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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  XE 4 cylinder Great Choice - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ron - July 11 - 1:23 am

  I really enjoy my XE Frontier. The 4 cylinder engine is quiet and runs smooth. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts smooth and is great on gas mileage. The seats are very comfortable. The new body style looks great. I am very pleased with my Nissan Frontier.They did a fine job from design to assembly.

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  Powerful and Reliable - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Stumpy - July 8 - 8:50 am

  I have had this truck for two years and use it for everything commuting, mountain biking, skiing etc. Lots of power, great on and off road handling, excellent on snow and ice. The crew cab long bed is perfect; I can fit a crew of 4 with 2 dogs and 4 mountain bikes and travel in comfort to far away destinations. I drove all the other crew cab trucks and it came down to the Frontier and the Tacoma, I am very pleased to have chosen the Frontier.

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  Bought this after tons of research - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Hooper - July 7 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this after doing tons of research. Couldnt beat the value of what we got for our money. Would have preferred a Honda Ridgeline, but they just cost so much its silly. Drove lots of Toyota Tacomas, Ford Sport Tracs, and Frontiers. Nissan was the clear winner.

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  WHAT VOLVO? - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By rRICH - July 6 - 2:00 am

  SUPER TRUCK. LOVE THE 4 DOORS. GREAT RUGED LOOK

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  ROMPING IN THE DESERT. - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By RICH ABRO - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY FRONTEAR TO REPLACE MY 2 DOOR. I COULD NOT GET ALL MY FRIENDS IN THE SMALL TRUCK. THE 2001 4X4 HAS A LOT OF POWER FOR CLIMBING IN THE MOUNTAINS, BUT POOR GAS MILEAGE IN THE CITY. I LOVE MY TRUCK. RICH A.

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  A great little truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By timv11 - July 1 - 4:03 pm

  Ive had this truck for just over 2 years now. Bought it with 76,000 miles on it. I think I should have bought the extended cab but I really like the truck otherwise. I have had 720 lbs. of hay in the back and it ran just fine. It is more than enough truck for going to the hardware store or the dump. I use it as my commuter, around 70 miles a day. I would highly recommend this type of truck to anyone.

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  Love It - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By lemurmonkey - June 30 - 11:47 am

  I love this truck. My brother has the 2door Nismo and I drove it for a weekend and fell in love. I needed the 4 door for my 2 kids. (no nismo needed here either) The V6 rumbles when you push it higher than 3500rpms. I havent towed anything yet(but I have no fear of under-performing). Very comfortable compared to other trucks. Read the reviews out there and you will find this is the best truck in its class. I purchased used at 45K miles, so well see how reliable this thing is. Great looking truck, fast off the line, very capable 4x4, comfortable interior, and feel of high quality materials(unlike Chevy/GMC Canyon).

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By mabinkley - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent truck no complaint from me. never had a problem with it. It has hauled everything i have wanted to haul.

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  Affordable and reliable truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Soldonnissan - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Four doors (passenger room)and a bed (cargo room), most practical vehichle design if you can only afford one vehicle. I worried about the "small" bed being too small. It is not. I have only filled it to capacity on a few occasions and have never really needed more (if so, put it in the rear seat). Overall, nothing fancy, but dependable, reliable transportation for all my needs. 54k and no problems.

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  2001 SC King Cab Desert Runner - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By bhendon - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Good overall. Good styling. Good power. Comfortable leather seating. Poor fuel economy. Costly to repair in accidents.