A 2004 Nissan Frontier could have either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim and engine, with no factory six-speed option in that model year.
To understand what that means for buyers and owners, it's helpful to know the engine options and how transmissions were paired with each trim. The guidance below covers the two main transmission choices and how they were used across the 2004 Frontier lineup.
Transmission options in the 2004 Frontier
The following list outlines the two transmission options typically offered for the 2004 Frontier and how they were applied across trims and configurations.
- Five-speed manual transmission (5MT)
- Four-speed automatic transmission (4AT)
In practice, the transmission choice depended on the trim and engine, and both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations were available with these options.
Additional considerations for buyers
Engines and drivetrain compatibility
For 2004, the Frontier was offered with two main engines—the 2.4-liter inline-four and the 3.3-liter V6. The transmission option (manual or automatic) did not universally lock to a single engine; trims and equipment often determined the pairing.
Four-wheel drive specifics
All four-wheel-drive variants used a transfer-case setup to enable 4WD, but the transmission type (manual or automatic) remained one of the factors chosen by the original buyer or listed on the vehicle’s specific build sheet.
Summary
In brief, the 2004 Nissan Frontier offered two primary transmission choices: a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Availability varied by trim and engine, and there was no factory six-speed option in that model year. If you're evaluating a specific truck, check the exact build or VIN to confirm which transmission it came with.