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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  Now this is a truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Eddie - June 23 - 12:43 pm

  This is one of the best trucks i have owned.The power is awesome you can realy feel the torque it puts out. Steering is tight handles like a dream and stops on a dime.Seats are comfy with great support.Stereo is the only bad thing in the Frontier.New Hu fixed that.

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  Great mid size truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By William - June 19 - 6:30 am

  The cash for clunkers program stimulated me to trade but it would have been well worth it, even if I had to pay the extra $4500. Nice ride, better mileage than what I was driving and looks great. The 4 cylinder is sufficient for my purpose of mostly driving and some hauling.

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  This Truck Is A Keeper ! ! ! ! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By MaximusStimulus - June 16 - 12:56 am

  I have just over 4K miles on this truck. I consider it the best looking truck in its class. It handles well. The ride is slightly stiff but not bad. (Hey...Its a truck...wink) The engine is adequate and the 5 speed auto transmission shifts smooth. The interior is unusually quiet when on the road. (Good sound proofing.) I have the base stereo and it sounds above average. I consider the fit and finish on this truck to be top quality and I look very closely when buying. The interior has excellent quality plastic (dash and door panels, etc) compared to some Ive seen. I get 20-22 MPG on combination driving. I havent done a strictly highway trip...yet. I am completely satisfied ! ! !

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  Still very happy one year later - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By psl - June 10 - 5:43 am

  I realize one year is hardly a long-term test (even though the magazines call it long-term). Still, its long enough to shake out the bugs and recover from any love-at-first-drive infatuation. I still love driving this truck! The handling beats any 4WD vehicle Ive tried, and it has so much power and torque it still sometimes surprises me. The 6- spd gives me the best of both worlds: a very low 1st gear for the steep terrain I live in and for towing, and an overdrive 6th for high-speed rural interstate driving without killing the gas mpg. Besides, the stick is just a blast to control; Ill never buy an automatic unless there is no other choice. No regrets about my purchase!

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  Needed better mpg with this truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - June 7 - 4:53 am

  I needed a truck. After I got this one I wasnt getting the mpg I thought I should. Well, one night I was on the interstate and I went just below 2000 rpm, about 1800 and locked in the cruise control. My mpg went up to over 24. My speed was about 65. With the present gas prices this might help you get some better mpg. Now I dont feel so bad. I like this truck. Mine is a 2 wheel drive Nismo with automatic. My best mpg is 27 using this method. I avg about 24 on the highway. Around town , 17 like everyone else. Hope this helps. You can go up to just about any speed and cut your rpms to about 1800 (or a little above) and improve your mpg.

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  Very good value - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By cry havoc - June 1 - 1:00 am

  Manual, 4x2 air, 4-cyl, cruise, preferred package. Power is OK for a 2.5L, at least when I can get the gear of my choice. Pleasant drive, capable of doing almost everything a light-duty truck and daily commuter vehicle could be expected to offer. I got more for my money with the Frontier. The king cab has non-adult rear seats; if you want to use them, get the crew cab.

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  Tacoma vs Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - May 28 - 6:03 am

  After 3 months of comparing these two vehicles, the Frontier won! It cost much less than the Tacoma, it has more "git up and go", and has a more solid ride verses the bouncy feel I sensed in the Tacoma. I figured that the Frontier has far more horsepower and torque per pound in comparison to the other trucks. As an added bonus, my first round trip in the Bay Area freeways resulted an average 24.6 mpg on regular gas! City driving cuts into it at about 18.5 mpg. Though I miss the compass/temp read-out feature, the balance of the dashboard is laid out very thoughtfully. Some say that theres too much plastic in it but its my work truck, who cares!

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  Great truck if you dont need a warranty - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 142Nism07 - May 25 - 6:26 am

  Very fun truck to drive. Practicle, especially since it has bigger capabilities than its size. One downfall is the service provided by Nissan. Every problem that has occured with this truck, was turned into a big headache for myself. Currently my dealer refuses to acknowledge that my 6spd clutch has a defect and wants to charge me over $1200 for a new one. I officially documented the complaint at 15k miles though I had the issue from new. There are several cases of this specific defect, which should be warrantied. My dealer refuses. Love the truck, hate the service, and I reccomend buying an automatic, due to relaiability. This is not the only problem with the truck, just the most prevelant

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  Over all a great family truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Bryan Short - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable great for my familey Gas millage is low for a small truck Over all I would buy this truck again Had one problem under waranty Nissan did a gret job fixing and even gave us a rental car

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  GOOD SMALL TRUCK - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By BarryB - May 25 - 2:00 am

  HAVE DRIVEN TRUCK FOR 3 YRS, HAVE ONLY CHANGED TIRES, AND OIL, BEEN VERY RELIABLE.BUT DO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH STEREO, IT CUTS IN AND OUT.