Description: Compact Pickup Truck
Base MSRP Range: $15,500 - $26,750
Invoice Price Range: $14,659 - $24,739
Where built: USA

Nissan's compact-class Frontier pops up in 2005 on a new boxed-rail platform that stretches the wheelbase and forges a bigger body. The new models mark a third generation of designs for Frontier, with sheetmetal that incorporates styling points from the larger Titan, such as angled struts in the grille, crimped overhangs fore and aft plus fender flares in bold geometric patterns.

Frontier also shares Titan's suspension design with a double-wishbone in front and a rigid leaf spring at the rear. Power assistance goes to the rack and pinion steering system and four-wheel disc brakes tie to computerized ABS. Two cab designs divide into King Cab and Crew Cab formats with options for 2WD or 4WD traction. Most of the new models pull from a new dual-cam 4.0-liter V6 engine tuned to 265-hp through a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission or 6-speed manual.

However, a base issue Frontier King Cab uses a twin-cam 2.5-liter in-line-four. The King Cab variation has flip-up rear seats, while Frontier Crew Cab carries a three-person back bench. Safety systems extend to frontal and side-impact air bags for front seats and optional curtain-style air bags over outboard seats front and back.