What is it?
2001 Nissan Frontier
What's special about it?
Although Nissan's 2001 Frontier pickup is technically a "minor freshening" and not an all-new truck (the cab, doors and bed are all carryover), you'd be hard-pressed to say it looks much like the 2000 model it replaces. That's because some nifty front-end restyling gives it -- as Nissan design chief Jerry Hirshberg put it -- a "ballsy" new look. We'd have to admit this facelift is as dramatic as the one done on Linda Tripp, but unlike that effort, the idea here was to add impact. With a high hoodline, beefy front fascia with faux lower skid-plate and a thick, horizontal grille bar, the new Frontier has a bold and brazen front end -- likened to the shape of a clenched fist. It also touts high-tech, oversized headlights and industrial-sized fender flares featuring visible mounting holes and bolts which hold them to the body. New fog lamps (adopted from the 2000 Maxima), and a shapely new tailgate complete the makeover. To back up the new exterior, Nissan upgraded the interior with a sporty instrument cluster, new seat fabric (optional leather on supercharged models and SE Crew Cab), a thicker steering wheel and some enlarged knobs and switches. There's also a new lineup of audio systems, including an available in-dash six-disc CD changer. In addition to a choice of a 143-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline four or a 170-horse, 3.3-liter SOHC V6, a new factory-installed supercharged version of the 3.3 will be offered in select 4x4 and 4x2 models called the SC. The new supercharged engine whips up 210 ponies and 240 foot-pounds of torque. Look for an on-sale date late this fall.
Why should you care?
Introduced as a 2000 model, the Frontier Crew Cab was the first compact truck with four full-size, forward-hinged doors offered for sale in the United States. The redesigned 2001 Frontier now offers 14 different models, including Regular Cab, King Cab, Crew Cab and Desert Runner, and three trim levels available in four-wheel and two-wheel drive. This gives buyers the ability to choose a truck that best fits their needs and budget. With that kind of flexibility and a fresh new face, Nissan should be able to gain ground in this ever-evolving market segment.
Add A Comment »