Nissan · 1998-2004
Frontier D22 (1st Gen)
The first-generation Nissan Frontier (D22, 1998-2004) was a Tennessee-built compact pickup offered in regular cab, King Cab and, from 2000, four-door Crew Cab. It brought a supercharged 210-hp V6 to the segment in 2001.
- Years
- 1998-2004
- Drivetrain
- RWD · 4WD
- Engines
- KA24DE · VG33E · VG33ER supercharged
- Sold in
- US · Canada · Mexico
Spec sheet
- Generation
- 1st
- Production
- 1998–2004
- Assembly
- Smyrna, Tennessee
- Decherd, Tennessee (engines)
- Sold in
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Codes
- D22
- Body styles
- Regular cab
- King Cab
- Crew cab (from MY2000; Apr 1999 production)
- Bed lengths
- 56.3 in (Crew Cab)
- 74.6 in (Crew Cab Long Bed, from 2002)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- 4WD
- Transmissions
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
- Trims
- XE
- SE
- SC (supercharged)
- Desert Runner (2WD King Cab on 4WD frame, from MY2000)
Engines
| Engine | Disp. | Config | HP | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KA24DE | 2.4 L | I4 DOHC | 143 | 154 lb-ft | 1998-2004 | |
| VG33E | 3.3 L | V6 SOHC | 170 | 200 lb-ft | 1999-2002 | 180 hp / 202 lb-ft for MY2003-04 |
| VG33ER supercharged | 3.3 L | V6 SOHC supercharged | 210 | 231 lb-ft (manual) / 246 lb-ft (auto) | 2001-2004 | Roots-type supercharger developed with Eaton |
Related
Overview
The D22 Frontier replaced the Hardbody for the 1998 model year, built at Smyrna, Tennessee. Early trucks came as regular and King Cabs with a 143-hp, 2.4-liter KA24DE four; a 170-hp, 3.3-liter VG33E V6 was added in 1999. A four-door Crew Cab went on sale in 1999 as a 2000 model - the first compact truck sold in the US with four full-size forward-hinged doors.
The truck was facelifted for 2001 and the 3.3-liter V6 gained a Roots-type supercharger developed with Eaton: 210 hp and 231 lb-ft (246 with the automatic) in SC trim, a first for a compact truck. By 2003-04 the naturally aspirated V6 was rated 180 hp and 202 lb-ft. A 2002 Crew Cab with a bed longer than six feet was also a segment first.
The Desert Runner, introduced for 2000, put a 2WD King Cab on the 4WD frame for a high-riding look. Trim ranges were XE, SE and SC.
In 2005 the larger D40 replaced it, ending Nissan's compact Frontier.
Trims, Bodies and Drivetrains
Trims
- XE
- SE
- SC (supercharged) — supercharged 3.3 V6 (210 hp), 17-in alloys with BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, specially tuned suspension (raised on 4x4) and a limited-slip rear differential (2004)
- Desert Runner (2WD King Cab on 4WD frame, from MY2000) — V6 4x2 King Cab XE on the heavy-duty 4x4 chassis with the 4x4's ride height and stance, fender flares, engine and fuel-tank skid plates, full-size spare and 4-wheel ABS (2004)
Cab and bed
- Body styles: Regular cab, King Cab, Crew cab (from MY2000; Apr 1999 production)
- Beds: 56.3 in (Crew Cab), 74.6 in (Crew Cab Long Bed, from 2002)
Drivetrain and transmissions
- Drivetrains: RWD, 4WD
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed automatic
Highlights
- First compact truck sold in the US with four full-size forward-hinged doors (2000 Crew Cab)
- First factory-installed supercharger in a compact truck (2001)
- First crew cab compact truck with a bed over six feet (2002)
- Desert Runner: 2WD King Cab with 4WD ride height, larger tires