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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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Al - May 7 - 12:20 am

  This one great truck! Previous Ford owner, and this truck will out perform the Ranger hands down. The the power is incredible. The six speed tranny boosts the fuel economy to 21-23. the other manufacturers better get it together if they are going to keep up with Nissan on this one!

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  Mixed Feelings - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By kevymckev - May 5 - 8:31 pm

  I have been the sole owner of my 06 SE Frontier since it rolled off the lot in July of 06. The truck had a great V6 power & solid comfort and excellent affordability.My opinion changes after a serious accident with this truck. The key benefit was how well this truck absorbed a major collision. The truck immediatly lowered and reduced the impact i felt..preventing serious injury on my part. I love this truck for that.I have lost 100 miles to the tank of gas. Pre-Accident i was getting 350 miles per tank. Now i only get a meager 250. The power of my V6 has been reduced drastically.I have also replaced the battery 4 times with this truck. Only 100,000 miles on it.This truck had potential

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  Performance at its best - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By klhart - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a must have for young consumers with a lot of cash. I love the beauty and comfort of the fronty when travelling on those gravel roads. And when I mean gravel I mean gravel. The interior design is quite to eye popper. I love the sound system. Nothing comes close to my fronty with the loud supercharger, giving me the power.

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  2008 FRONTIER LE CREW CAB 4X4 - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By nsanewheels - May 1 - 3:36 pm

  This is my 2nd Nissan Frontier since their redesign in 2005 just turned my 3 yr lease and now I have the Red Pearl 2008 as loaded as it can come. Its a great midsize truck good for work or play. I used it for both work family and a little beach riding. I regularly max the 4.0 out highway driving daily in PA. It will max out right about 115, electronically limited at 4500 RPM top gear which is acceptable given that youre still going way too fast anyway.

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  2006 Nissan Frontier SE 4WD Crew Cab - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By P-W-R - April 21 - 6:53 pm

  Attractive exterior styling. Compact size makes it very easy for person of limited height to access bed. Very nice sprayed in bedliner with innovative load locking system. All controls are within easy reach inside. Drivers seat could, however, have more adjustments. Very responsive 4.0 litre engine. Truck towed my camper up some very steep hills with ease, particularly after downshifting, it took off like I had nothing in tow when I had just over 2,000 pounds! Very impressive. For the money and when compared with its Toyota counterpart, seems to me to have "more bang for the buck." In other words, I belive I was able to obtain more optional equipment for the price I paid

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  Great Compact Truck! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By TexChad - April 15 - 8:50 pm

  I traded in my beloved 2004 VW Touareg V8 due to high maintenance costs and horrible gas mileage and high octane requirements. For months I searched for the right vehicle to replace the one I loved so much, and I finally found it in the 2010 Frontier PRO-4X 4x4. This truck has everything my Touareg had as far as creature comforts and more!

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  2002 frontier s/c long bed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By paul ambrogi - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Just drove 600 mile round trip and loved it. More than enough power 60-85. Drove on beach in NC with plenty of 4 W.D. control. Love the opt. fostgate stero system. Averaged 17.5 mpg @ 75mph w/ air on. Get a lot of looks. We love our truck. S/C package best option package for compact truck.

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  Nice Truck!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By zeke - April 12 - 6:36 pm

  Was looking for a new truck and went back and forth between full/midsize. Found some articles on the Fronty on internet and test drove. It was very impressive and spoke for itself. Good power, handling ride quality, well thought out design and ruggedness. Nissan is a player in the truck market offering quality/pricing and a good reputation.

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  Great! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By av_empire - April 11 - 11:06 am

  I upgraded from an 03 Xterra. Talk about a night and day difference in performance, power, and ride. The 07 Frontier LE Crew Cab 4x4 has a smooth and comfortable ride. At times it even feels like Im driving a luxury car. The 261 hp, 4.0L engine is top notch. Nissan has a winner here!

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  LE Crew Cab Rocks! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By D - April 10 - 1:50 pm

  Traded My 01 Tacoma. Had a great experience so I decided to buy another one. After testing driving both vehicles I found the Frontier was better equipped for my needs. The Frontier has a great ride. Stiff but very stable. I dont feel the bounciness on the highway as the Tacoma did on my test drive. The transmission shifts are quick and precise. Comfort is great. Albeit the Tacoma scored better with their back seat. Price was the biggest deciding factor. The SR5 Tacoma costs almost $1500 more than my LE Crew Cab. The LE has far more options. I think the Frontier is a great bargain for what you get.