Nissan CAS2020 – 1,000,000 reasons why

2020 Nissan Frontier

At a media reception on the eve of the Chicago Auto Show CAS 2020, Nissan revealed the 2020 Frontier which features an all-new, powerful 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine and all-new 9-speed automatic transmission – both of which will be key elements in the next-generation, all-new Frontier coming soon.

The 2020 Frontier, which marks the last model year of the current generation, will feature best-in-class horsepower1 while also providing improved fuel economy and emissions performance. It will go on sale in spring 2020.

Helping celebrate the transition to the next-generation Frontier was Brian Murphy and his 2007 Frontier, which just last week crossed the 1 million mile mark – a true testament to the durability and reliability of the Nissan Frontier.

“The 2020 Frontier lays the groundwork for the exciting, next-generation Frontier – an all-new pickup truck slated to arrive soon,” said Tiago Castro, director, Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Nissan North America, Inc. “While looking ahead, we’re also celebrating our strong heritage – including the innovations, versatility, and reliability of past models, such as the 2007 Frontier that Chicago resident Brian Murphy has driven for more than one million miles.”

The 2020 Frontier, with its standard 3.8-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission, focuses on the needs and demands of truck owners in the U.S. Nissan’s all-new engine is using 93 percent new or redesigned parts, and the powerplant underwent extensive testing in North America. The engine will be assembled at Nissan’s advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., next to the full-size TITAN pickup’s 5.6-liter Endurance V8.

Along with the 49-horsepower improvement over the previous Frontier V6, fuel economy is expected to increase. Also contributing to the 2020 Frontier’s improved acceleration and fuel economy is the all-new 9-speed automatic transmission designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide an enhanced acceleration feel.

“From its roots tracing back more than 60 years, to the current model, Frontier has had a lasting impact on the compact and mid-size truck segments in North America. As Nissan transitions to the next chapter, we celebrate both a proud past and a bright future with the heart of the next Frontier,” added Castro.

The “Million-Mile” 2007 Nissan Frontier

On workdays, Murphy starts before sunrise and returns home about 13 hours later. He drove about 50,000 hours to rack up a million miles on his pickup — a two-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual 2007 Frontier King Cab with a Red Brawn exterior that still has its original engine and transmission. A million miles is about the same distance as two roundtrips to the Moon.

“I had no doubt this truck would hit a million miles. It’s tough and gets great fuel economy2, exactly what I need to get the job done,” said Murphy. “I change my own oil every 10,000 miles and drive carefully. Nothing major has been replaced on this truck, it’s really something.”

For other routine maintenance, the truck has been serviced at M’Lady Nissan in Crystal Lake, the same dealership where the 62-year-old Murphy bought the vehicle new in June 2007.

“Brian Murphy is the perfect Frontier customer. It’s encouraging to hear exceptional stories like this and to know our vehicles are dependably serving customers – let alone for a million miles,” said Tiago Castro, director, Nissan Commercial Vehicles.

According to Murphy, the original clutch lasted 801,000 miles, the timing chain was replaced as preventative at 700,000 miles, and the radiator and alternator lasted about 450,000 miles each. Even the driver’s seat lasted a half-million miles before being replaced.

The U.S. Department of Transportation3 says males in Murphy’s age group drive an average of 15,859 miles per year. Murphy drives, on average, about 77,000 miles per year. The digital odometer stopped tracking at 999,999 miles on January 27, 2020, but the trip odometer kept rolling to prove the truck now has over a million miles.

Murphy began his career as a delivery truck driver 45 years ago in the Chicago area. He “retired” from corporate America 16 years ago and started his part-time job as an independent delivery driver in 2007. He has never used GPS to guide him on his route, and his driving record is free of any moving violations.

“My truck deserves to rest, but I’ve got to keep busy,” said Murphy.

To celebrate Murphy’s incredible accomplishment and loyalty, Nissan announced it would give Murphy a new Frontier once the 2020 model begins production later this year.