Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Frontier has long been a popular choice with consumers who don't need the greater towing and hauling abilities of a full-size pickup. Since its debut, the Frontier has offered four-cylinder or V6 power in a rugged yet livable package. There have been two long-running Frontier generations thus far. The current truck is bigger and more powerful than the original and could be considered more of a midsize pickup than a compact, but either one should work out well for a broad spectrum of consumers.

Current Nissan Frontier
The latest Nissan Frontier is offered in extended cab (King Cab) and crew-cab body styles. Trim levels include the economical S, the better-appointed SV, the more rugged Pro-4X and the top-of-the-line SL (crew cab only). There is also a Desert Runner package available for RWD models that provides the Bilstein shocks and some tougher styling elements inspired by the 4WD-only Pro-4X.

The extended-cab S and SV trim levels offer a 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission as standard. A five-speed automatic is an available option. A robust 4.0-liter V6 making 261 hp is standard on the Pro-4X and all crew cabs. It is also an option on the SV extended cab.

In our reviews of the Nissan Frontier, we've been impressed by its rugged capabilities and easy-to-drive nature. It feels more maneuverable than its boxy styling and workaday purpose would suggest, and the optional V6 engine makes acceleration respectably quick. Downsides include uncomfortable rear seats and the lack of a regular-cab body style. Overall, we highly recommend the Frontier to anyone who needs pickup functionality in a reasonably sized package.

Used Nissan Frontier Models
The current, second-generation Nissan Frontier arrived for the 2005 model year. Compared to the original Frontier, the second-generation model offers bigger dimensions, new styling inside and out and stronger engines.

If you're considering a used Frontier from the current generation, there have been a few changes to look out for. The Desert Runner model and several upgrades like a rearview camera and dual-zone automatic climate control were not available until the 2013 model year. Prior to 2010, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and stability control were optional, so we'd suggest making sure a used Frontier has these important safety items. Prior to 2009, the Frontier's styling was a little different, and the Pro-4X was known as the Nismo off-road package. Nissan added the long-bed version of the Crew Cab model starting in 2007.

The first-generation Nissan Frontier debuted for the 1998 model year. It didn't offer as much muscle or variety as the current model, but as an affordable used truck, it could still be a solid choice. This model was angular and boxy outside and similarly utilitarian inside. Initially, Nissan offered regular cab and extended cab (King Cab) body styles with a 143-hp four-cylinder engine across the board. A 3.3-liter, 170-hp V6 engine became available as an option the following year.

A Crew Cab variant with four regular doors debuted in 2000 and was the first such compact pickup truck on the market. Unfortunately, the Crew Cab's backseat wasn't exactly full-size, nor was its abbreviated bed. Nissan added the Desert Runner trim level in 2000, combining the look of the four-wheel-drive Frontier with two-wheel-drive economy.

In 2001, a face-lift gave the Nissan Frontier a more aggressive look. The fenders wore bolt-on extensions, and the tailgate was more sculpted than that of any truck that came before it. This was also the first year for the supercharged version of the 3.3-liter V6, which produced 210 hp and 246 pound-feet of torque. A long bed and an "Open Sky" top (a huge power-operated fabric sunroof) for the Crew Cab were available in subsequent years.

User Reviews:

• 

  Front fender and Hood alignment - 2022 Nissan Frontier
  By Kenny Scheidt - July 24 - 4:19 pm

  The gap between the front fender and the hood is so large I can stick my little finger in it from the headlight to the mid wheel well opening there is no adjustment for this

• 

  S/C all the way! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By TommehSC - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The only problem with this truck is the crappy gas mileage... nissan rules!

• 

  New Frontier...1 year later - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - December 6 - 10:16 pm

  Overall I am very happy w/this truck. I love the high seating position and powerful engine. The mileage is disappointing for a 6 cylinder, about 14.5 mpg around town, 17-18 on the highway. The turning radius is also too big, bigger than my Chevy Tahoe. The drivers window control switches need to be replaced (under warranty) and a new circuit had to be added to the towing package (at no cost). I feel confident driving this truck in all weather conditions.

• 

  Nice Truck Pro-4X - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By cascar - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  Bought 2010 used. Nice ride and awesome RF sound. Heated seats. Leather. No complaints at 72,000. Will go anywhere in snow and mud.

• 

  Nice Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By thedingo - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and so far I am happy. Good Power....great ride....good amount of room. Moved several people and even with the short bed and a tonneau cover had a substantial amount of room.

• 

  15 months w/my Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By DB - November 10 - 7:10 am

  I have had my Frontier for almost a year & 1/2 now. I use it for personal/family, not really as a truck. I love the bed for carrying things I would have to squeeze into a car trunk, like Little League equip. I purchased an aftermarket locking bed cover, so it makes it much more useful. I love everything about this truck except large turning radius & poor gas mileage (about 14 mpg in local driving). It feels comfortable & looks great.

• 

  Not Bad - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Vertifly - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Right now I am approaching the end of my first gas tank at 250 miles. That says a lot so far. This thing is, no doubt, a gas gusler. Other than that, it seems like an intelligent purchase for someone who needs a truck but does not want to sacrifice a back seat. The truck is stylish enough to be proud of driving and gets the job done. I can see myself making the following changes, such as a Tanneu Cover, to help gas mileage.

• 

  Good off-roader, slow highwayer - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Noli - November 8 - 4:50 am

  I own this vehicle just for my game pursuits. I beat the most forbidding trails in the mountains of Mojave and in some other rough trails in Southern CA, drove as fars as texas without problems except speed limitations. maybe due to my off-road, aggressive oversized tires. Some problem with braking, it seems it slips in dirt road. Had a hard time with using low 4 wheel. Got stuck twice in the soft desert sand and noticed that not all four wheels are turning.

• 

  2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab RWD SE MT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BigTaka - November 2 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my used truck 4 years ago for work with 15K miles already on it. I have put 60K additional miles on and have had no mechanical issues. I do get a chirping sound from the air vents after I turn the ignition off and the dealership cant figure out the issue. Ive only changed the belts, done regular maintenance and am due to have the breaks changed for the first time. The gas mileage is less than desirable as I average 18-19mpg whether I am in the city or driving long distances on the highway. The rear seat is not the most comfortable as it sits straight up and does not offer much leg room. The power is decent and it has functioned fine when towing.

• 

  versatility manifest - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ethan Rode - October 31 - 12:00 am

  This truck is the perfect compromise of size and power. It combines the flexibility of a smaller truck with the power of the big boys