It's difficult to imagine a mid-size pickup that's more like a full-size pickup than the Nissan Frontier. The Frontier shares much of its architecture with the full-size Nissan Titan. A powerful 4.0-liter V6 comes on all but the base model. Rated at 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, Frontier's V6 tops any straight-5 or V6 the competition has to offer, and rivals the output of the Dodge Dakota's optional V8. Pair this with its strong chassis, and the Frontier offers up to 6500 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload of over 1500 pounds. Yet it's still maneuverable and easy to park.

New for '07 is a Crew Cab Long Bed, carrying the same 73.3-inch bed as the King Cab. (The standard Crew Cab bed measures just short of five feet, at 59.5 inches.) King Cabs come with two forward-facing rear seats; Crew Cabs feature a roomy passenger compartment with amenities much like those you'd expect in a sport-utility vehicle. Frontier is available in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and in King Cab or Crew Cab configurations.

Additional changes for '07 include a passenger-side seat-belt reminder light and new MP3 input jack for the optional six-CD changer. V6 models now run cleaner than before, advancing from Low Emissions (LEV2 LEV) to Ultra Low Emissions (LEV 2 ULEV) status. Option packages have been revised, and new packages debut.

The Nismo version (Nissan Motorsports) features special off-road shock absorbers and tires, underbody component-protecting skid plates and an optional active traction system with technologies such as Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.