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2005 Nissan Frontier Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Nissan redesigned the Frontier for 2005, using a number of features from the full-sized Nissan Titan. The front became bigger and stronger for 2005 and gained new safety features, like optional side-curtain air bags. The new engine was the most powerful V6 available in a pickup truck, with 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. Nismo, Nissan's tuning division, also released a high-performance version of the truck for 2005.
The 2005 Nissan Frontier is available in four trims: the XE, SE, LE, and Nismo. The XE is the base model, available only with the King Cab, and comes standard with a 2.5-liter, 154-horsepower four-cylinder engine, only in 2WD. The SE, LE, and Nismo come with a 4.0-liter, 265-horsepower V6 and are all available with 2WD or 4WD. The SE, LE, and Nismo are also available in King Cab and Crew Cab versions. The smaller engine gets about 18/24 mpg, while the V6 gets 16/20 mpg. Drivers give the new Frontier a round of applause, saying the beefier V6 and the truck's famed reliability make the 2005 a good buy.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Nissan Frontier
Write a reviewUser rating:
by DUANE N
Oct 30, 2024
2005 was the worst year for mechanical problems. The price is too high.Oct 30, 2024
by mark c
Apr 28, 2022
Prices are reasonable and the number of vehicles Apr 28, 2022
by Robert K
Feb 08, 2022
problems with contaminated trans fluid from trans fluid mixing inFeb 08, 2022
User rating:
by DUANE N
Oct 30, 2024
2005 was the worst year for mechanical problems. The price is too high.Oct 30, 2024
by mark c
Apr 28, 2022
Prices are reasonable and the number of vehicles Apr 28, 2022
by Robert K
Feb 08, 2022
problems with contaminated trans fluid from trans fluid mixing inFeb 08, 2022
by Edwin P
Aug 03, 2021
If your looking for a used pickup this is the one year and model to get. Economically speaking.Aug 03, 2021
by Selondieu N
May 13, 2021
I like this model thats why Im looking forward to get one.May 13, 2021
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2021
Overall build quality seems poor. Cabin space seems small. Apr 22, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 16, 2021
I love the car.very well kept and runs great..would do again...Mar 16, 2021
by Trish C
Dec 25, 2020
Great value and very well maintain. Just what am wanting.Dec 25, 2020
by Jesse K
Dec 08, 2020
Everything was exactly what I needed in a 4wd okDec 08, 2020
by Chad L
Nov 26, 2020
I purchased it, it was awesome and had everything I was looking for Nov 26, 2020
by Coleridge H
Oct 29, 2020
The truck is clean need to see more like itOct 29, 2020
by Rusty R
Aug 04, 2020
Nissan makes a damn good truck,I tell ya what yepAug 04, 2020
by gregory J
Jul 09, 2020
has radiator problems where antifreeze is leaking into the oilJul 09, 2020
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2012
My only complaint is that I had more room in the king cab, but really it's a non-issue so long as you know there is pleanty of room for the driver and passenger. Lots of HP for a midsized truck. Hauls everything and then some. Reliable, well built, handles great, and feels solid on the road. Aug 20, 2012
by Joseph C
Nov 11, 2011
Nissan made all the right choices when they redesigned the Frontier for 2005 ... Comfort, Styling, Performance, Power and Reliability are all included. Read my "Pros" and "Cons" for my honest opinions about the quality, performance and reliability of this vehicle.Nov 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2011
car handles great and has good power. looks
great
and is fun to drive. worried about possible
repairs in future. purchased recently and did
not buy dealer warranty. 60 miles after driving
got a check engine light related to evap system.
could cost hundredsFeb 22, 2011
by Erik S
Apr 23, 2010
The truck has a 2.5L, 4 cylinder engine, 170 estimated horsepower. The Truck his quality built. Silver is the color of my truck, I think it looks good. Fuel is a pain in the ass but its very good for a truck. Its a fun, very reliable truck.Apr 23, 2010
by Kyle C
Apr 13, 2010
Build Quality: I has been a great truck
Car Comparisons: Toyota Tacoma... More expensive, slower, less power.Apr 13, 2010
by Jordan B
Nov 11, 2009
This truck is very well built, it has excellent power much more than any stock tacoma or ranger. It drives like a dream and has never given any trouble what so ever however, it only gets 17 mpg and has a horrible turning radius.Nov 11, 2009
by Andrew V
Jun 26, 2009
The Frontier is my favorite car. The it is foreign and a little more expensive to fix the engine ins nearly brand new. Also it is a Nissan so if you shot the engine with a shot un it will still run. It is perfect for anything you might need. It is a four cylinder so it isn't great for pulling trailers but if you want to pull trailers don't get a Frontier.Jun 26, 2009
by Kevin M
Sep 19, 2008
Drives the best of all the mid-sized pickups I tested. This drives more like a decent car than a truck. I have the six speed and it is great fun to drive especially when the tachometer crosses 3-grand. It also has the most room inside of all the mid size pickups, without the cost and size of a full size.Sep 19, 2008
by Sean G
Sep 14, 2008
i haven't had the truck for that long but i take care of it and love it, i've done a whole bunch of things too it, sound system, window tint, flowmaster( :) ), and a K&N cold air intake, sounds mean, and looks good. mine is a six speed and gets really good gas mileage, you cant have thoughs things on a big truckSep 14, 2008
by Barry P
Sep 05, 2008
One of the very best trucks I have ever owned. The ride is great, interior is extremely roomy and the haul load is awsome. I can hook up to almost anything I want to and not worry about not enough power to pull it. Goes great in the mud too.Sep 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 12, 2008
Got the truck for its towing ability & only occasional off-road use --I'm satisfied with the overall package, but not too thrilled with the body lean towing a motorcycle trailer through the mountains. Otherwise: solid "A" grade on an overall scale.Jun 12, 2008
by Fabio A
Jun 09, 2008
Awsome TruckJun 09, 2008
by Scruya I
Apr 20, 2008
The Nissan VQ enine rocks! Both my Z and my truck have nearly the same HP and Torque, thouh my Z loves curves :) I put some sound in it as the 2005 release didn't offer enouh decibels for me. Apr 20, 2008
by Dennis W
Apr 08, 2008
Nissan toke the mid-size truck to a new level when brought this truck out.Apr 08, 2008
by Doug V
Dec 17, 2007
I've had various vehicles/trucks throughout the years and I love my Nissan Frontier. This is one of the toughest trucks I've ever owned. I take it off-road every other weekend and it really takes a beating. The 4.0L V6 has plenty of power (265hp), but I'm still looking to add some additional horsepower (if you know what I mean).
If you're in the market for a truck - check this one out!Dec 17, 2007
by Anonymous
Oct 29, 2007
I experience the sqeezing sount every time I step on the clutchOct 29, 2007
by Anonymous
May 22, 2007
I bought my 2005 Nissan Frontier 2WD Nismo 3 weeks ago and have loved every minute of it. The trim is a bit basic, but that's why I bought a truck. The throttle response is great and the cabin size works perfectly for this family of 4. I couldn't ask for a better vehicle for the money.May 22, 2007
What users have asked
Anyone know why a transfer case will kick out into neutral for 2wd?
Wheels will only turn in 4wd low. No drive in 4 hi and 2wd at the rear wheels is just like it is in neutral with transmission in drive
21 views
Reverse lights not working
Has a good ground but no juice to the bulb
806 views
2005 Nissan Nismo Frontier 4wd not working
I have a 4x4 Nissan Frontier Nismo with a standard transmission. It has been great but recently the 4wd light is on in the dash and it will not shift into 4wd. Transfer case has 3 sensors, I've checked them and they seem to work. I would like to install new ones but they are not cheap, the one closest to transmission is $850 alone. Has anyone had the same issues? If so please let me know what you did to remedy the situation. I've done all the easy stuff: battery disconnect, system reset, etc.
38 views
Engine won't start ...clutch safety switch involved /manual transmission
Beware....If your truck has a manual transmission and truck won't start. There is a good chance its not a dead battery. The first thing to check is the cheap plastic nipples on the clutch pedal post that depresses the safety switch which lets you start the truck. They get brittle and break off when you least expect it. If that happens, the safety switch will not allow the ignition switch to start the truck. If you see any plastic on the floor board by the pedals, its a good sign they are failing. Mine and a friend of mine both had this happen within a month of one another. Both trucks had less the 45,000 mile on them. Thought I would pass this information on
43947 views
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Have you driven a 2005 Nissan Frontier?Compare this car
2005 Nissan Frontier Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,160 to $27,410Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.08
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Rear bumper color: chrome
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.54
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.94
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.69
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.69 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13
Exterior Features
Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill descent control
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.13
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill descent control
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.36
Exterior Features
Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill descent control
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.36 · Locking differential: rear
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent