All except the XE are available in King Cab or Crew Cab configurations, in rear- or four-wheel drive and are powered by a V6 engine.
The Frontier XE ($15,500) comes only in the King Cab architecture, only with rear-wheel drive and only with a four-cylinder engine. However, the 2.5-liter inline four generates 154 horsepower. Built for the budget-minded truck buyer who needs to carry more people or cargo than a compact, standard-cab pickup can handle, the XE has crank-down windows, a five-speed manual transmission and 15-inch wheels. Options include a five-speed automatic transmission ($1,050); a preferred package ($1,500) that includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system, tilting steering column, sliding rear window and privacy glass; cruise control ($250); and an airbag package with side airbags and curtain airbags designed to provide head protection ($550).
The 2005 Frontier SE, LE and Nismo are powered by Nissan's acclaimed 4.0-liter VQ family V6 engine, though now equipped and tuned for truck duty and producing 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. With a couple of exceptions, they come standard with a modern six-speed manual transmission and the option of an available five-speed automatic ($1,050).
The Frontier SE comes as a 4x2 King Cab ($18,400), 4x4 King Cab ($21,100), 4x2 Crew Cab ($20,550), or 4x4 Crew Cab ($23,250). Standard equipment includes air conditioning, chrome front bumper and grille, a sliding rear window, an AM/FM/CD audio system, tilt steering wheel. King Cab options include 16-inch alloy wheels ($300); a power package ($750) that incorporates windows, locks, mirrors and cruise control; an Active Brake limited-slip traction system ($300); and side-impact and curtain airbags ($550). The Crew Cab options list adds a vehicle security system to the power package ($900) and a sunroof ($700).
All Frontier LE models come with automatic transmissions, including the 4x2 King Cab ($22,200), 4x4 King Cab ($24,900), 4x2 Crew Cab $23,900) and 4x4 Crew Cab ($26,550). LE models come with all the standard features of the SE plus power mirrors, windows and locks; fog lamps, chrome exhaust tips, door handles and exterior mirrors; remote keyless entry; height- and lumbar-adjustable driver's seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel; illuminated vanity mirrors; compass and temperature readings and a trip computer; sunglasses holder in an overhead console; driver's side seatback map pocket, and a first aid kit. The options list includes upgraded audio systems with MP3 player and six-CD changer for the King Cab ($550) and a Rockford Fosgate system for the Crew Cab ($850), a traction package ($700), a leather package for the Crew Cab ($1,700), and XM or Sirius satellite radio ($400).
The Nismo setup is available as a 4x2 King Cab with automatic transmission ($22,000), a 4x4 King Cab with manual ($23,650) or automatic ($24,700), a 4x2 Crew Cab with automatic ($24,050) or a 4x4 Crew Cab with automatic ($26,750).
They share most of their standard and optional equipment offerings with the LE grade, but come standard with the active brake limited slip traction system, special off-road design wheels and tires, Bilstein shock absorbers and skid plates to protect underbody components from obstacles encountered when driving off pavement.
Options for all models include a sliding cargo bed floor tray ($220), a hard tonneau cover ($1,030), a sliding bed divider ($270), a non-sliding bed extender ($250), a sliding bed extender ($290), a tow-hitch receiver ($380) and bed rail caps and under rail bed liner ($430).
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