Name: 2002 Nissan Frontier
Brand: Nissan

Nissan Frontier

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

2002 Nissan Frontier

$3,750 - $6,425

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Dodge Dakota

$3,100 - $4,600

CR MPG:

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2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

$4,425 - $4,725

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2002 Ford Ranger

$3,100 - $5,350

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mazda B-Series

$ NA

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Tacoma

$3,775 - $9,175

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

4WD, Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

extended cab

crew cab

5-speed Manual
4-speed Automatic

2.4-liter 4 (143 hp)
3.3-liter V6 (170 hp)
3.3-liter V6 supercharged (210 hp)

Model History

2022-

Current Generation

After more than 16 years without a major update, the Nissan Frontier is getting a new look inside and out. The sheet metal is all new and the interior gets a much-needed upgrade. The 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic carry over from 2021. The V6 feels strong and the transmission is smooth. Handling is relatively responsive but the steering is too heavy at low speeds. The ride is stiff legged but much better than the previous generation. There is ample interior storage, and the infotainment is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rear gate is now much easier to open and close. The Pro-4X version is off-road ready with a rear-locking differential. The new model has yet to be crash-tested, The previous model scored a Marginal in both driver and passenger-side of the IIHS small overlap front crash tests. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection now come standard. BSW and RCTW are optional

2005-2021

2005 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2005 Frontier compact pickup was a big step forward compared to its ponderously handling ancestors. It became quick and nimble, with a still-stiff though tolerable ride. The strong 4.0-liter V6 revs smoothly and feels like a V8. We chalked up an unimpressive 15 mpg overall. Base models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Transmissions include five- and six-speed manuals and a five-speed automatic. All Frontiers of this generation are either crew- or extended-cab, but rear seat room is tight in both. Side- and curtain-airbags, along with stability control are standard equipment. An optional longer (six-foot) bed arrived for 2007, but the tailgate is quite heavy. There were no major changes to the Frontier after that.

1998-2004

1998 Redesign Year

The Frontier debuted in 1998, with redesigned interior and exterior styling from the previous model, which lacked a name. But the Frontier's ride is stiff and its handling ponderous. A 3.3-liter V6 was offered beginning in 1999. A crew-cab model was added for 2000, and a supercharged version of the V6 joined the options list a year later.

Nissan Frontier

2002 Pickup trucks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2002 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings