1998 Nissan Frontier Press Kit

America's love affair with pickups is unlike that of any other country on the globe. Trucks are, simply, the most popular vehicles in the nation and among the best selling models for most major auto manufacturers. Nissan is no exception, with compact pickup sales accounting for around 20 percent of annual retail sales.

The arrival of the new 1998 Nissan Frontier is expected to not only boost sales to current Nissan truck owners, but to also attract new buyers wanting a reliable truck with added style. The Frontier offers the utility, comfort, power, safety and value that fits today's truck buyers' way of life - in a wide variety of models and trim packages designed to appeal to a broad range of consumers.

"In nearly 40 years of building compact pickups, we've learned what is important to truck buyers - independence, quality and the ability to get things done," said Tom Eastwood, vice president, Nissan Division. "With our new lineup of 4x2s and 4x4s, Regular Cabs and King Cabs, and equipment packages stretching from basic utility to car-like comfort and convenience, Frontier is well-positioned as the tough truck owners can depend on to help them with any task, big or small."

Value Leadership
Nissan buyer studies show that truck owners traditionally fall into two distinct categories: work truck people and show truck people. For "show" people, the right look is of primary importance, with vehicle size and economy as lower priorities. The "work" people, on the other hand, place utmost importance on function, the right size and value for the money - scratches, dings and dirt are certainly okay. The new Nissan Frontier is designed to work well with either group.

Key to satisfying these buyers is maintaining Nissan's strong heritage of providing an exceptional combination of durability, quality and reliability with outstanding value. "By staying focused on those items which owners desire most - such as a powerful engine, rugged suspension and plenty of bed space - we're able to introduce the Frontier as the value leader in class," said Eastwood. "And, like our new Nissan Altima sedan, producing the Frontier at our advanced manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn. also helps provide savings which we pass along to our customers."

A Well-Equipped Standard Package
The new 1998 Frontier is offered in seven models, starting with the Standard 4x2. This entry-level Regular Cab pickup comes equipped with a responsive 143-horsepower DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with sequential multi-point electronic fuel injection, rear-wheel drive and a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission.

An independent double wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar and rear rigid axle with multi-leaf springs provides crisp handling and a comfortable ride, while power-assisted front vented disc/rear drum brake system with rear anti-lock brakes offer secure braking control.

Other standard equipment includes 14-inch steel wheels, 195/75R14 all-season steel-belted tires, halogen headlights, black grille and rear step bumper, bed tie-down hooks, double-wall cargo bed, removable tailgate, flexible loading system, vinyl bench seat with seating for three, dual head restraints, 2-speed wipers, LCD odometer with two trip meters and tinted glass.

Standard safety equipment includes dual air bags with a passenger air bag shut-off switch, front crumple zone, energy-absorbing steering column, hood buckling creases, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams and a 3-point ALR/ELR seat belt system.

Frontier XE Regular Cab 4x2 and 4x4
The value-oriented Frontier XE Regular Cab is offered in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive configurations, each with a long list of additional equipment. The XE 4x2 receives 15-inch alloy wheels and 215/70R15 tires, while the 4x4 adds part-time 4-wheel drive, manual-locking front hubs, 15-inch steel wheels, 235/75R15 tires and fender flares.

All XE models also feature power-assisted steering, dual outside mirrors, chrome grille and bumpers, cloth bench seat, full carpeting, CFC-free air conditioning, digital clock (in radio) and an AM/FM/cassette audio system.

The XE model is also available with a XE Appearance Package, which adds alloy wheels (4x4), tailgate finisher, fender flares (4x2), passenger assist grip, tachometer (4x4), sliding rear window and 60-watt AM/FM/cassette stereo system with four speakers.

The XE Comfort Package adds (in addition to XE Appearance Package) items such as tilt steering, cruise control, tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, passenger visor vanity mirror, 12-volt DC power outlet and low-fuel warning light.

Frontier XE King Cab 4x2 and 4x4
The popular King Cab (Nissan created the original extended cab compact truck in 1977) is offered in XE trim in both 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive. The XE King Cabs carry all of the added equipment found on the XE Regular Cabs, along with additional seating for two passengers in the fold-down rear jump seats.

Also available are the XE Appearance Package, XE Comfort Package and Power Package. For King Cab models, the Comfort Package adds an AM/FM/CD/cassette audio system and rear privacy glass. The XE Power Package (requires XE Appearance and Comfort Packages) adds power windows, power door locks with keyless remote entry system and dual outside power mirrors.

Frontier SE King Cab 4x2 and 4x4
Nissan's popular SE model adds an extra level of sporty equipment and appearance items in addition to the features offered on the Standard and XE models. The SE model is only offered in the King Cab body configuration.

All SE models feature a flip-up glass sunroof with sunshade, sliding rear window, privacy glass, body side graphics, tailgate finisher, seating for four (front cloth bucket seats plus two rear jump seats), center console with storage and cup holders, premium carpeting, cruise control, tilt steering, variable intermittent wipers, visor vanity mirror and low-fuel warning light. The SE 4x4 model receives automatic-locking front hubs and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The Power Package is offered as standard equipment with the SE - including power windows, door locks with keyless remote entry system and dual outside power mirrors. The 4-speed automatic is optionally available on the SE King Cab 4x2.

Colors, Accessories and Warranty
The Frontier is available in a choice of nine exterior colors: Cheyenne Red, Deep Crystal Blue, Sierra Pine, Goldstone, Timber Frost, Aztec Red, Autumn Sunburst, Super Black and Cloud White. Two interior colors are offered: Gray and Beige.

Among the numerous available accessories offered with every 1998 Frontier are: a 3-disc CD autochanger, carpeted Frontier logo floormats, vinyl nosemask, fog lights, under-rail bed liner, tailgate net, rubber bed mat, convenience net, sliding rear window, chrome rear bumper and receiver tow hitch with hitch ball and lighting harness.

Other accessories include: a 6-disc CD autochanger, battery warmer, cellular phone docking station, chrome exhaust finisher, engine heater, splash guards, vehicle cover and wheel locks.

All 1998 Nissan Frontier models are covered by a comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile "bumper-to-bumper" Limited Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile Corrosion Coverage and a Lifetime Seat Belt Warranty.