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 Fosgateâ-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 went on sale at Nissan dealerships nationwide in August 2001.
The 2002 Frontier is available in King Cab and Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, 4x2 and 4x4 drive configurations and XE, SE and SC (supercharged) trim levels.
"The 2002 Frontier lineup illustrates the deep commitment by Nissan to constantly improve our products," said Ian Forsyth, director, marketing, Nissan Canada, Inc. "With our new, more ergonomic interior and long bed on the Frontier Crew Cab building upon last year's cutting-edge exterior redesign and power increase, Nissan's truck lineup remains the innovation 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.
A 9-speaker audio system with an in-dash 6-disc CD player is part of SE and SC models. 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 $1,000," said Forsyth.
Distinctive Style
The Frontier's provocative exterior was created at Nissan Design America (NDA), in La Jolla, California, 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-litre V6. The supercharged engine produces 210 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque. It uses a Roots-type blower developed in conjunction with Eaton Corporation and is fully warranted by Nissan.
Supercharged Frontiers come with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/65R17 tires, specially tuned suspension, leather-appointed bucket seats with sports car-inspired red-on-charcoal stitching, and titanium-coloured gauges.
Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed SC 4x4 is offered with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission.
Choose Your Frontier - Long, 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-litre inline 4-cylinder and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The next model is a 4x2 King Cab powered by a 170-horsepower 3.3-litre SOHC V6 that features the same heavy duty chassis, ride height and stance as the rugged Frontier 4x4.
Frontier King Cab is also available in a 4x4 model .
The "biggest" improvement made to the 2002 Frontier lineup is the introduction of the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed, which adds a 1895 mm (74.6-inch) full-size bed to the four forward-hinged, full-size-door cabin.
Frontier Crew Cab broke the mould of traditional compact trucks when it was introduced as a 2000 model, featuring 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 2001 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-litre V6 engine, with a 5-speed manual (XE only) or 4-speed electronically controlled overdrive automatic transmission (SE, SC, 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).