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Bigger, bolder, more powerful 2005 Nissan Frontier
The 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab pickup, which went on sale at Nissan
dealers nationwide in late 2004, moved Nissan squarely into the midsize pickup
market with the most powerful V6 available in any pickup. The Frontier includes
a number of features shared with the Nissan Titan, including its rugged
suspension design, innovative factory-applied spray-on bedliner, Utili-track bed
channel tie-down system and fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the Titan’s
F-Alpha platform.
“The award-winning Titan sets the standard for innovation in pickup design,
regardless of size. Titan, in turn, set the tone for the creation of the 2005
Frontier,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan
Division. “With the debut of the all-new 2005 Frontier, we're solidifying
Nissan's truck presence in both the full-size and mid-size truck segments –
essentially giving buyers the same tough truck in large and extra large.”
The 2005 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in
2WD and 4WD driveline configurations. The new Frontier, like the previous
generations, will be assembled at Nissan's manufacturing facility in Smyrna,
Tennessee.
While the key word in conceiving the 2005 Frontier was "more" – as in more
power, more size, more off-road capability, more towing and cargo hauling
capacity, more comfort and utility – the key to bringing concept to reality was
the adoption of Titan's F-Alpha platform.
Starting with strong, fully boxed frame rails, the platform provides a rugged
foundation on which to build. The 2005 Frontier's wheelbase is 9.8 inches longer
than the previous generation’s, which helps enhance ride comfort and stability.
The overall length of 205.5 inches is larger than the 2004 model (+2.6 inches
King Cab, + 5.6 inches Crew Cab), though it remains a perfect "activity size"
for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Width and height measurements
are also increased with the new design.
The 2005 Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs based
on the Titan, including an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid
axle leaf rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension
stroke for optimized off-road dynamics.
The Frontier, like Titan, provides exceptional acceleration, towing capacity
and all-around off-roading ability, due in large measure to its powerful engine
– a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is based on the award-winning Nissan VQ engine series used in the
350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, but is specifically tuned for the unique
demands of truck use. At the same time, it offers excellent fuel efficiency and
smooth operation.
A 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine is also available on the base Frontier
King Cab 2WD model.
The Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – an advanced 5-speed
automatic, a 6-speed manual transmission or 5-speed manual (King Cab I4 model).
Frontier 4WD models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with
2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer
case.
Overall off-road capability has been substantially enhanced in virtually
every aspect. A new advanced off-road traction system is available with 4WD
models. It includes an advanced 4-wheel limited slip system, which helps
transfer power to the drive wheel with more grip on low traction surfaces.
The Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (when
properly equipped).
The 2005 Frontier also includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone
Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag
System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt
sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and 3-point front seat
belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Also offered are supplemental front seat side-impact air bags and available
supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for front
and rear outboard passengers, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants,
including center position (Crew Cab) and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children) child seat anchor system (Crew Cab).
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