2006 Nissan Frontier

Mid-size pickup truck sales are holding strong. Along with entries from the Big Three, all major Japanese manufacturers have one, and there are rumors the Koreans are planning to get in the act. Part of Nissan's plans are to focus on truck sales, and the Frontier has enough going for it that dominance in the segment is not such a far-fetched idea. For a starting price of $15,900 for the King Cab, there's a lot of truck to enjoy. The Frontier features a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.

First Glance:

Nissan's claim that the Frontier offers "full-size hardware in a mid-size package" can be validated easily. First, the F-Alpha platform, which serves as the Frontier's frame, is straight from the Titan full-size truck. Frontier also shares some of the Titan's component designs, such as the double-wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle. If you look at the front of the trucks, the only way to tell them apart would be primarily size. Both feature the angled strut chrome bars that dominate the facades of all Nissan pickups and SUVs. Short front and rear overhangs along with fender flares give the Frontier an aggressive look. The NISMO (Nissan Motorsports) edition that served as our test vehicle receives unique 16-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich off-road tires, as well as NISMO badging, a front skidplate for underbody protection when traveling off road, a spray-in bedliner, Bilstein shocks, and other NISMO-specific items. The Sunroof package for $900 also includes the roof rack with crossbars for storing luggage and other items you don't want to get dirty on the trail when heading to the campsite. We also would opt for the $300 lightweight sliding bed extender, which allows more cargo-carrying options.