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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  work truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By danny harrington - November 15 - 9:56 pm

  the engine puts out excellent power, i routinely carry about 600 pounds of equipment and i dont even notice it, gas mileage is decent, around 17 in the city and 20 on the highway(driving around 80 mph) between las vegas and visalia california. going up the mountains it drops out of overdrive but no big deal.

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  LEMon - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By pissedoff9 - November 13 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 06...it was an 05. It has cost me thousands of dollars since then with a number of problems. Fuel sending unit, 02 sencors , Starter, Then ...the first time it needs to be smogged because I;m in Ca. it is 1,970.00. Oh ya ...I had already replaced the radiator because it was leaking radiator fluid into the transmission. I did that myself for around 300.00. Now that I have had it smogged and can drive it to have the transmission checked...I find out the transmission needs to be rebuilt. $2,400 minimum. This thing has cost me almost 6,000 so far and barely has 100,000 miles on it. The dealer and Nissan USA both gave me the bird on every issue. Nissan sux

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  First time pickup owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By T - November 13 - 1:43 pm

  Had a 05 Escape Limited... the Frontier exceeds all that vehicle in all areas. Muscular look, excellent quality... I love it!

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  Great Re-design! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By reverendbiker - November 13 - 9:30 am

  This is the finest truck I have ever owned (7 previous) and has a level of refinement that it amazing. Acceleration and handling are first-rate, as are the interior design and ergonomics. Fuel economy is good for a truck (17/21 actual). I usually dont like to buy a first-year vehicle, but it looks like Nissan has done their homework on this one.

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  2000 Nissan Desert Runner - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By 2000 Nissan Frontier - November 9 - 9:16 pm

  Bought this truck used in 2001, it had 36,000 on it. Paid $10,500. Its been a great truck very reliable I currently have 165,000 miles on it and runs great. Fuel economy not so good 17-18 mpg. Tires last a long time with no alignment needed, just rotate and balance. Ive used Amsoil Synthetics in it for years and change the oil every 15,000 miles. I use it as a service truck in my business and its been a good work horse.

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  best truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By lousfrontier - November 4 - 8:10 pm

  I have over 18,000 miles on my 2008 Frontier. My last frontier was a 2002 SC with over 90,000 miles with no problems. This is by far the best performing. Gas mileage is good, average 19.8 combined driving. Rides great with plenty of power.

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  Love it!!! 100+ mi and still kicking! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jason - November 4 - 1:33 am

  I had a Silverado with the 5.3L V8 a couple vehicles before this one. This is just as powerful, if not more, with the 4.0 V6. I live near the city so I wanted something a little more agile but still had plenty of muscle for all my excursions. This truck does perfect. 4WD makes it a billy goat. LOVE THE NISMO! You really dont have to do anything to this truck when you have that package...except maybe a bigger tire. By the way, 285 BFG ATs fit perfect with no modifications or rubbing. The interior design is perfect. Controls seem to be built for men (easy and straight forward). Opt for the Rockford sound system if possible. 6-Disc CD Changer is pretty convenient.

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  Very pleased with the 05 Fronty - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Wyldcat89 - October 26 - 6:26 pm

  I settled on the 05 Frontier NISMO Crew Cab after 5 months of carefully considering other 2005 offerings. What I got was a strong, powerful engine (265hp) but with a suprisingly smooth & quiet ride. The stiffer suspension isnt harsh or jarring, but rather, it offers excellent road feel. The interior does feature a lot of hard plastic but I find it easy on the eyes and easy to clean. I really like the NISMO seat fabric too! The spray in bed liner and utili-trac system is a definite improvement over my 2001 Ranger and as a first time Nissan owner, I couldnt be happier.

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  I really like this truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JSU Chad - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I got this truck here in Metro Atlanta with the value truck package for under $12,000. It is reaaly fun to drive and a great looking truck. It was much cheaper than the competitors.

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  Great Truck! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Great Truck! - October 22 - 11:46 am

  I did a good bit of research before deciding on this Frontier, and Im totally happy with my decision. I looked at Tacoma, Ridgeline, Dakota, and Colorado before I decided on the Frontier. I have 500 miles and have gotten about 17mpg in mostly city driving in Atlanta with the A/C running (better than I expected). Overall, the truck rides well, looks good, is comfortable, and can haul a decent amount for its size. It definitely fits my needs for a commuter truck that becomes a work truck on the weekends.