I may be in the market for a "new" Nissan. The hardbody just isn't cutting it when I have to put in kid's seats. I'm looking at the '00 to '03 Frontier Crew Cab or possibly the Pathfinder. I need some info to help the search.
What is the overall consensus on the Frontier? Good, bad, ugly? I realize that the 3.3 is a dog and gas guzzler, but I'm used to that with the 3.0. I'm more concerned with reliability.

What's with the supercharged models? I've seen quite a few of them for sale and I don't if I should be looking at these or running away from them.

I do like the 3.5 in the Pathfinder, but I would hate to do any work on one by the looks of it.

I'm looking for some opinions here and I do realize that there may be a little bias here. I'm steering clear of the Toyotas, they seem like nice vehicles but seem to be a little pricey compared with the Nissans. Thanks.

The 3.3 N/A engine- Very strong engine, reliable as the 3.0. Not any power gains with the added 300cc.

3.3 SC. Nothing more then a gas pig. Would not be my daily driver. The super charger does not give enough extra power for my likening.

00' Frontier is my favorite as for looks. If I was going to buy a new frontier I would buy a 04 model. 04' being the last model year with Nissan axles. 05-present have axle problems. I also prefer the smaller jap trucks over the new mid-sized.

I don't have much experience with the late model pathfinders. I drove a 05 pathfinder with the 3.5. Sure has some go power.

if u can afford it id recommend an 05 + frontier they are slightly bigger than the 00-04 and alot of hidden power , but im biased , although i do like the looks of the 1st gens

I would steer clear of the SC trucks. They require premium gas, and the SC has been known to eat parts.

I like my Frontier,but if you re looking for a family friendly vehicle with power,I'd go with the Xterra or Pathy

quote:

Originally posted by LordBiotre:
The 3.3 N/A engine- Very strong engine, reliable as the 3.0. Not any power gains with the added 300cc.

89 3.0
135hp @ 4500
180 ft lbs @ 3650

95 3.0
153hp @ 4800
180 ft lbs @ 4000

2000 3.3
170hp @ 4800
200 ft lbs @ 2800

Seems like a big difference to me. I can tell you going from my 3.0 to the 3.3 was one hell of a kick in the pants.

Thanks for the input. I'm heading towards a '00 or a '01 Frontier 4wd Crew Cab. I found a couple with around 70k mi which that are in my price range. The only problem is I pretty much have to go out of state because anything that old around here has fallen victim to road salt.
I'm looking at a '00 in Fla., but I have to figure in the fuel costs to get it back here-probably be about $500 after fuel and tolls, but it may be worth getting a clean truck. My '90 HB spent the majority of its life in Fla and doesn't have a speck of rust on it. Oh well, it's time to do some negotiating.

By the way, any big differences between the '00 and the '01 besides the body styles?