1998 Nissan Frontier
Should You Buy a 1998 Nissan Frontier?
The 1998 Nissan Frontier is an extended cab truck that offers a practical blend of utility and efficiency. With a rear-wheel drive layout and a 2.4L I4 engine producing 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, it is well-suited for light-duty tasks and daily driving. The 5-speed manual transmission enhances driver engagement, while the combined fuel economy of 22.0 MPG makes it a reasonable choice for those looking to save on fuel costs. Despite its age, the Frontier maintains a strong reliability score of 98.4/100, indicating that it can be a dependable option for buyers seeking a used truck.
However, potential buyers should be aware of the 146 total complaints reported to the NHTSA, particularly regarding the electrical system and tires. While the vehicle has recorded 14 crash incidents and 14 injuries, there have been no fatalities, suggesting that while it may have some safety concerns, it is not a high-risk vehicle overall. Buyers should weigh these factors carefully against the Frontier's strengths and weaknesses.
This vehicle is best for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, used truck for everyday tasks and light hauling.
Strengths
- +Strong reliability score of 98.4/100
- +Good fuel economy at 22.0 MPG combined
- +Engaging 5-speed manual transmission
- +Practical extended cab design for added passenger space
- +Rear-wheel drive layout suitable for light towing
Weaknesses
- -Reported issues with electrical system and tires
- -Limited horsepower compared to modern trucks
- -Aging design may lack modern safety features
- -Potential for higher maintenance costs due to age
- -Injuries reported in crash incidents
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Nissan Frontier has some notable complaints, particularly in the electrical system and tires, with 14 and 13 complaints respectively. While there are no fire incidents reported, the presence of injuries in crash incidents indicates that buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider potential repairs. No significant NHTSA complaints on record.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.4 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- AWD/4WD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 17
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 184.3 in
- Width
- 66.5 in
- Height
- 62.6 in
- Wheelbase
- 104.3 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,910 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- –
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.