2001 Nissan Frontier 4X4

Used to be a compact pickup could get by on simply being trusty. You know: inexpensive, dependable, able to haul whatever, nice AM radio, competent. We were happy. Not any more. Not since somebody got the idea that compact pickups could attract the young and the reckless, if only... Behold Nissan’s answer to “if only,” the Frontier 4X4 SCV6, as in “SuperCharged V6.” Not surprisingly, mine came in Sand Dune with “brushed chrome” interior trim, reversible titanium-tinted gauges and 100 watts of AM/FM/CD through 6 speakers. While the wildly popular Xterra continues to court the more sport utility-minded youngster, this flashy Frontier goes after those who crave pure truck, but with performance. Trusty? Try “lusty.”

The Good News
For starters, this top-of-the-line Frontier looks the part. A burly front end, hulky fender flares and 17-inch wheels distinguish the SC from less endowed Frontiers, a look Nissan calls “modern industrial.” It comes in a selection of cabs, mine being the crew cab, and with or without four-wheel drive.

But the main attraction here is the engine: a 3.3-liter single overhead cam supercharged V-6. This blower produces 210 horses at 4800 rpm and from 231 (5-speed manual transmission) to 246 (4-speed automatic) foot pounds of torque at 2800 rpm. There are other modifications, like larger fuel injectors and radiator, that serve the supercharger. While that sounds like mega-horsepower in a lightweight pickup, this supercharged engine doesn’t produce the pavement scratching acceleration you might expect. Independent tests mark 0– 60 in about 9.5 seconds. Not exactly a streak. But the low-end torque certainly feels far more muscular than anything the Frontier has offered before. That adds status, especially since the best the Frontier could muster in horses previously didn’t stack up to the competition.

Otherwise, this pickup truck comes off as rather, well, gentle. The Frontier’s 2001 makeover created a more refined vehicle, and the supercharger doesn’t take away from that. The ride is surprisingly protected from the road, and handling responds easily.

And for all its power and posturing, this SCV6 is still a truck. Four-by-four for the mud, quick release removable tailgate, tubular roof rack, an optional $309 bedliner and $229 bed extender: It’s ready.

The Bad News
If Frontier fans were hoping for a street racer in this SCV6, they’re going to be somewhat disappointed. While Nissan has created a very cool, capable compact with this supercharged engine and bold body, it’s no F-150 Lightning. Otherwise, I don’t like the Frontier’s ultra-upright seating position. It seems outdated in an otherwise with-it truck.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 15 mpg city/18 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $25,099;
Price as tested, $26,236

Is it worth it?
Given the choice, I would certainly pick this Frontier 4X4 SCV6 over Nissan’s other pickup offerings. Since I’m not exactly within the hot-truck target demographics, that may seem odd.

Truth is, the SCV6 impresses me less a hot novelty truck, more as simply a good-looking compact that offers excellent power, refined comforts and solid work ethic. Not only does it qualify as cool toy, it also makes the “I could haul lumber in it” list. Which sort of brings us back to “trusty.”

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.