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2009 Nissan Frontier Performance Review

July 17, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

automatic transmission delivers perfectly timed shifts whether you're maneuvering in traffic or flinging the truck around in the sand
Edmunds

strong from a stop
ConsumerGuide

drives better than expected
Car and Driver

Most reviewers agree that the optional V-6 engine is a must-have; with this engine, the 2009 Nissan Frontier performs admirably.

The 2009 Nissan Frontier is available with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that creates 152 horsepower coupled with 171 pound-feet of torque, "making it a decent choice only for those who need a low-cost, light-duty work truck," Edmunds says. The optional engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that builds up 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. of torque—and this is a must-have if you're planning on using the Frontier for any appreciable amount of work. Car and Driver asserts "the Frontier stands out in its segment, thanks to its excellent 261-hp V-6 engine and its stellar steering and on-road handling." ConsumerGuide makes note of the fact that the automatic V-6 "kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch."

The V-6 engine is also available in a four-wheel-drive option, and as Edmunds says, "Frontier 4x4s are capable off-road, thanks to a maximum 10.1 inches of ground clearance and plenty of suspension travel." New for 2009 is a PRO-4X Off-Road model specifically designed for drivers headed away from the pavement.

A five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission are both available on the 2009 Frontier, depending on the trim level and engine size. Edmunds says the six-cylinder's "automatic transmission delivers perfectly timed shifts whether you're maneuvering in traffic or flinging the truck around in the sand." Fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg city, 23 highway with the four-cylinder manual versions to 14/19 mpg with the big V-6, automatic Frontier.

The 2009 Nissan Frontier's ride is also better than that of most pickup trucks. Car and Driver points out that the 2009 Nissan Frontier's "structure is extremely solid," and "the steering is tight and accurate." Edmunds reports that "ride quality on pavement is surprisingly good for a compact/midsize pickup truck, and the steering is tight and communicative," and ConsumerGuide calls the ride "absorbent," warning that passengers might notice bumps, but they don't jar like they do in some off-road vehicles.

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan Frontier performs reasonably well, but the optional V-6 engine is a must-have.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:automatic transmission delivers perfectly timed shifts whether you're maneuvering in traffic or flinging the truck around in the sandEdmundsstrong from a stopConsumerGuidedrives better than expectedCar and Driver Most reviewers agree that the optional V-6 engine is a must-have; with this engine, the 2009 Nissan Frontier performs admirably. The 2009 Nissan Frontier is available with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder that creates 152 horsepower coupled with 171 pound-feet of torque, "making it a decent choice only for those who need a low-cost, light-duty work truck," Edmunds says. The optional engine is a 4.0-liter V-6 that builds up 261 hp and 281 lb-ft. of torque—and this is a must-have if you're planning on using the Frontier for any appreciable amount of work. Car and Driver asserts "the Frontier stands out in its segment, thanks to its excellent 261-hp V-6 engine and its stellar steering and on-road handling." ConsumerGuide makes note of the fact that the automatic V-6 "kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch." The V-6 engine is also available in a four-wheel-drive option, and as Edmunds says, "Frontier 4x4s are capable off-road, thanks to a maximum 10.1 inches of ground clearance and plenty of suspension travel." New for 2009 is a PRO-4X Off-Road model specifically designed for drivers headed away from the pavement. A five-speed automatic transmission and a six-speed manual transmission are both available on the 2009 Frontier, depending on the trim level and engine size. Edmunds says the six-cylinder's "automatic transmission delivers perfectly timed shifts whether you're maneuvering in traffic or flinging the truck around in the sand." Fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg city, 23 highway with the four-cylinder manual versions to 14/19 mpg with the big V-6, automatic Frontier. The 2009 Nissan Frontier's ride is also better than that of most pickup trucks. Car and Driver points out that the 2009 Nissan Frontier's "structure is extremely solid," and "the steering is tight and accurate." Edmunds reports that "ride quality on pavement is surprisingly good for a compact/midsize pickup truck, and the steering is tight and communicative," and ConsumerGuide calls the ride "absorbent," warning that passengers might notice bumps, but they don't jar like they do in some off-road vehicles. ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan Frontier performs reasonably well, but the optional V-6 engine is a must-have. 2009 NISSAN FRONTIER STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: "romp-and-stomp styling" Edmunds: "rugged disposition" ConsumerGuide: "carves out a nice niche for itself" Cars.com: "relatively unchanged" The 2009 Nissan Frontier doesn't offer styling that stands out much from the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Nissan Frontier offers a wide range of trims and equipment to meet various work and recreation needs—just like other traditional pickups, such as the Toyota Tacoma and Dodge Dakota. The Dodge Dakota comes in two- and four-door versions, with V-8 engines available and four-wheel-drive packages for more serious duty. The Toyota Tacoma offers a big V-6 engine, a special off-road version, and even a sport-tuned edition. The Honda Ridgeline does it differently; it comes in just one four-door configuration and with one powertrain combination, but its cubby-laden interior and highly functional truck bed might compensate for casual users or certain work needs.

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See the Nissan Frontier in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2002

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