Posted: Jun 19 2006 at 7:31pm | IP Logged

I am seriously considering  a 01-05 frontier.  I know the 05 is the first year of the 4.0 265hp engine, and that would be nice but only if I can find a deal.  An 01-04 would be cheaper and more likely what ill be getting.  But i know virtually nothing about frontiers!  Some questions for the experts:

-Hp and tq numbers for the 3.3 and 3.3 SC?

-Are these good engines? Any maintenance, reliability info?  known problem areas?

-I need limited slip, which models have it or how can I tell?

-How are the auto transmissions? If they are problematic or dont get along with some moderate towing let me know, I can go with a manual if that will be better

Any other info you think i need to know, THANKS!

Posted: Jun 19 2006 at 10:15pm | IP Logged

well i'll give you a little about what i know on the specs of the frontys from 01-05

I own an 01 CC SE 2wd (3.3 N/A) and my power numberts are 170HP/200 ft/lbs, for the same year, the 01 supercharged versions in any configuration have 210 HP and 246 ft/lbs of torque i believe...UNLESS it is a manual, then the torque numbers are like 231 with the same HP (210),

one thing to keep in mind is that apparently the desert runner version is the best in the fronty configs with the power to weight ratio from what i've read and having the S/C version in that model would be even more so, however be aware when choosing the S/C you'll have to be dumping premium gas into it, as they don't like the cheaper fuel, technically someone can offer you more details than i can, i think it has something to do with knock sensors

towing specs,..i know the 2.4 models are rated at like 3000, and the 3.3 models are rated at 5000 lbs, unless they are manuals...the manuals are rated for less i believe, i haven't towed anything as of yet with mine but everyone says they do just fine, the 3.3's at least from what i've heard, you can find more in the towing/hauling sections in here

now as for the 05 models....i personally love them, my brother had one before he traded it in for his titan, and the power in the 4.0 was very nice, it actually got better mpg than my 01, and well they are rated at like 6800 lbs towing i believe, i know that my brother towed his cherokee 4x4 on a 1000lb trailer for a good distance and he said it pulled like a champ and he avg. 18 mpg while towing on a 120 mile round trip.

for more information as far as limited slip and stuff these followings sites might help

www.nissanhelp.com

(the above link will give you info and specs for almost everything you could ask for for every model year up to at least 05 i know for the frontier, might have 06 models info too)

www.autotrader.com

good luck with your choice