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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  05 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By WMacork - August 3 - 12:50 pm

  Body integrity needs work. Tailgate hinges have been replaced but tailgate is too heavy and has caused body damage to lower part of tailgate. Fosgate radio is good but two bands of AM and only 1 of FM doesnt make sense. Satellite from Nissan is too expensive even though convenient. My spouse doesnt like the passenger seat for trips but drivers seat is very comfy. Reliability has been very good except body integrity.

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  Why not to buy a frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By trebor - July 30 - 11:13 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this truck, the suspension had been squeaking since about 3,000 miles and the dealer hasnt been able to fix it, there have been several recalls, as well as many adjustments made to the doors to keep them from hitting other panels. Overall it is a fun truck to drive, but a pain to own. This truck had been at the dealer a total of 22 days having problems fixed.

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  Great truck, but as always a few complaints - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By thepatriot - July 25 - 7:14 am

  Overall I am mostly satisfied with this truck. Ive driven this one for just over 8,000 miles. I like the exterior styling except for the excessive amounts of "chrome" or bright shiny metal/plastic. Im fine with the bumpers being shiny, but the front bumper along with the bright grille is simply to much in my opinion. Not a big deal, Im paint the grille and that problem is solved.They also attempted to solve this in the 2012 model with the sports package. Im nearly satisfied with the interior. The materials could have been a bit better, but arent bad overall. It just seems as if the plastics scuff up pretty easily. Lastly the automatic transmission is a bit of a gear hunter.

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  05 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jeff - July 23 - 11:26 pm

  This is a great truck so far. Just got over 1,000 miles. Gas mileage is very close to the rated 15/20, although you can do better if you take it easy. Everything is where it needs to be. Only problem is a rattle in the dash. It only does it when it is cold and near idle. If I turn on the defroster, the rattle stops. Wanting to get it fixed but not looking foward to the dealer tearing into my dash. Would still buy the truck again. Drove the Tacoma and the Nissan just feels bigger.

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  Cheap to Keep - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve McGill - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Frontier new in 1998. It now has 136,000 miles and has been very reliable. The fuel gauge became erratic and was replaced under warranty. The plastic tailgate handle broke and was replaced for $35.00. Water pump replaced at 68,000. Gas mileage averages 25 mpg. (mainly highway miles) The engine is adequate for light hauling. Dealer service has been excellent. Great truck!

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  Love it, but hate it! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Motor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck and wanted to buy a Nissan for the dependability. Ive owned a Nissan Hardbody in the past and there was no stopping this truck. So ofcourse I wanted the Frontier. So far the sunroof leaked really bad. One of my speakers had to be replaced. A radiator hose leaked. As if all this wasnt bad enough, the paint is peeling off and Nissan says its because of rocks. They are absoutly wrong. My service consultant laughs everytime I go in for service. He says I need to trade it.

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  Nismo V6 King Cab - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By duker51 - July 16 - 3:40 am

  Very nice truck. Roomy, seats are comfy, handles very well, and looks rad. This truck is very solid. Good room and visability from all angles. The engine and trans work well together, smooth and powerful. Off roading is awesome. The Nismo was built for this and it work very well. Locking Rear, VDC, 4-Wheel Limited slip, all perform admirable!

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  Tough - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Krista Lucas - July 14 - 8:16 am

  Ive been hit hard twice (both times my vehicle was stopped) and the other vehicles had much damage and only very little surface scratches to mine.

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  Tapioca - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By ssj - July 13 - 2:16 am

  Ive owned the Frontier for over 8 months now, and I am selling it today. Any major problems? No, just a coolant leak. Maybe I am too young and immature yet, but the truck, while not bad in any particular way, is just not what I was looking for. I would keep it if perhaps if I needed a truck and wasnt using it as a daily driver.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - July 11 - 6:26 am

  Bought truck used in 2001 with 27k miles. Now has nearly 102,000 miles. Still going strong. Back seat does not have a lot of leg room, but is great for short adults or kids. I added a roll-n-lock bed cover to use for covering luggage on family trips. Rear cup holders are good with kids in back. My daughter is learning to drive and likes this better than our car.