2002 Nissan Frontier Press Kit

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Following the 2001 Frontier’s dramatic restyling and addition of the first available factory-installed supercharged V6 in the compact truck class, the 2002 model adds two new major enhancements – a completely upgraded interior with an available Rockford Fosgate?-powered audio system (Crew Cab only) and the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, with the longest bed in the compact crew cab truck class. The new 2002 Frontier lineup goes on sale at Nissan retailers nationwide in early August.

The 2002 Frontier will be available in a choice of 19 different models, including King Cab, Desert Runner, Frontier Crew Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations and XE, SE and S/C (supercharged) trim levels.

“The 2002 Frontier lineup illustrates the deep commitment by Nissan to constantly improve our products,” said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “With our new, more ergonomic interior and long bed option on the Frontier Crew Cab building upon last year’s cutting-edge exterior redesign and power increase, Nissan’s truck lineup remains the leader in the crowded compact truck segment.”

The Frontier’s interior enhancements, which are shared with the improved 2002 Xterra sport utility vehicle, include a new instrument panel with three “cockpit-style” round gauges, new HVAC controls and a new console with side map pocket. A 25 percent larger glove compartment and up to three interior power points make Frontier even more practical than before.

Another major change and ergonomic improvement is the replacement of the dash-mounted pull-and-twist parking brake with a more traditional foot-operated pedal system.

Optional on Frontier Crew Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed is a 300-watt 9-speaker audio system with an in-dash 6-disc CD player. This system has been designed by world renowned high-performance audio system innovator Rockford Fosgate. “We’ve been told that to recreate the Rockford Fosgate-powered sound system in the aftermarket would cost well over $1000,” said Kirrane. “We’re planning on offering it to the Frontier Crew Cab customer for less than $600 (MSRP).”

Distinctive Style
The Frontier’s provocative exterior was created at Nissan Design America (NDA), in La Jolla, Calif., and offers a simple, tough, “modern industrial” look with a powerful front grille and bumper, tall hoodline, oversized headlights and large fender flares featuring visible divot holes and rivet-type caps. Additional exterior features include round fog lights, substantial tailgate and standard tailgate lock.

Supercharged Power
More power was made available in 2001 with the addition of a new factory-installed supercharged version of the 3.3-liter V6. The supercharged engine produces 210 horsepower and 246 (A/T), 231 (M/T) lb-ft of torque. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporation and is fully warranted by Nissan.

Models with the supercharged engine are designated “S/C,” and in addition to the supercharged engine, come with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/55R17 (4x2) or P265/65R17 (4x4) BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires, specially tuned suspension with raised ground clearance for 4x4 models, knit or optional leather-appointed bucket seats with sports car-inspired red-on-charcoal stitching, 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system and titanium-colored gauges.

Frontier King Cab S/C 4x2 and 4x4 is available with a 5-speed manual and Frontier Crew Cab S/C and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed S/C 4x2 and 4x4 are offered with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (opt. King Cab S/C) and all S/Cs include a limited-slip rear differential.

“Frontier allows compact truck buyers to create the vehicle of their choice, including various models, drivetrain configurations, engine and transmission options. We’ve also added some factory features usually reserved for aftermarket suppliers – including available high-output sound systems, large wheels and tires, bed extenders, roof racks and the like,” added Kirrane.

Choose Your Frontier – Long, Longer or Longest
Body style choices on the 2002 Frontier compact truck lineup include the King Cab, which offers front bucket seats and additional seating for two passengers in fold-down rear jump seats. This Frontier comes with a powerful 143-horsepower 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The next model is the Desert Runner, a 4x2 King Cab powered by a 170-horsepower 3.3-liter SOHC V6 that features the same heavy duty chassis, ride height and stance as the rugged Frontier 4x4. At roughly 500 pounds lighter than a 4x4 Frontier King Cab V6, Desert Runner offers the best power-to-weight ratio of any Frontier pickup. Special badging distinguishes Desert Runner from other Frontier models as do fender flares, skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, a full-size spare and 4-channel/3-sensor/4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Desert Runner is available in XE, SE and S/C models, which includes a supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, which produces 210 horsepower and 246 (A/T), 231 (M/T) lb-ft of torque.

Frontier King Cab is also available in a 4x4 model with three different trim levels − XE, SE and S/C.

The “biggest” improvement made to the 2002 Frontier lineup is the introduction of the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, which adds a 74.6-inch full-size bed to the four forward-hinged full-size door cabin. The standard Frontier Crew Cab offers a 56.3-inch bed.

Frontier Crew Cab broke the mold of traditional compact trucks when it was introduced as a 2000 model, with innovative looks and innovative uses – with seating for five adults and the versatility of an open bed. It is available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive and all Frontier Crew Cabs are built on the heavy-duty 4-wheel drive Frontier chassis.

The interior of the Frontier Crew Cab combines the comfort and convenience of the 2002 2-door Frontier pickup with many qualities of a sedan or SUV. Frontier Crew Cab offers provisions for the installation of a child safety seat in the rear passenger area, something lacking in today’s extended cab compact truck market.

Standard equipment on Frontier Crew Cab is the SOHC 3.3-liter V6 engine, with a 5-speed manual (XE only) or 4-speed electronically controlled overdrive automatic transmission (SE, S/C, opt. XE). Also offered is the factory-installed supercharged engine. All Frontier Crew Cabs come standard with a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Frontier also comes with a full array of revised option packages for 2002, including the Utility Package, Basic Gear Package, Value Truck Package, Power Package, Sport Package, Sunroof Package and Audio Package.

A Leather Package, which includes factory-installed leather-appointed seats, pop-up sunroof and Vehicle Security System, is available on all S/C and SE Frontier King Cab, Frontier Crew Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Beds.