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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  Not sure - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By spiff - April 13 - 5:10 am

  A good solid truck with a lot of promise. I have owned it for 3 years now with nothing major wrong with it. Just a lot of little things. Things like gas cap door spring falling off, door handle cover falling off, ac ducts came loose, rear bumper lights becoming loose, rattling in the exhaust. I have to say it hauls a load well and the bed track system is great.

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  3RD NISSAN - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By CAPE FEAR - April 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY THIRD NISSAN, MY LAST ONE HAD 250000 TROUBLE FREE MILES, IVE GOT 44000 TROUBLE FREE MILES ON THIS ONE, THEY MAKE GREAT TRUCKS. I JUST WISH THE 2001 HAD MORE LOW END POWER.

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  Excellent Mid-Size Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Hal - April 2 - 11:46 pm

  I traded a 2008 Silverado extended cab for a truck w/ a smaller footprint that still had some power. The V-6 has plenty, but better mileage.I also wanted a real crew cab. Ive read knocks about this trucks turning radius, but its a huge improvement over the huge Chevy. The Pro-4X package is rugged and came loaded with options, but theres no doubt youre in a truck. Fun to drive and a good- looking truck, much better than the Tacoma that I also considered. The Toyotas dont come with as many options. This is a quality-built and reasonably-priced truck for what you get. Great in snow, even in 2WD.

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  Front Alignment and Fuel Usage Nightmare - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Jumper011 - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Nissan should go back to the drawing board with this engine. Supercharger is good idea and helps make up for the wimpy-6. Really bad fuel economy - 16 city/20 hwy for a compact pickup. Have to align the front-end every 5,000 miles at $55 bucks a pop - one of the Nissan production techs told me this was a common problem with the "bigfoots" as he called it, referring to the large wheels and tires they put on the S/C models with no suspension modifications. Do not expect tires to last more than 25K mi.

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  Research - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Marty Rollinson - March 28 - 6:40 pm

  Edmunds:reviews this is a good truck, been Toyota man since 68 corona, glad I researched, this frontier has surprised me with ride, motor, tran.! 4wd but mpg is great, getting better mpg than Tacoma 4cy 4wd that I had !

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  Its just OK - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike G - March 26 - 9:36 pm

  Nice looks, powerful engine, roomy interior.6,000 miles and cant get comfortable behind the wheel. Gas mileage is dissapointing. Idles roughly when stopped at a light. Dealer cant find anything wrong, I say I shouldnt get a seat massage at every light!

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  Nice little truck... - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jsan - March 22 - 1:10 pm

  Excellent for in town driving and for carrying light cargo. Offers decent comfort and convenience, and outstanding reliability for a reasonable price.

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  Awesome Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By scottb - March 22 - 9:03 am

  Just got my Frontier a week ago, and Im loving every minute I get to drive it. Very powerful and the Rockford Fosgate stereo is great! The leather feels great too!

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  Frontier Foe - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JML - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Frontier burns way too much gas. The gas milage is very poor. I suggest you tak this into account before buying this truck. The gas alone equals my car note every month. Also the ride is very rough and the BF Godrich tires that come stock on the truck wear prematurely and they cost 150.00 each to replace.

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  good vehicle - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - March 17 - 2:00 am

  quiet, reliable, solid no squeaks or rattles after 36k, no problems or shop time. i think this one is a keeper..should get 200k out of it with the proven V6