The 2009 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck available in a number of variations. Buyers can choose from either a King Cab or Crew Cab, and five trims are available ranging from the XE to the PRO-4X. This level of customization is sure to please most consumers, and the choices continue into the drivetrain. However, some buyers could be turned off by the overall exterior design of the Frontier, compared to the Ford Ranger, as it breaks away from the traditional American pickup with a more chiseled build and prominent wheel wells. The 2009 Frontier is also an affordable alternative to more expensive, full-size pickups.

Under the hood, the Frontier can be fitted with either a modest 152 horsepower 2.5L I4 or a much more powerful 261 horsepower 4.0L V6. With 281-lbs per foot of torque, the V6 Frontier surpasses most of the competition. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the four-cylinder, while the V6 gets a five-speed automatic. Buyers can opt for a six-speed manual on the V6 choice if more control is desired. Surprisingly, the fuel efficiency is quite close in the four-cylinder and V6. Consumers can expect a moderate 19 city MPG and 23 highway MPG on the four-cylinder, while the V6 is just a bit lower at 16 city MPG and 20 highway MPG. The most powerfully equipped Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of 6,300-lbs.

Inside, the Nissan Frontier comes with two auxiliary power outlets, rear flip-up seats, a CD player with optional six-disc in-dash CD changer, available MP3 compatibility, and a wealth of storage. The MP3 compatibility allows drivers to sync their music player with the Frontier's audio system, and a Radio Data System can be added to the higher trim levels. Safety features include Vehicle Dynamics Control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an energy-absorbing steering column. The tire pressure monitoring system alerts drivers if a tire has too much or too little pressure.

In general, the 2009 Nissan Frontier is a solid pickup for those that do not do a significant amount of towing and hauling. With seating for up to four passengers, the Frontier is a great pick for a small family. Those looking for considerable power will need to instead opt for a heavy duty model. But, priced at around $17,460, the 2009 Frontier is hard to beat. Also, this pickup's fuel economy is far superior to most other trucks on the market. Buyers that are in search of a truck that makes less of an impact on the environment will find that the four-cylinder Frontier is a good fit.