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!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By ALLMAN - March 13 - 2:36 amBest deal bar none!!!!.....I researched, tested, drove, talked and argued for one month before finally landing the deal. Great power, handling, comfort and overall great truck.
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Solid Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By Old Toyota Guy - March 12 - 2:13 pmBeing an old toyota guy, this truck matches right with them but at a better price. Very comfortable for a truck but gutsy in the bad weather.
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My little white truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
By fireman - March 12 - 9:10 amThe truck drives very smooth. The engine is very responsive for a V6. The truck turns like a big truck.
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Better than Tacoma...... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By Edmond - March 7 - 5:43 pmAfter researching all the medium and small size trucks my choice was the Nissan Frontier. All the nice features, style, design make it a better choice. The Toyota Tacoma would be my second choice but I paid $2,500 less for a Frontier with the same choices. Plus those sales guys at Toyota are really difficult, they want you to pay MSRP and dont like to deal. The new Long bed on the Frontier makes it an excellent choice, if you compare the size of the bed to the Titan there is not much difference... I love my truck!
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Great bang for the buck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By flatspin - March 7 - 10:00 amI bought my Nissan Frontier in August, 2002. I was initially looking to buy a Toyota Pre-runner, but as I researched several key areas (price, reliability, maintainance, performance, owner satisfaction) the Frontier Desert- Runner soon became the better value. I own 2 Toyotas, an FJ-40 Landcruiser and a SR-5 Pickup. Both are solid, reliable vehicles. But the Nissan is just as trustworthy at a lot less money. Also the Toyotas developed rattles from the get-go, the Nissan remains quiet and composed.
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first new truck in 25 years - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By larry collie - March 5 - 5:36 pmthis is the first new truck i have bought in 25 years, i looked at a lot of mid size trucks so far i am very happy with my nissan frontier drives great, its fun to drive very comfortable gas mileage is ok around 20-21 with automatic trans, had a 93 nissan pickup very reliable so i was leaning toward a nissan truck, highly recommend.
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The Little Engine That Barely Could - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By First Frontier - March 3 - 1:13 amRecently bought truck. Has value package & bed liner with bed extender. Considered Tacoma, Dakota, Ranger & Colorado. 1st truck since 89 Toyo 4x4 with 4 cyl manual. Main reason for buying Frontier over Tacoma (1st choice) - $. Nissan gave $2K rebate, plus another $1K since I own Toyota + dealer sold well below invoice. Great value for $. Was torn between the 4 cyl and 6. Got the 4 because its mostly a commuter truck with weekend warrior activity. After 1,700 miles happy with truck, but 4 cyl lacks power with auto trans. Highway driving is fine when up to speed. But lack of power is apparent when getting on highway, stoplight to stoplight, hills or with load in bed.
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Frontier Rocks!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By Derrick Mandujano - March 1 - 5:06 pmI have always owned Ford Trucks and every one of them seem to break down after 36,000 miles. I traded my 4x4 Ranger Edge for a New 2006 Nissan Frontier LE........Now this is a compact truck to be recond with!!! The Dealership was ecellent in getting what I want and at the price I wanted...I recommend anoyone to Gunn Nissan, they were honest, quick, and kept informed.
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Mini Titan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By Richard P. - March 1 - 2:53 amA definite upgrade from my Ford Ranger. More room, more power. Spray in bed liner, cargo tie down kit, locking tailgate, and bed rail caps a plus. 6300 lbs. towing capacity. Big truck ride. Nissan did their homework on this one.
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BAD BAD BAD - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By me_shell - February 23 - 2:00 amI bought my frontier used in 1999. I am currently at 104000 miles. It has been one problem after the next with this truck. From all the wires behind the radio "mysteriously" melting, to the brakes, to replacing the clutch twice, to tail gate latch breaking, to the muffler, to the radiator, and the list goes on and on and on. Im finally trading it in tommorrow. YIPPIE! I should have done it earlier, but I just kept thinking that this problem will be the last, until all of a sudden more money than Id like to mention has been poured into it. However, it should be noted that I likely got a lemon.
