Two pickups of different size define the 2006 lineup of trucks by Nissan. Biggest of the lot is the full-size Titan, constructed at Nissan's new manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss., with power supplied by a big aluminum-block V8 built at a Nissan engine plant in Decherd, Tenn. Nissan's other truck, the compact-class Frontier, comes together at a Nissan manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn.

Nissan's big truck stands high and stretches long, with a 6.5-foot box in back. Muscle comes from Nissan's 5.6-liter Endurance V8, producing 305 hp plus best-in-class torque. Linked to the engine is an electronically controlled Torq-King automatic transmission with five forward gears and tow/haul mode. Both rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction systems are available, along with a factory-applied sprayed bedliner.

Titan divides into two cab configurations with the King Cab and Crew Cab. King Cab has two front-hinged front doors and two rear-hinged back doors that swing wide for easy access. Crew Cab carries four conventional front-hinged doors and seats for up to six. Trims include the base XE, mid-level SE and deluxe LE editions. A vehicle dynamic control (VDC) system with locking differential is available in 2006, plus a six-disc CD deck that plays MP3-format CDs and new paint shades like Majestic Blue and Graphite.

Nissan's compact-class Frontier expanded in size in 2005 with third generation models built on an abbreviated version of the chassis underpinning full-size Titan. Frontier returns with two powertrain options and four trim variations - entry XE, upgraded SE, sporty NISMO (Nissan Motorsports) and plush LE.

Two cab styles split into King Cab and Crew Cab formats and both bring options for 2WD or 4WD traction. Most of the models pull from a dual-cam 4.0-liter V6 tuned to 265 hp through a five-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual. However, a base issue Frontier King Cab uses a twin-cam 2.5-liter in-line-four rated at 165 hp. The King Cab has flip-up rear seats, while Crew Cab carries a three-person back bench. NISMO treatment adds sporty trimwork and hardware for serious off-road work. Frontier's 2006 color chart shows new shades like Red Alert and Red Brawn.