2001 Nissan 4x4 Frontier Crew Cab SC

For 2001, the Frontier's interior was totally restyled as well. It's functional and comfortable. The optional Supercharger Value Package includes leather, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted controls.

We were introduced to all the new Nissan 2001 trucks at a fall preview in Pendleton, Oregon. After driving both four cylinder and non-supercharged six cylinder models, it was immediately apparent that the supercharged version installed in our pre-production V-6 4x4 Crew Cab brought some additional ponies to the party. Even though the test vehicle was lugging along all the extra 4-wheel-drive gear, its off-the-mark acceleration was snappy, clearly stronger than its non force-fed counterparts. Yet we were disappointed with passing performance in the 50-70 mph range. It just failed to impress, not living up to all the mechanical supercharger noise emanating from under the hood. In spite of the aura of a supercharger under the hood, the fact remains that there is basically 210 horsepower pushing a 4,000-pound vehicle.


Offering this engine in the base 2-door standard-cab, 2-wheel drive configuration as a high-performance sport truck with about 1,000 less pounds to drag around would live up to the tough truck image Nissan is trying to project.


The new Frontiers sport a 19.4-gallon fuel tank. With EPA estimates with the 4-speed automatic of 15 mpg/city and 19 mpg/highway, you can expect a cruising range of between 291 and 369 miles between trips to the pump with a supercharged 4x4.

The big news for 2001 is the Eaton-supercharged 3.3-liter V-6, pounding out 210 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque with the automatic transmission at 7 psi of boost. It's available in four Frontier models, the 4x2 Desert Runner SC, the 4x4 King Cab and all 4-door Crew Cabs.

On the inside, the exterior's hard-edged theme was carried over; however, the execution was a bit less successful. Part of the problem is that the overall look of the interior says early nineties, not cutting-edge, new millennium. Where competitive interiors appear more contemporary with curved shapes dominating, the Frontier is far more angular in its execution. On the plus side, all of the controls exude a quality feel and are pleasing in a tactile way—nothing feels cheap.


The seating position is good with the seat perfectly contoured with adequate adjustment for all but the most extreme drivers. Access to the rear, through a conventional front-hinged door is acceptable and is comparable to that found on its logical competitors, the Dodge Dakota Quad Cab and Ford Explorer Sport Trac.