2003 Nissan Frontier vs. 2002 Toyota Tacoma
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2003 Nissan Frontier and 2002 Toyota Tacoma contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2003 Nissan Frontier and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma.
When comparing the 2003 Nissan Frontier's and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the 2003 Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2002 Toyota Tacoma has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2003 Nissan Frontier's and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma's specifications and ratings, the 2002 Toyota Tacoma is a better car than the 2003 Nissan Frontier.
Pricing: A used 2003 Nissan Frontier ranges from $3,915 to $13,993 while a used 2002 Toyota Tacoma is priced between $6,492 to $18,580.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2003 Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma loses 26.3 percent of its value. This means the 2002 Toyota Tacoma retains 13.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2003 Nissan Frontier.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.8 out of 10 while the Toyota Tacoma's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 5 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Toyota Tacoma being ranked 1 out of 7.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.9 out of 10. For the Toyota Tacoma the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Tacoma a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Frontier.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2003 Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 143 horsepower, and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma base engine makes 142 horsepower. The Frontier is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 345 miles. The Tacoma is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 375 miles. This gives the 2002 Toyota Tacoma the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2003 Nissan Frontier. Both models use gasoline.
Available Cab Types and Bed Lengths: The 2003 Nissan Frontier is available in a Crew Cab or an Extended Cab configuration, and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma is available in a Crew Cab, Extended Cab,or a Regular Cab configuration. The 2003 Nissan Frontier offers bed lengths of 56.3 and 74.6 inches, and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma offers bed lengths of 61.5 and 74.5 inches.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2003 Nissan Frontier and the 2002 Toyota Tacoma have the same average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
An all-new Nissan Frontier arrived for the 2022 model year, replacing an aged midsize truck design whose only competitive advantage was its value pricing. While no spring chicken itself, the Toyota Tacoma is better in almost every way compared to the previous-gen Frontier. However, the new Frontier has leapfrogged the Tacoma in several key areas, including horsepower, ride quality, seat comfort, and interior storage. That said, the Tacoma possesses its own virtues, including a reputation for quality and reliability, legendary off-road ability, a healthy aftermarket offering numerous upgrades, and strong resale values. A new, base-model Frontier costs about $1,500 more than the entry-level Tacoma, but the top TRD Pro version of the Toyota will set you back nearly $9K more than the most expensive Frontier PRO-4X. While the fuel economy for the 4-cylinder Tacoma is slightly better than the Frontier’s standard V6, the latter offers much more power. If you prefer to shift your own gears, your only choice is the Tacoma.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
13689
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
14532
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12710 - 17465
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
12410
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13530
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12410 - 15195
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
8048
Price Range:
3915 - 13993
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
8611
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
6647 - 11911
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
16
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
178160
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
11556
Price Range:
6492 - 18580
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
8446
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
7044 - 11556
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
38
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
210593
# Good or Great Deals:
10
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Toyota Tacoma Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
9.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2003 Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2002 Toyota Tacoma
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1752740780050255
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.6 - 3.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.825793212199525
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.8 - 4.0
Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Toyota Tacoma Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Summary Review
The Nissan Frontier received a much-needed redesign for 2022, transforming it from the oldest to the newest truck in the midsize category. Its drivetrain, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, was all new in 2021. Now the rest of the truck has caught up, giving the Frontier a stylishly-aggressive exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and a long list of advanced standard and optional technology.
Summary Review
Toyota’s Tacoma has been the sales leader in the midsize segment for decades. While other brands quit this market, Toyota continued to polish the gem that is the Tacoma pickup.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine mates to an advanced, capable transmission
- Appealing style, inside and out
- Wide range of standard and optional high-tech features
- Towing capacity weaker than many competitors
- Resale value not as strong as class leaders
Pros and Cons
- Wide range of trim levels and styles from affordable barebones to serious off-road
- Best in class retained value
- Strong track record of overall reliability
- Composite bed eliminates corrosion concerns
- Beware the recent few used years with transmission issues with some recent models
- Interior oddities like a low, flat seat
- Not as refined as most competitors, overdue for a full update
- Towing capability less than segment best
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab, Regular Cab
Available Bed Length(s)
56.3 inches, 74.6 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
61.5 inches, 74.5 inches
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2003 Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
SC-V6, SE-V6, SE-V6 Desert Runner, Standard, SVE-V6, XE, XE-V6, XE-V6 Desert Runner
2002 Toyota Tacoma Trim Levels
Base, PreRunner, PreRunner V6, S-Runner V6, V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
143 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
154 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1312 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
142 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
160 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
1500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
300 / 345 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / 4WD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
285 / 375 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3240 lbs
Width:
67.3 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
202.9 inches
Wheelbase:
116.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2750 lbs
Width:
66.5 inches
Height:
64.1 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
103.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/70R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/75R15
Exterior Colors
Beige
Sand Dune Metallic Clearcoat
Black
Super Black Clearcoat
Red
Aztec Red Clearcoat
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic Clearcoat
White
Avalanche
Gold
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black Sand Pearl
Red
Impulse Red Pearl / Radiant Red
Silver
Lunar Mist Metallic
White
Super White
Gold
Mystic Gold Metallic
Green
Imperial Jade Mica
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Brown
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Charcoal
Brown
Oak
