Frontier XE ($15,600) comes as a King Cab 2WD with a 154-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine though there is a choice of five-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic ($16,650). XE has manual-crank windows and 15-inch wheels. For 2006, the glove box has been upgraded with a lamp and lockable door with dampened opening. Options include cruise control ($250); a preferred package ($1,500) that includes air conditioning, AM/FM/CD audio system, tilt steering column, sliding rear window and privacy glass. New for 2006 is a power package ($750) that combines cruise control with power windows, locks (with keyless entry) and mirrors.

Safety features include an optional airbag package ($550) with side-impact airbags for torso protection and side-curtain airbags for head protection.

Frontier SE comes as a 2WD King Cab ($18,500), 4WD King Cab ($21,200), 2WD Crew Cab ($20,650), or 4WD Crew Cab ($23,350). Standard equipment includes air conditioning, chrome front bumper and grille, a sliding rear window, an AM/FM/CD audio system, tilt steering wheel. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. Options for SE King Cab include a five-speed automatic transmission ($1,050), 16-inch alloy wheels ($300); a power package ($750) that incorporates windows, locks, mirrors and cruise control; and side-impact and side-curtain airbags ($550). Choose the Crew Cab and the option lists expands to include a sunroof ($700) and the power package with vehicle security system ($900).

All Frontier LE models come with automatic transmissions, including the 2WD King Cab ($22,300), 4WD King Cab ($25,000), 2WD Crew Cab $24,000) and 4WD Crew Cab ($26,650). LE models come with all the standard features of the SE plus power mirrors, windows and locks; fog lamps; chrome exhaust tips, door handles and exterior mirrors; remote keyless entry; height- and lumbar-adjustable driver's seat; leather-wrapped steering wheel; illuminated vanity mirrors; compass and temperature readouts; trip computer; sunglasses holder in an overhead console; driver's side seatback map pocket; and a first aid kit. LE options include an upgraded audio system with MP3 player and six-CD changer for the King Cab ($550); a Rockford Fosgate system for the Crew Cab ($850); a leather package for the Crew Cab ($1,700); and XM or Sirius satellite radio ($400).

The Nismo model is available as a 2WD King Cab with automatic transmission ($22,100), a 4WD King Cab with manual ($23,750) or automatic ($24,800), a 2WD Crew Cab with automatic ($24,150) or a 4WD Crew Cab with automatic ($26,850). All share most of their standard and optional equipment with the LE grade, but add as standard equipment special off-road wheels and tires, Bilstein shock absorbers, skid plates, and Nissan's Advanced Off-Road Traction System, which consists of limited-slip traction control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control.

The Advanced Off-Road Traction System is an option on SE and LE Frontiers with 4WD.

Options for all models include a sliding cargo bed floor tray ($220), a hard tonneau cover ($1,030), a sliding bed divider ($270), a non-sliding bed extender ($250), a sliding bed extender ($290), a tow-hitch receiver ($380) and bed rail caps and under rail bed liner ($430).

Safety is improved for rear-seat passengers when you order the optional side-curtain airbags that cover both front and side windows in the event of a side impact, providing head protection.

NEXT - EXTERIOR