A flurry of truck innovation adds value to the 2003 Nissan Frontier lineup of two- and four-wheel drive pickups. Standard equipment on all Frontiers now includes power windows, mirrors and door locks, keyless remote entry (previously unavailable on four-cylinder Frontiers) and four-wheel anti-lock braking (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD). Normally aspirated V6 engines get a 10-horsepower boost and V6-powered Frontiers get a standard driver-seat height adjuster and driver-seat lumbar adjustment. King Cabs are now equipped with first-aid kits as standard equipment. New-style 16-inch silver alloy wheels become standard equipment on Frontier SE, while buyers of supercharged V6 models will benefit from the addition of a Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). Highlights of the 2003 Frontier compact truck include:
Body
- Available in a choice of King Cab or four-door Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed
- Aggressive front fascia, hood, fenders, bumper, grille, headlights, fog lights, tailgate and badging
- Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed features a 1,895-mm (74.6-inch) bed, the longest bed in the compact crew cab class
Engine and Driveline
- Supercharged 3.3-litre SOHC V6 producing a class-leading 210 horsepower and 246 ft-lbs of torque (A/T), 231 ft-lbs (M/T) – available on SC
- 3.3-litre SOHC V6 producing 180 horsepower (an increase of 10 hp) and 202 ft-lbs of torque at a low 2,800 rpm (an increase of two) with improved fuel economy
- 2.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder producing 143 horsepower and 154 ft-lbs of torque – standard on King Cab XE 4x2
- Five-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissions
- New heavy-duty alternator (100 amp)
- Limited-slip differential – standard on all normally aspirated V6 models
- Enhanced off-road capability on 4x4 SC models - raised ground clearance
- Standard Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Double wishbone front/dual leaf-spring rear suspension, large wheels and tires
- Standard four-wheel ABS
- Standard power-assisted recirculating ball-type steering
- New 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels (standard on SE)
Interior Features
- Sporty instrument panel with three-gauge cockpit-style instrument cluster, large console
- 300-watt Rockford Fosgate® powered 9-speaker AM/FM/6-disc in-dash CD player with steering wheel audio controls and subwoofer (standard SE, SC)
- Standard leather-appointed interior on SC
Safety and Security
- Dual front supplemental airbags, airbag on/off switch on King Cab; three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors
- Standard tailgate lock on all models
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat safety system
Models and Manufacturing
- Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd, Tenn., plants