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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  2005 Nissan Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By wvfrontier - August 25 - 4:56 am

  What to say? I absolutley love the look of the new Nissan Frontier. That was what first got me interested in it. After I took it for a test drive i had to have it. It has great power and acceleration. I havent gotten used to the turning radius though. After driving a little Subaru that I could whip into anywhere its takign me a while to get use to learning to swing out more to get into parking spaces, but to me its worth it. The interior is vastly improved from the old model. The Rocksford sound system is awsome. I love being able to play audio CDs, my MP3s, and listen to satellite radio all from the same system. The subs are nice but not overpowering. The seating material is very comfortable and looks like it wears well.

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  Love it - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - August 20 - 12:43 pm

  It was between a Ford Sport Trac and The Nissan. I have a 99 Ranger with 334K on it and still running with no major repairs. After comparing the two, Sport Trac vs Frontier I picked the Nissan for mainly two things, price, Frontier was less expensive and second, it had a longer bed.

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  My Cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim Warner - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Have had one problem with driver seat sticking and will not move forward or backward. I am 64" and need the leg room

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  The real Phil - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By phil - August 13 - 9:53 am

  Started out mediocre, had problem with abs module, but 100% covered, and no problems since. Rides great, good acceleration, versatile bed used many times already. My first pick up truck, has large back seat that fold up for more cargo space. Love the heated leather seats, powerful a/c, 4 wheel drive on the fly is great.

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  GOOD LOOKING TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By sierravera - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck so far no problems at all the only complaints I have is the MPG!! is really bad for a 4 cyl. I only get like 20/22 miles per gallon and is a 15gal. tank Im only able to put 12 gallons and I get 283 miles the most before I have to gas up again, wind noise in the cabin, the door seals are bad and you hear the wind noise,the rear seat area is really small, and engine is a bit noisy it consumes al least 1/2 qtr. of oil when reaches 3,000 miles, mine has 3100 miles on it and the oil chg, is due @ 3,750 miles, maybe is because is not broken in yet, Ill keep my fingers cross til its first oil change.and beyond that.;)

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  I Love This Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary - August 10 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my Frontier a year, now. If I had it do again, I would still buy this truck. I looked at the Dakota and the Tacoma, and wasnt very impressed. First, I liked the look of the Frontier. But, when I drove one, that was it. The power, felt like a V-8. Too me, it was just what I wanted in a truck.

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  Enjoy the Ride! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nate240-Z - August 9 - 9:20 pm

  I LOVE this truck! I have almost 45000 miles on it now and not a single problem. The interior does not have the cheap look and feel that the Toyota has. The interior is also extremely user friendly. Once you get rid of those horrible BFG rugged trail tires for a real All Terrain tire, I suggest the Yokohama Geolander A/T+IIs, the off-road ability is amazing. I had NO wet road traction with the BFGs and the Yokos solved that problem. I ordered mine with the 5spd manual which has a 4LO crawl ratio of nearly 40:1. Gas mielage is good for a 4x4... I average 20mpg on the highway and 15-16 in town, also while towing my 72 240Z on the hwy (3300lbs w/trailer) I averaged 16mpg @ 65-70mph.

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  Cool Truck! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By RM - August 7 - 12:53 pm

  This is a great truck. I traded in my Xterra for it. I got the last 06 at a great price, fully loaded. It has great style and is so fun to drive. I plan on towing with it and it obviously has great power. I look forward to long relationship with my truck!

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  Marks Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By msfullen - August 7 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive and sits high like a 4wd but its not, standard mudflaps, comfortable, plenty of power for a 3.3 engine, designed wheel wells, but the front of vehicle looks like a bug or something because it looks like it has eyes with the two round marker lights, plenty of room in the short bed crew cab with its extender, and the room in back is ok not big but not to small.

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  mpg lousy for a small truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By fireguy - August 4 - 12:46 am

  like most things about the truck (the drive, how it handles, etc.). Interior controls are good, however mpg horrible for a small truck. less than 15 on the interstate, less than 12 in town. I bought the truck thinking fuel mileage would be reasonable (most small trucks are).