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:

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  Fullsized Midsize - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mossinit - June 14 - 1:06 pm

  The drive train on this truck is rock solid. The 4.0 begs to be revved but still has surplus power off idle. I optioned the 6 speed manual that came mated to a Dana 44 rear axle, heavy duty stuff for a midsized truck. I have used my truck extensively off road in the Adirondacks and found its size ideal for mountain fire roads.

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  So Far So Great - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert12 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Toyota pickups in the past, and I come from a family of "American Only" trucks. I have to say that this is by far the most bang for my buck. The towing capacity is terrific, and my daughter fits well in the back seat. My wife, who happens to drive a top of the line Honda Accord V6 completely enjoys this truck.

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  So far so goog little truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By dcdoc97 - June 9 - 11:16 pm

  Bought this truck used in May 2006. Inside is comfortable. Outside is nice. have taken couple of trips of 300+ mile and it was a comfortable ride. cab is quite in highway speed. turning radius could be better. horrible gas milage (15 city, 17 highway)!! I pulled a boat and a trailer with a combined weight of about 4200 lb from LA to Las Vegas. the truck had no problems except going up hill (it could only go 50 mph up hill!!)

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By bobincinti - June 5 - 8:59 am

  I have owned this vehicle since the beginning. Currently it has about 210,000 miles on it and it it no longer my daily driver. I primarily use it for yard work, mulch, etc. I have had some problems with the vehicle but that had to do with a wreck and not a manufacturer issue. When I did have a problem (this year had a rear axle problem), the dealer and Nissan worked with me to fix it at no cost to me and even provided a me a loaner vehicle for over a month. Overall the vehicle has been a good truck. Every vehicle will have issues (supercharger) and I have owned practically every brand out there. This is one brand that I would do again.

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  Silver but not gold! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By GaryXE - May 29 - 1:24 am

  In general a great little truck. With regular maintenance it has held up well. The only complaint I have is gas mileage!

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  Suburban Workhorse - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By J. Locke - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Recently moved from NYC to suburbs. Found myself borrowing/renting trucks or tying oversized items to car roof too often. Purchased Frontier compact pickup with quad cab, 5 sp manual and long (74") bed. Has quickly become my full-time weekend car. Enough interior room for all (3 fit in back seat easily), plenty of hauling capacity, 4WD for the beach. Acceleration is a little slow on the parkway (compared to my cars), gas mileage is reasonable. Biggest problem is a lack of center consol parking brake handle in the hills. This small truck handles nicely both on and off road. Reasonably quiet. Even my wife enjoys driving it.

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  Nissan Frontier - Great Small Truck - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob Bjur - May 23 - 3:08 am

  5 sp auto trans is always trying to upshift to increase gas mileage when it might be more appropriate to remain in the lower gear a little while longer. Always tries to maintain an rpm of about 1000.

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  Took the plunge from FORD - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Rickter - May 22 - 2:33 pm

  Set out to buy a Ford Ranger 4X4. Ford would not deal but Nissan made me a great deal. The Truck is awesome. Very Strong for a mid size. I need a tight turn radius. No wheel hop with this truck. Full size is way too big. They cant fit between many trees when 4 wheelin The wheels truly unlock and truly lock when you need it. Very nice ride. Interior is nothing to write about but nice enough. Love the 6 speed. Gas mileage average. I wanted the maneuverability in a mid with good pulling power for my HD trailer. Very nice tires and wheels stock on the Pro4X. Bed Tie down system is awesome. Test drive it, you will see.

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  Convert from a Tacoma-30k miles and going strong - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By lasvegas777 - May 22 - 12:06 am

  I have the leather pro-4x model with every option available. The off road system with locker is fantastic. Thing is very nimble off road. The cargo system is the best from a factory that I have seen. It is very quite going down the highway. Is the right size living in the city and playing off road. I have taken my son and a friends kids all in car seats and have plenty of room in the back seat. Brakes and the motor feel very solid and have never let me down. On highway at 75-80 expect around 18-19. Around town Las Vegas is 15 mpg. Towing the max 6k weight will take you down to 7-9 mpg going though mtns. No warrenty issues and just oil changes to date.

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  Chucks truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By caw - May 11 - 8:43 am

  I have enjoyed my 2002 Nissan Frontier very much since I purchased it three years ago. I was originally drawn to the interior design, and made my purchase based mostly on this, as well as the reputation for quality that Nissan has. I was a bit disappointed in the acceleration, having just traded in a full sized Ford truck, but soon learned that there was more power there than it seemed, it just requires fully depressing the accelerator pedal and holding for a few seconds. I have been pleased with the handling and turning radius, as well as the convenience of the interior layout. I feel more like Im driving a car than a truck, which is just the way I want it. I am now buying a 2004 model now in lieu of the 2005.