007

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr Crew Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had the NISMO Crew Frontier for quite a while now, and I KNOW that this is the last vehicle I will buy. I fully intend to drive this truck till the wheels fall off. Pretty much everything is gravy... first off, it is love at first sight on styling. Interior is decidedly untrucklike, in fact better than most sport sedans. Power and handling is exceptional, in all situations (I have driven it in ice, rain, LOTS of pavement, snowy mountain roads and a bunch of Moab UT offroad). Amenities such as the Rockford-Fosgate systems are fantastic, and the cargo accessories invaluable. Only little gripes are the fuel economy is a bit low (although expected) and an external MP3 jack would be nice.

Favorite Features

Styling, amenities, comfort, power and handling, cargo accessories.

Suggested Improvements

External MP3 jack (already addressed in later models I think). Option for navigation system.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2005 NISMO 2WD

Written by: ras1500 on 11/27/2007

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Frontier 4dr King Cab Nismo Rwd SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my second Nissan product and both have been extremely reliable. The NISMO is a great truck with plenty of acceleration and fun to drive. Fuel mileage is around 20 MPG combination city/highway. The build quality of this truck is not as good as my Japanese built '99 Pathfinder; sealant in the pickup bed is sloppy and there's some glue on the headliner.

Favorite Features

Good performance and handling. Reasonably good ride for a truck.

Suggested Improvements

Nissan has the worst paint in the industry. Brushing against the vehicle (including my '99 Pathfinder) with anything harder than a terry cloth towel will scratch the finish down to the primer. Both my cars are black, so the scratches are visibly obvious.

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