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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  Bigger and better than it looks - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By SA Nismo - September 29 - 2:43 pm

  Traded my truly excellent 2005 Tundra TRD 4x4 for this smaller truck. But dont let it fool you- the bed is quite nearly the same size. Acceleration is better and my max noted MPG was 21 on the hwy the other morning. Avg MPG seems to be 17.5 to 18.5. The NISMO 4x4 drives like a car- the suspension is tight and accurate, low center-of-gravity for a 4x4 but has enough clearance for most Jeep trails in TX. WAY more power than the Tacoma with more features for less money. Had a Titan before the Tundra and it was junk but Nissan has been making compacts much longer than they have been making full-sized. Give the Titan another couple years. Enjoy the Frontier today.

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  great truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bernie kanzler - September 28 - 11:21 pm

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  2005 LE CREW CAB - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JIM LAPSLEY - September 25 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for 1 month and just got through Nissans 1200 mile break-in, I had a chance to put it to the floor, after 4000 rpm a huge surge in power and goes to red line quickly. Overall truck is very tight, rides nice and is a joy to drive. It has loads of power and alot of interior room. Im extremely please with this vehicle and would recommend to anyone.

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  Best Truck Ever Made - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By robert - September 21 - 3:20 am

  The drive is solid. The power is excellent and it is very quiet and comfortable inside. I compared it to the Toyota tacoma and the Ford ranger. It was obvious to me that there were very large quality differences. The Frontier was a much nicer vehicle then the other two makes that I compared it with. Also the value of the dollar for similar features beat the Toyota. Buy this truck if you want to be completely satisfied with your decision.

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  2005 frontier king - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Frontowner - September 17 - 1:40 pm

  Nice truck so far, took a 700 mile trip in it this past weekend, ran great for a truck getting really good gas mileage. Small on passing power, but will run good in upper 80-90mph. Shes not shy, but dont think youre gonna be passing real easy.

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  Great truck, BUT... - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By emg8160 - September 4 - 4:54 am

  I bought my 06 Frontier from an individual via Craigslist with 108k miles. I loved it for the 2 months I could drive it. Then, the tranny went out. Come to find out, this is common and Nissan never issued a recall. I found someone local who would install a re-manufactured tranny and new radiator (included all labor and fluids) for $4,000. I have been waiting for over 2 months to get my truck back because their "parts people" from Chicago had originally gotten the wrong parts number for the tranny and are now waiting for a solenoid so they can complete the rebuild... I am now in the position that (if I ever get the truck back) I have more in it than its worth so I HAVE to drive it now...

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  Nice Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By rfernatt - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck replaced a leased 2001 Frontier CC 4WD 5-speed which was trouble free at 42K miles. Although we havent had this 03 long, I believe that it is quieter and rides smoother than the 01 on the road. The automatic keeps the engine running at lower revs on the interstate, and that helps. I also like the seat fabric better on this 03 XE than the 01. Squeaks and rattles werent a problem with the 01, but this truck feels very solid with virtually no rattles even over bumps and ruts. In summary, it has most everything I liked about our 2001 with some evolutionary improvements.

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  SE Crew Cab 2 Wheel Drive - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By gavero - August 30 - 6:10 am

  My mind was already set on buying a Toyota Tacoma four door TRD truck. I just wanted to test drive the Frontier for the heck of it. I was sold on the power of the truck and the optional features that was offered.The Frontier had a lot of leg room and the seats were real comfortable. I think Nissan did their homework with the Frontier and I would pick this truck over any of the mid size trucks out there.

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  Satisfied with my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad Rossi - August 25 - 8:46 pm

  I use my Frontier for a variety of tasks. I haul drinks for a vending machine business; I use it for hauling materials for the home improvement projects; and I just recently drove it from Baton Rouge to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. It is a solid truck. The only complaint is the poor turning radius. One more thing, if you put in an aftermarket radio it will mess up the airbag system which only the dealer can fix, for an $89 charge.

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  FANTASTIC! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Debbi - August 25 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased the 2005 Frontier Crew Nismo with some hesitation. I am glad however; my husband pushed for it. The Nismo package is great! It feels like a full size truck with fabulous gas mileage. The interior is comfortably suited for ease, access and security. The only features missings are the audio controls on the steering wheel and leather interior. I would highly recommend the truck without hesitation!