Overview:
This Frontier Crew Cab has a short bed but lots of room for the crew. Isn’t that what it’s all about? You buy the model that best suits your need. I like this a lot. What was amazing is that young teens seem to take a shine to it also.
I had the bright yellow version and the younger set would say things like, “cool truck”. I suspect that’s because it resembles a toy truck. As to the cargo area, this model has an aluminum extender cage that flips back with the tailgate down to provide additional bed space. When inward it makes a great divider to keep cargo from slipping around. Pretty neat!
I think this is the first to provide four full doors that open independent of the front ones. That provides easy access to the rear seats for three full sized people. In addition, the rear doors have windows that roll down all the way.
Conversely the emergency brake is not a good design. Anything would have been better. I haven’t seen one of those since I got rid of my old Ford Pickup. Even worse yet, it didn’t work as well as those used fifty odd years ago.
Handling & Performance:
Gentle as a kitten with lots of power when not loaded. I didn’t have the opportunity to test it with a load. It took to “around town” driving very well even if this type vehicle has a wide turning radius.
Styling:
Well, I like it very much. How ‘bout you?
Fit and Finish:
Good. Not fantastic, but good.
Conveniences:
I see this truck as perfect for the “supervisor” who’ll bring the crew but leave the heavy hauling to the big muscle trucks. Thus, the ride is soft and comfortable.
Cost:
Decent for a good utility vehicle that can second as a sport ute.
Recommendation:
The boss should test drive this truck. He’ll be able to get all the tools needed for the job and still carry five people. I could have used this the previous week in Mexico where we wouldn’t have needed to take a second vehicle to the job site 35 miles away. I was in a standard cab pickup.
The Competition:
Chevrolet S10 $12,655-20,131, Dodge Dakota $13,655-21,995, Ford Ranger $11,580-19,785, GMC Sonoma $12,669-20,781, Isuzu Hombre $11,360-20,100, Mazda B-series $11,595-23,740, Toyota Tacoma $11,528-24,378.
Good News:
Average to good gas consumption; full size four doors with seating for five; smooth but solid ride; decent power, nice design.
Bad News:
So you have to make Y-turns rather than U-turns, oh well! Poor emergency brake design.
Standard Equipment:
3.3 liter 170 horsepower V6 linked to 4-speed automatic transmission, 5,000 lb towing capacity, power steering , power front disc / rear drum anti-locking brakes, air conditioning, audio system with CD, leather wrapped tilt steering wheel, dual airbags.
Gas Stats:
15 City and 19 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $22,240. Add $1,080 for the power package including windows, door locks and mirrors plus keyless remote and security system and cruise control; sport package includes flip up glass sunroof and cassette player for a total of $24,967.
