DETROIT, Mich. - Compact trucks don't get any respect. Updates to existing models happen infrequently, and they commonly soldier on for a decade or longer before enjoying a complete redesign. When they do get updated, the formula is straightforward: six-foot bed, regular and extended cab, two- or four-wheel-drive, four-cylinder or V6 engine.

This year and next, however, major players in the segment are giving their trucks a thorough going over, except for Ford which currently fields the best selling of the bunch (but not for long, we'd wager). Chevrolet and GMC both have new compacts out for 2004, and in 2005 we'll be seeing the redesigned Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma. Mitsubishi will offer a version of the new Dakota, but Mazda is forced to continue with its aged Ranger-based B-Series Truck.

The all-new 2005 Nissan Frontier is also scheduled to arrive next year, and it's a good bet that the company will increase its market share with this impressive entry.

Nissan has decided to ditch the regular cab model in favor of volume production of King Cab and Crew Cab body styles. Only the basic two-wheel-drive King Cab will be equipped with a four-cylinder engine. All other models will benefit from the installation of a 4.0-liter V6 under the hood that makes more than 250 horsepower and more than 270 lb.-ft. of torque (final power ratings will be available closer to the introduction of the 2005 Nissan Frontier). A six-speed manual transmission is standard on 2005 Nissan Frontier models equipped with the V6 engine, with a five-speed automatic listed as an option.