Don’t look now, but your compact pickup truck is feeling a bit conflicted.  First you wanted more power, so you could tow and haul more.  Then you asked for four doors, just like the big crew cab pickup trucks have.  Then you wanted a full-size, six-foot bed.  All of a sudden, your mini-pickup isn’t so mini any more.  The 2002 Nissan Frontier is a great multi-tasker in crew cab, long-bed format…but it’s a lot bigger than it used to be.

It’s also a lot more interesting than it used to be.  With the boom in personal-use pickup trucks, many manufacturers have decided that the no-nonsense T-square styling of their pickup trucks just wouldn’t do.  Nissan has spiced up the Frontier with a much more modern, aggressive look that debuted in 2001.  The underlying frame hasn’t changed much, but the cosmetic makeover is a good one.  Nissan’s Crew Cab option was a first among compact pickup trucks, and for 2002 Nissan addresses that truck’s reduced cargo capacity with a full-length bed.  Thanks to a wheelbase stretch, the stubby Standard bed has been lengthened by 18.3 inches to 74.6 inches, giving it some real cargo capacity.

It’s a surprise that Nissan didn’t resurrect the Hardbody moniker for this tough-looking truck.  Instead of a grille, the Frontier features large bumpers and headlight surrounds that look almost like armor.  A thick, bold argent-colored crossbar covers the main grille opening.  The blocky, bulletproof look continues down the sides with aggressive fender flares and faux rivets.  Four-wheel drive models like our test truck ride high on 17″ wheels and tall 265-series tires, and the high step-in height is rewarded by excellent ground clearance.  A roll-bar-like roof rack is available, as is a unique Open Sky model with a roof-length retractable canvas top.  Out back, the lockable tailgate’s handle has a boxy plastic surround that resembles a safe’s lock protection skirt.  Oh, and if you’re into the color yellow, the Frontier looks good in it.

The materials inside are modern and new, but the ergonomics haven’t really changed since the Eighties.  The three-pod dashboard and chunky steering wheel are reminiscent of Nissan’s sports cars.  The seats are decently supportive, but they’re far too close to the floor for long-distance comfort.  The rear seats are no better, and there’s not much in the way of legroom, but don’t forget, this is a pickup truck, not a luxury sedan.

You’d be forgiven for forgetting that, what with the Frontier’s luxurious appointments.  Our test truck featured a racy black and red leather interior, steering wheel radio controls, and a powerful Rockford-Fosgate sound system complete with a subwoofer.  The optional sunroof is a non-powered, low-tech flip-up unit, but it allows some sun into the cab.

The Frontier hasn’t quite reached the point of having full-size pickup bulk without the additional work capacity, but it’s close.  It’s no wider than it used to be, but at 211″ long, some care must be taken in tight situations or when parallel parking.

Under the hood, a supercharged 3.3 liter V6 provides power.  The Frontier is the only supercharged compact pickup available today, and the 210-horsepower engine is good for towing up to five thousand pounds.  The noisy ‘charger doesn’t provide the neck-snapping punch that the cool “Supercharged” badges suggest–the V6es in Ford’s Ranger and Toyota’s Tacoma feel torquier.  The Frontier’s not slow by any stretch, but it’s not a hot-rod pickup either.  A choice of five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions is available.

The stretched wheelbase has been strengthened with extra crossmembers, so the longer Frontier doesn’t feel flexy or loose.  The somewhat stiff suspension is par for the course among compact pickups.  Freeway travel isn’t terribly bouncy thanks to the longer wheelbase, but we’d think twice before taking this particular trucklet on a long road trip.  The extra length makes the Frontier just as long as a full-size pickup, so caution must be used in parking lots.  The clumsiness is made worse by a four-wheel drive system that sometimes binds in tight turns and makes it hard to steer.

On the other hand, the Frontier is happy when it comes to doing truck-stuff.  That high ground clearance makes for decent nasty-road ability.  Our test Frontier crawled through a junkyard with ease, waddling through eighteen-inch deep ruts that would’ve stopped some trucks cold–and it managed that feat in two-wheel drive.  The four-wheel drive Frontier has no problem acting like a full-size pickup truck when the pavement ends.

The Crew Cab Long Bed can be had in XE, SE, and S/C (supercharged) models.  It’s a great little truck, but unfortunately when it’s heavily optioned as our test Frontier was, things get a little pricey.  With the sunroof, Rockford-Fosgate sound system and leather interior, our S/C tester hit the streets at $29,025.  Yipes!  That’s more than enough to buy a nicely-equipped F-150 or Chevy Silverado, and the Frontier’s option list wasn’t even maxed out.  Options like Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability control system, the Open Sky model and tire pressure monitors push the price tag even higher. Then again, Nissan’s extended compact pickup looks really, really cool sitting at the curb.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2002 Nissan Frontier 4×4 SCV6,  which we tested.
Length:         211.0 in.
Width:            71/2 in.
Height:            66.7 in.
Wheelbase:        131.1 in.
Curb weight:        4100 lb. (est.)
Towing capacity:    5000 lb.
Base price:        $26,349
Price as tested:     $29,025
Engine:         3.3 liter SOHC supercharged V6
Drivetrain:         four-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         210 @ 4800
Torque:         246 @ 2800
Fuel capacity:        19.4 gal.
Est. mileage:        15/18