2009 Nissan Frontier Review

The 2009 Nissan Frontier is available in multiple trim levels and as a 4WD or 2WD King Cab or Crew Cab truck. Buyers can choose a 4-cylinder or V-6 engine, and an automatic or standard tranny. My test truck was a base model with no bells and whistles, but shifting up and down while driving on winding mountain roads felt a lot like I was driving a sports car. Until I hopped in the Frontier, I had forgotten how much fun a truck like this could be. If I needed a base truck to drive to work, and for occasional hauling, I would give the 2009 Frontier strong consideration.

2009 Nissan Frontier

I was pleased when I heard that Nissan's Frontier truck received a face-lift for 2009 -- style is always a personal opinion, but I hadn't been excited by the looks of past models. Changes made to the truck's front bumper, grille and headlights have definitely improved its appearance, and the PRO-4X package can be tacked-on for a sporty look.

My test Frontier was a 2-wheel drive XE King Cab with the 2.5L, 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. I think people tend to overlook 4-cylinder Frontiers, opting instead for the 4.0L V-6 with 100 more horsepower, but if you need a pickup to drive to work and for weekend trips to the home improvement store, the smaller engine will probably do everything you need it to do.

Frontier First Glance

The Frontier King Cab XE has a chrome grille, plus front and rear chrome bumpers. Back windows and rear door glass are tinted for privacy and a cargo light illuminates the bed. Front and rear wheel openings are flared, with front flares wrapping around and below the headlights, ending at the center of the grille.

The King Cab has back doors that open to the rear, making access easier.

The truck's cargo bed is just over 6-feet long and measures about 5-feet wide. Width between the wheel wells is 44-inches, wider than you'll find on most compact trucks, but still not enough space for a 4X8 sheet of plywood to lay flat on the bed floor.

In the Frontier Truck Driver's Seat

The XE truck's interior is basic, but the cloth-covered seats are comfortable and the passenger front seat folds flat to provide a place for your laptop or lunch. Rear jump seats face forward and fold flat when not needed, increasing cargo space. The King Cab's rear seats are only suitable for young kids, but there's not much room for their legs.

The instrument panel's white faced gauges are pretty easy to see when driving, although the fuel and temp gauges can be blocked by your hands in some seating position. The center dash features a base AM/FM/CD radio. Manual heat/AC controls have large knobs to set fan speed and temp, and push buttons to select the mode. The entire setup might sound a little Spartan, but it is very easy to locate and change settings while driving, without taking your eyes off the road.

Nissan Frontier Drive Train

The 2.5L engine features new technology, including variable valve timing and a variable intake system. Its 152 hp and 171 lb/ft of torque is enough power to push the truck to highway speeds quickly when you're entering the freeway, or to pull your fishing boat up a boat ramp.

The 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and the truck's 4-wheel disc brakes easily handle stopping chores. Standard power steering makes parking lot maneuvers a breeze.

First Drive: 2009 Nissan Frontier

I had the opportunity to road test the 2009 Frontier on and off-road in Washington state. The article written after that event offers more insights into the truck and its capabilities.