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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  Frontier..you have come a long way..baby - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By memphisguy1967 - December 6 - 12:53 pm

  with only having bought this truck less than a month ago it as been a fantasic vehicle. I had been looking at these for years and decided it was time. Im glad I waited. The power from the 4.0 is great. Has ton of power and is great to drive, can pull away from a light and leave everyone behind. The 5 speed auto is smooth shifting. I use this truck as my daily commute and it is so comfortable that I can drive it in traffic and not get so tired from driving. The gas mileage could be better avg about 17 mpg. Have had a lot of complements on the truck and have had a few older frontier model owners stop me and want to take a look at the changes. People seem to be very impressed. Thanks Nissan!

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  NIssan V6 Frontier - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By MIke B - December 5 - 11:40 am

  With a lower weight/horsepower ratio, 4-wheel disk brakes, roomer interior, better ride, less engine noise, outstanding road feel, and a much, much better financial deal than than Toyota offered on a similarly-equipped Tacoma, I chose the 2010 Frontier. If this truck is as durable as my 97 Nissan truck Ill be very happy.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 7:50 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 6:10 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.

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  Happy with my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronterra - December 5 - 2:53 am

  I have had no problems with my truck. It has 60,000 miles on it. I bought it used with 45,000 miles on it. It fits my needs perfectly. I can haul my dirt bikes with no problem.

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  Go with the NISMO!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Andrew Brill - December 3 - 4:30 pm

  Bought an 06 Frontier NISMO, and love it!! 42000km and no problems except for gas tank hinge and window tracks. Lots of power on and off the pavement. Overall, great truck!!

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  Brillian Silver SV King Cab 4 Cylinder Auto - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By M.G. - November 29 - 10:51 pm

  This is my second Frontier.The first was a 2009 King Cab SE that was trouble free the entire time I owned it.Since I am retiring shortly I decided on getting myself a new truck and since my first Frontier was so reliable I opted for the same truck.The fact Nissan was offering $2750 off plus the dealers incentive made this a really easy buy.The interior has a few minor differences over the 2009 but they are very slight.This truck only has 320 miles on it but the old 2009 would give me 21-24 mpgs out on the highway and around 19 in town so I am sure this one will be similar.I really like the graphite colored interior and the seats are better styled than the old 2009 version.The steering also is better than the older truck and pulling into a tight parking spot seems a lot easier in the new one.Two options my=ine came with was the plastic bedliner and the fender splash guards.I put a BAKFLIP MX4 tonneau cover on it last week.After a year of ownership I will probably do an update on the truck.

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  Cant have it all, I guess? - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jshoota - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Has the gas mileage of a V8. 3.3L to small. I had to buy a high performance air filter and exhaust to help with the "get up". I liked the compact style, because Im able to get in tighter more remote spots, than the bigger trucks. Even though the rear seating is cramped, my buddies and I dealt with it just fine, during the hunting seasons. Climbs up(with stock tires)with no problems, and some pretty steep inclines. I had to have my steering stoppers regreased, because they were squeaking/creeking on sharp U-turns w/bumps. Brakes started to make a high pitch squeak noise, when going 20-30 mph. Brake pads were fine, the discs needed to be resurfaced.

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  Sold on Nissan - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Man - November 21 - 10:06 pm

  I did about 6 months of serious truck research on the mid size models. I narrowed it down between Toyota and Nissan. Toyota was about $5000, more, had spongy brakes, and low seat position. Nissan offered a $5000 cheaper truck, better seating position ( I have a 34 inch inseam). Engine and transmission are super smooth and I like the gentle rumble of the engine when it starts. All controls (AC/radio) are easy to reach and I like the big knobs and well illuminated dash for night driving. Nissan has pulled away from Toyota and made a better truck. The frame is rigid, spray on bedliner as well as utilitrak and the bed extender make for a great package. The SE power package perfect.

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  Woulda Coulda Shoulda - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By john smith - November 20 - 9:13 pm

  Clutch burned out before 12,000 miles, mechanic would not talk to me directly about the issue, in shop 3 times for over 30 days and still not resolved.. no loaner while in shop, clutch not working under 32 degreesF, hard to see out when backing up, small mirrors with no factory extensions nor aftermarket accessories for towing, no low rpm torque for trailer towing even at 1/2 of advertised towing ability. Very disappointed after 4 previous Nissans. Am 7,000 upside down after one year and truck back in shop for estimated 2 weeks of repairs! Rental CAR costs me $50 a day in the mean time. Is putting me out of business and NMAC is happy to be closed in evenings... be wary!