Overview:
This week we’re looking at Nissan’s Frontier Supercharged Super Crew Cab 4X4 pickup truck. It’s got a 5-speed on the floor like trucks of old. It even has a pull emergency brake that will take you back in time even more. And being supercharged is a nice addition if you’re into performance.

I have to tell you that when you drive a different vehicle every week, you get that sense of ergonomics and you find that you can drive most cars instinctively. All the controls these days are in the same place and fall right to your fingertips. You are able to drive the car without looking at the manual, because standardization is becoming more and more a fact in how cars are manufactured. 

This Frontier is no exception and it was easy to drive, comfortable and competent. You get that sense of confidence that you could go almost anywhere if you had to.

Handling & Performance:

Remember when you had to get your kidney belt if you would be driving a truck. Those days are gone now and this new truck is more car-like than truck-like. Performance wise, you’ll remember that Supercharged differs from Turbocharged in that the supercharger works off a belt and thus “Boost” is instant off the line and a turbocharger works off of the exhaust and doesn’t kick in until you develop some higher rpm’s.

Styling:
Well, a truck still looks like a truck irrespective of the fact that from inside you may get the impression you’re in a passenger car. This truck is very identifiable and you get a lot of looks, perhaps because of all the TV promotion since it was introduced. It has been depicted as a rugged workhorse and sports a riveted effect on the fenders. Because it has a small truck bed, it is equipped with an extender for use with the tailgate down.

Fit and Finish:
Car-like interior with nice attention to detail for a truck.

Conveniences:
More than a truck needs, but then this is a multipurpose vehicle capable of transporting 4-5 people as comfortably as if they were in a well-equipped passenger car. 

Cost:
It’s a truck, and a passenger car and 4X4 to boot. So expect to pay for the utility this vehicle provides. Too much?  No, not bad for all the benefits.

Recommendation:
If you need a truck for work, this probably isn’t a solution for you, unless you’re the boss who will need to transport a crew with light or smaller materials, and then it is just the ticket. If you’re a younger driver or anyone wanting performance and a way to carry a surfboard, haul dirt bikes to the desert or boat and skis to the river along with your friends this is a great fit.

I had a man stop me in a parking lot wondering what the gas mileage was. He’d been looking at the Ford F-150 but liked the look of this new Frontier. My comment is that if you’re concerned about economy you shouldn’t be looking at SUV’s or 4X4 trucks anyway. There simply is very little difference in gas economy. They’re all bad.

The competition:
Chevrolet S10 Pickup $12,849-24,909, Dodge Dakota $13,910-22,370, Ford Ranger  $11,960-24,240, GMC Sonoma $12,863-25,183, Isuzu Hombre $11,360-20,100, Mazda B-Series $12,345-21,935, Toyota Tacoma $11,845-21,865.

Good News:

Convenience, with rugged outdoors, outback performance for the active life. 4X4 provides go anywhere ability. Supercharged performance.

Bad News:

Super poor mileage at a time of increasing prices of fossil fuels, small truck bed, and extender is questionably a useful solution to the small bed problem.

Standard Equipment:
 3.3 liter SuperCharged V6 210 horsepower engine, 3,500 lb towing capacity, auto locking front hubs, power front disc with rear drum ant locking brakes, fog lights, engine and fuel tank skid plates, splash guards, double wall cargo bed, removable tailgate, roof rack, air conditioning, audio system with CD, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry, dual airbags. 

Gas Stats:
15 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:

$24,049.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is movello@earthlink.net.

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