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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  Good Riddance - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By isuztroop7 - February 22 - 6:53 pm

  Maybe Im just used to boxy SUVs. I replaced my 92 Pathfinder SEV6 with the Crew Cab Frontier SEV6. Bad mistake. The handling was less than I expected. The ABS would abruptly kick in wet conditions. Short-bed was neat until I needed to put something big back there. Cramped and plain interior. Stock CD player would malfunction when it got too warm from long operation. Poor traction and ugly cloth seat fabric. I liked the unique exterior look though for its time. Traded it in after the second accident involving the terrible 4WD traction. Owned it for a year. Nissan was once my favorite automaker, however they take a second or even fifth seat after owning such a bad vehicle. I still see their current models could use a tad more luster in their designs.

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  The best truck of 2002 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Stephen Tyson - February 21 - 10:00 am

  It simply has the best exterior design. The inside on the other had could be better.

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  Love my Frontier - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Lil Ed - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three Nissans in the past 3 years. First I started out with a Nissan Sentra... Liked it. Then I bought a Nissan Frontier Club Cab, it was Good but, I wanted all the features that I had with My Sentra GXE. I then bought a Nissan Frontier 4x4 Crew Cab with the Power Package and the off-road package. This truck is Da-Bomb!! It rides nice. I drive 5 miles out of my way just so I can stay in it longer then the trip really calls for.

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  It loves gas! - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Woliver - February 19 - 8:11 am

  Bought this as a more cost effective and less garage filling replacement for my 2000 Silverado. Interior fit and finish is great, good visibility and lots of power. A/C works well which is appreciated in TX. Cons: this truck gets 16.5 MPG city and about 20.5 highway - way less than my old 4.8 L Silverado which got 19.5/23 over 170K miles with a larger and more powerful engine. The Frontier is a miserable highway truck as you have to compensate for every little wind gust and it will hydroplane easily compared to the other trucks I have owned. There is also a clunk in the driveline which I have noted in not only my but other Frontiers when taking off from a stop. Still, it is a good value for an in town hauler if you do not need a longer 6 bed.

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  Love everything but the interior - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rsrtampa - February 18 - 12:36 am

  The Frontier is a great truck and I am very pleased with it. The power is more than adequate and the interior room is good. The handling is great and the road noise is very low for a truck. The interior is just boring. The controls are all in fairly good locations but the styling is just blah. There is no nice trim pieces and the seats are not as supportive as they should be.

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  So far so good!!!! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By stuclen@hotmail.com - February 11 - 6:16 pm

  The vehicle has been very good. No issues at all. It has been very reliable. Starts and runs well in all weather from 100 degress to -60 below. I live in canada and the truck gets used but not abused and has held up well. Still looks and feels like new. We have alot of bush roads up here and they are hard on vehicles. This truck does not have a squeak or rattle anywhere and thats impressive. I have driven all makes and models of trucks over the years and this is a very good truck. Mileage is good for this type of vehicle. I get around 22-24 mpg in four wheel drive on our snow and ice covered roads. I think this is pretty good.

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  One Sweet Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By David Lee - February 5 - 10:13 am

  Bought this truck just before Christmas 2009. I tell you what a fun truck to drive , a very very peppy 4cyl with a smooth shifting Auto Trans. This truck really moves, handles well, and is very very quiet! Had a 2000 Frontier but this one is a far cry better !!! I would recommend the 4cyl Auto to anyone if you just need a truck to drive and not pulling anything. Plenty of ZIP getting on the Highway. Love the ride also the 16" tires and wheels are a nice addition. Overall as you can tell i am very impressed with this truck, the more i drive it the more i like it !!! And it is a very nice looking truck at that ! Traded a Honda CRV for this and have not looked back since !!! Way to go NISSAN

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  Half the cost of aTacoma - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By bamagreg - January 28 - 2:00 am

  I moved to the country two years ago and had to have a small truck to drive on the 3 mile gravel road I live on and this is what I bought. I bought it at 100k mile and now it has 140k with no problems. I get 28 mpg going back and forth to work. What a great truck. Im glad I saved money when I looked at the Toyota Tacoma.

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  Best truck you will evr find - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By shill83 - January 27 - 6:40 am

  There is no better truck in the world. This truck is running just as good as the day i bought it and shows no sign of wear. during the worst ice storm my area has ever seen last year the truck ran over every tree that blocked my way. after some drunk guy smashed into the side of it and hit the rear wheel dead on going 50mph the truck started right up and took me home. when i took it to be repaired, we found out the leaf springs had blown apart....and it still took me home. i love this truck and when this truck finally dies, if it ever does, i will buy another.

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  03 Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By farbotko - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, not too small and not too large. Just the right size to haul large items, yet still fit comfortably in a parking space.