I would buy mine again in a second!! I looked at EVERY crew cab out there and this is the best for me hands-down. Gas mileage is important but it is far from my first priority in choosing a vehicle.
I tend not to worry much about gas prices because I can afford it. I'm certainly not rich by any means but my wife and I don't really use THAT much gas. Gas prices could double and I could still afford to drive my cars. The budget isn't so tight that +/- 30 cents/gallon is going to make a difference.
Before you start ranting, I hate spending a lot of money on gas too but I look at it this way -- it is one of the cost(s) associated with something I looooove to do, namely drive my vehicles. People will blow $100+ on a round of golf and not complain. Or spend thousands of dollars to buy a boat, license, equipment, etc. so they can go fishing. If I have to spend $50 for 300 miles of Nissan driving fun I consider it money well spent!!
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
__________________ 2005 Frontier Nismo CC 4x2 -- Aztec Red, Rockford-Fosgate, Sunroof, Side Curtain Air Bags, Tow Package, Bed Extender, Hard Tonneau (finally!!), Microfilter, Manik Step Bars, Nissan iPod Interface, Ground Wire Kit, and more to come . . .
I have a co-worker who has a TRD Tacoma and he says he gets about 14 mpg. My Nismo Frontier gets about 19 mpg (mostly Interstate driving doing 75-80 mph). When driving 55 mph on the Natchez Trace Parkway, I get over 23 mpg.
__________________ msubullyfan 2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
Aztec Red NISMO
I would. There is no way I could fit stuff in the back seat of an econo car nor can they tow a trailer well enough.
My average gas mileage over the winter dipped to below 19mpg but this was due to 4wd. Now that spring is here the average gas mileage is over 20mpg. Pretty good for a 4wd truck that seats 4 with a v6 and an automatic.
If gas prices get too high then I may have to use our car to commute to work (55km one way) but I will still keep my fronty as our second vehicle. I couldn't imagine life without a truck.
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2001 Frontier SE 4x4 Crew Cab
Mostly stock but always looking for mods...
www.fueleconomy.gov is pretty good at the mileage estimates in my experience. If you compare the 4WD Auto versions the Tacoma is slightly better, but if you compare the manual versions the Frontier is better. I have an '04 CC 4WD XE longbed that consistently gets 17-18mpg in driving that pretty much matches Brain's example (6 miles to work, one 2 mile stretch of hwy), plus a lot of short stop and go trips carting around 4 kids (who love the Frontier btw). And I thoroughly like it better than my old Dodge Ram 1500 2WD CC w/8 ft bed that would get stuck in the snow with 3 wheels on dry pavement...and suck down 11mpg).
If you want a truck, get a truck. If you don't need a huge bed, don't get a huge truck. All the V6's will be w/in a mpg or two, as will the I4's, so it really comes down to creature comforts and if it does what you want. It's really hard to imagine a homeowner, DIY'er or a weekend have-fun-kinda-guy not benefiting from a small pickup.
Honestly, I got the Frontier because it was the only small truck that offered a 6 foot bed with a 4 door, still had a comfy ride and interior (esp. the back seats), and it looks damn sharp with the styling, roof rack and side steps. And it had a bed liner and extender. And it was only $19K w/20K miles. And I LOVE IT.
Hi... been lurking for a few weeks. I have my eye on an '06 Nismo KC (Avalanche, Audio, Bed, Extender, Tow Packages). I love the truck... been comparing carefully to Tacoma and Ridgeline.
I also just sold my '03 Chevy Z71 ExCab pickup... which had a few problems, averaged 14 mpg, and I had a buyer that paid me a phenominal price... so, I need to make a decision on a new pickup fast.
So, back to my question. Considering today's projected fuel prices... would you still buy a Fronteir? I really like the truck... the biggest factors for me are the seating position, quality of interior, general looks of the vehicle... and cost.
Are the fuel costs really the same as a full size?
The Taco, while perceived as a safe choice, is (a) more expensive for a comparable model, and (b) the seats are horrible. They are so low to the floor, and that really bothers me... especially coming out of a Full-Size chevy.
RichW:
I own a 2000 Frontier V-6 2wheel drive & drive 85 miles to work, not every day. If I
keep the speed between 55 - 60 mph, I get 25mph. The minute I go over 60, I get
23mph. I looked at every truck & I believe that with Nissan you get more for your buck.
By the way, my truck has 160,000 miles on it. Hopes this helps, but it is just my opinion.
Pretty much all the V6 trucks like the Tacoma, Ridgeline, Frontier, Dakota average between 16-18 city and 19-21 highway. A mile or two per gallon shouldn't be the deciding factor. Just buy the truck you like the most. I love my truck although I'd consider mileage if you're on a tight budget.
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2006 Majestic Blue Frontier LE CC 4X2
05 2x nismo CC and I'm getting 17.2ish mpg. Was getting 16.4ish and at 6k miles I put in Mobile 1 so I'm not sure if the motor broke in or the mobile 1 helped mpg, maybe a little of both. Last highway trip I got 25 mpg. And I drive it like an old lady to get those mpg. I bought the truck because I also pull a bass boat (talk about bad mpg try a outboard 2 stroke). So I would still have bought the truck. Now if I didn't have a boat I would have gotten a Scion Tc or Toyato Corolla for the mpg.
My '05 Frontier XE is pissing me off. I got the 4 cyl. version because the EPA estimates were 22 city / 25 highway and I'm not even getting the city estimate. You guys with the V6, that makes 111 hp more than my stupid I4, are getting as good or better fuel economy
I track my gas mileage on fueleconomy.gov and the best I've ever been able to get is 21.2 MPG. Normally I drive 40%City/60%Highway and get around 19 mpg. I don't drive like a bat out of hell and when I'm on the highway I usually drive at 65mph and no more than 70. If I knew that this 4 cyl wouldn't get close to the 22/25 estimates and the V6's get the same MPG I NEVER would have bought the XE.
Well guys... thanks for all the replies. I did my homework, and clearly, the Frontier came out on top.
I just got back from the dealership, and purchased an Avalance White NISMO KC 4x4, Auto, Tow, Audio, Bed package, and sliding bed extender.
Worked out a pretty decent deal, traded my Audi A4 (I had zero luck trying to sell it). It hurt a little (a solid 3 fingers-not the whole fist)... but its done.
Only downside is they have to locate it from a dealer some 200 miles away, so I won't have it until mid-next week. The only possible problem could be the dealer won't trade them... I have my mind set on white.
Last edited by Rich_W : May 5th, 2006 at 03:27 PM.
Well guys... thanks for all the replies. I did my homework, and clearly, the Frontier came out on top.
I just got back from the dealership, and purchased an Avalance White NISMO KC 4x4, Auto, Tow, Audio, Bed package, and sliding bed extender.
Worked out a pretty decent deal, traded my Audi A4 (I had zero luck trying to sell it). It hurt a little (a solid 3 fingers-not the whole fist)... but its done.
Only downside is they have to locate it from a dealer some 200 miles away, so I won't have it until mid-next week. The only possible problem could be the dealer won't trade them... I have my mind set on white.
I track my gas mileage on fueleconomy.gov and the best I've ever been able to get is 21.2 MPG. Normally I drive 40%City/60%Highway and get around 19 mpg. I don't drive like a bat out of hell and when I'm on the highway I usually drive at 65mph and no more than 70. If I knew that this 4 cyl wouldn't get close to the 22/25 estimates and the V6's get the same MPG I NEVER would have bought the XE.
Man, I used to get milaeage liek you, when my truck was brand new.but after abotu 3,000 miles I've been getting great mileage, like I mentioned before. I love my 4 cyl. Is yours manual or automatic?
Nissan has cleared up many of the first year issues on the '06. I don't squeek or rattle. I have a magnificent truck! I'm averaging 17.0 mpg in mixed driving with a 4x4 CC LE. To answer your question, I would definitely buy mine again.
Gas prices are going to continue to go up for now. Question is Rich, when they come down again, are you going to be driving a lesser truck when they do? I would choose Nissan now, and choose it later as well.
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Jeff
2006 CC LE 4x4 - Red Brawn - Leather - RF/Sirius - Sunroof - ABLS
Linear Mode
