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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  The Prime Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Shulton - October 20 - 9:33 am

  Too much low quality plastic inside easy to break. Engine noise after 4 months, it starts when RPM hits 2200, unable to fix by dealer and not recognize by Nissan as defect. It does not affect performance, but its annoying.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Josh - October 19 - 7:40 pm

  Great truck! Very spacious, really comfortable, even on long drives. Shifting is smooth and gas mileage is great for a truck this size.

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  Fits just right - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Jason - October 18 - 4:10 am

  Just got this truck after spending the past 5 years driving an Explorer Sport, and I have to say, theres a world of difference. Was challenging finding the PRO-4X in 4wd, but Im glad I held out for the PRO-4X. Not needing a full size truck, but desiring tough off-rode performance, and comfort, the PRO-4x fits my needs perfectly. The ride is much better than my Explorers, with the 8-way adjustable (and heated) seats being the most comfortable Ive experienced personally. I drove 5 hours in it the day I bought it, and never got "tired of the saddle." The Rockford Fosgate sound system is top notch, and the Crew Cab gives me ample room to haul the kids around comfortably.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cmroler - October 12 - 10:00 am

  My Frontier XE CC LB is 1 year old with 12000 flawless mile. Looked at Toyota Tacomas but the dealers wouldnt deal. Nissan dealer was great, drove in for 1st time look and 1hr.15min. later drove my new truck home. Love the whole truck, looks, power, and handling.

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  2011 Nissan Frontier 4.0L AUTO 4X4 S MODEL 1000 miles - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By sumncguy - October 10 - 11:30 pm

  V6 is capable but slow on starts, ok once revs are up. 4x4 is also capable in 4-6" snow. Seats + interior feel a little flimsy. Normally standards, Cruise + overhead drivers light not available on this model. Seats wife + I, our 13 + 9 year old comfortably. MPG is decent averaging 15 mph under varying conditions. 991 miles and 3 weeks of ownership. Overall, Im happy but some low grades, especially related to how the interior will hold up, indicate areas of concern at this point in time. I will return for a 6 month evaluation.

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  Great Mid-Sized Truck - Excellent Value - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By CNY Frontier - October 9 - 11:43 am

  The crew cab LWB model has a somewhat long turning radius but it also has all the interior seating room you would want without any loss of bed space. The roof rack, flip up rear seats, spray-in liner, tie-down system locking tailgate and other features beat the competition. The truck has lots of power and yet has a quiet ride. The ride is nice and the seating position is preferable to the Tacoma. Gas mileage in the first 3 tanks has ranged from 17.5 to over 20 mpg in mixed driving, assuming that you dont get your foot into it too much. Gas mileage seems to be improving as the miles add up.

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  Impressive replacement - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randall - October 6 - 4:36 am

  Test drove the Tacoma first, very nice truck that I felt lacked muscle to get up to freeway speed. Tested the Frontier and talk about impressive! The power, ride, options and then the real deciding factor, price! Icing on the cake is the fuel economy. At present with 1500 miles, freeway runs at 75-80 mph, a/c on, I get 21.3. City driving I get a fair 16.

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  Great Truck - get rid of the rattles - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By John - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  I use my truck everyday to haul all types of things (family of 5, 1 dog, all travel accessories to keep them occupied), pulls trailers well, handles well in bad weather conditions, enjoy the ride height (higher than normal for 2WD truck models)

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  Frontier for you? - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By gjc345 - September 30 - 5:56 pm

  The new Frontier is a very capable truck.I have alwalys owned Ford trucks until I purchased new Frontier.Power for a V-6 4dr is very good. Pulls very well. Only fault is small cargo space but bought for carrying more people than cargo.

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  Nissan Frontier Great Pick-UP Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By onezik - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great in ice or snow if you know how to drive it. Not great on gas but looks great and extremely reliable. It is not a fast truck but will not let you down and looks great. I Love My Frontier