Ol' Reliable: The 2000 Nissan Frontier

Though it’s quite dated, the 2000 Nissan Frontier has great reliability ratings and is more efficient than other trucks of this era.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Yellow 2000 Nissan Frontier
Pickup
trucks
are America's favorite cars, and they're constantly getting new upgrades to appease consumers. 
The Chevy Silverado is implementing much
more tech than its rivals
, including hands-free driving and a cargo bed camera. Even greener truck drivers are getting what they want with electric trucks, such as
the Ford F-150 Lightning
.
With all these new gizmos and powertrains, it's easy to forget the trucks that hold up after decades. According to reviews on
Kelley Blue Book
, the 2000 Nissan Frontier is still one of the greatest pickups of that era. What makes this truck so likable and how does it compare to its rivals?

The 2000 Nissan Frontier has ample power

In 2000, the standard Nissan Frontier came with a 2.4-liter engine capable of 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
If drivers want more power, the King Cab versions came with a 170-horsepower V6. Both of them could be optioned with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
The automatic gearbox gets the best towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the manual one only carries 3,500 pounds. KBB reviews say that the Frontier is a great work truck, plus it gets consistently good gas mileage.
With the exception of the Desert Runner, every trim could be optioned with either 2WD or 4WD. The latter can be engaged at speeds up to 50 mph on models with the V6 engine.

What else does the 2000 Nissan Frontier have to offer?

The 2000 Nissan Frontier features forward-hinged doors for easier exit and entry, which still wasn't common in the States. Step-up height isn't too much of an issue, though
the interior was quite dated
even at its release. 
The cabs also only have two doors, making it harder for backseat riders to get situated. The rear seat is very cramped, but front-seat riders enjoy spacious and comfortable seats. According to reviews on KBB, Nissan Frontiers from this era also have pleasantly smooth ride qualities.
The 2000 Nissan Frontier also had a few bits of nice standard equipment, such as a cassette radio player, ABS, and air conditioning. 4WD models could be equipped with a limited-slip differential, and any model could have roof racks.
Reviewers on KBB also say that the Nissan Frontier has exceptional reliability, lasting upwards of 17 years. While repairs are par for the course on older vehicles, some drivers report no problems for as long as 100,000 miles.

How fierce was the competition in the 2000s?

The GMC Canyon was a durable midsize truck of this era, but its towing capacity was only limited to 2,400 pounds. Additionally, it had a much higher retail price compared to the Nissan Frontier, and it's still expensive on the used market!
The 2004 Toyota Tundra had a higher base towing capacity, but its gas mileage was worse than the Frontier's. The 2004 Chevy Colorado has similar specs, though some reviews on
KBB
say that this truck is prone to electrical problems.
The 2003 Ford F-150 has a lot of strengths over the 2000 Frontier, from towing capacity to interior quality. As a result, the F-150 is typically more expensive on the used market. If you want a cheaper and reliable workhorse, the 2000 Nissan Frontier is a great pick.

How much does the 2000 Nissan Frontier cost to insure?

While Nissan cars typically have above-average insurance rates, your premium price will depend on your age and location. Additionally, vehicles that are over five years old have much lower insurance rates than their newer counterparts.
Want to know how to save as much as 30% each year on the average
Nissan Frontier insurance
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