New Survey: Nissan Frontier Pulls In Big Satisfaction

RAYNHAM, MASS. (06/05/2012)(readMedia)-- High gas prices have many truck fans considering a compact pickup over a thirstier full-size unit, and there are two models that rise above the others in sales: the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma. When it comes to customer satisfaction, however, the 2012 Frontier appears to have an edge, as Autobytel and AutoPacific recently named the vehicle best in the Compact Pickup category of their 2012 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards.

Vehicle-information provider Autobytel and industry-consulting firm AutoPacific surveyed roughly 75,000 new-vehicle owners about their rides, collecting information about 48 measures of satisfaction. Participation in the survey was restricted to owners of 2012-model-year cars and trucks purchased from September through December of 2011. In addition to topping the Toyota Tacoma, which tied for third, the Nissan Frontier bested the likes of the GMC Canyon, Suzuki Equator and Chevy Colorado in its segment.

"It's one thing to love your new vehicle right after purchase, but living with it for a few months is a good test of how happy you'll be down the road," said Jason Ferreira, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Nissan dealer in Massachusetts. "Frontier owners are more satisfied with their purchase than any other compact truck, showing that Nissan has struck the right mix of durability, capability and affordability."

Drivers that demand big-truck specs in a small-truck frame will be satisfied knowing the Nissan Frontier has best-in-class towing and payload ratings of up to 6,500 pounds and 1,524 pounds, respectively. The Nissan pickup won't struggle with those loads either, featuring an available 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. For those who place a greater priority on fuel efficiency, the standard 2.5-liter engine returns up to 23 mpg on the highway.

While the exterior of the Nissan Frontier may be built to take a beating, the interior is designed with comfort and versatility in mind. To create space for cargo that needs weather protection, Crew Cab models feature a flat-folding rear bench, while King Cab models include flip-up rear seats. Both configurations offer rear under-seat storage cubbies for things like bug spray, spare tools or tie-downs. Up front, the Frontier's center console has an extra-deep bin with plenty of space to keep smartphones and GPS units from prying eyes, while a dual-level glove box keeps contents contained and organized.

If small details breed satisfaction, then Nissan's new tire-inflation technology could help its future models earn Vehicle Satisfaction Awards as well. The automaker's Easy Fill Tire Alert system debuting on the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima eliminates the need for a tire-pressure gauge, making it easy to fill up tires to improve fuel efficiency, handling and safety. The system alerts the driver should a tire become low on air and shows which tire needs to be filled up. During inflation, the car informs the driver when the proper pressure has been achieved with a quick honk of the horn, while three honks warn that the tire is being overinflated.

"Not everybody feels confident putting the right amount of air in their tires, so Nissan took the guess work out of the ordeal," Ferreira noted. "They say the devil is in the details, and vehicles like the Frontier and Altima show that Nissan is willing to take the time to sweat the little things and create a better product overall. That's a refreshing approach to car design."

About Mastria Nissan:

Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can be reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.