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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Excellent Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By AliasTrucker - January 24 - 10:00 amThis truck is awsome, it drives great and has no problems at all. GREAT BUY!
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Best Compact for Your Money! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By Darren - January 24 - 4:56 amI love the design of this truck. I compared it with the Toyota Tacoma before I bought it. This is definitely a better truck. The Tacoma looks too plain and a little too conservative for my taste. The interior design of the Frontier is the best in its class. Overall a great truck for a very reasonable price!
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Excellent truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By bigj6360 - January 17 - 4:40 pmI bought this crew cab long bed recently and am very excited about this truck. So far I like everything about it with the exception of one aspect. The tilt. This truck has so many nice qualities like fit and finish, pure looks, and power. I think they were looking at a different target audience, however. Im 61 and with the tilt all the way up, and the seat all the way down, it can still be a little cramped on the drivers side. But on that note it is something that you easily get use to. It is just different I guess. Overall... No compact truck beats this one in terms of overall package (Quality, power, functionality -LongBed-, towing, etc).
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Super Charged - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By Pipe - January 17 - 10:00 amGreat Truck. A pleasure to drive.
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Best Truck Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By MidHudsonMark - January 14 - 12:30 amI just replaced the front brake pads - at 50,171 miles. Rear pads still have 85% of meat on em. Only thing replaced under warranty was an air bag sensor; other than that, it looks and drives like it just left the showroom. I will keep this truck until it has at least 200000 miles on it, because I think it will still rock even then.
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like my truck :) - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By Ashley - January 13 - 10:13 pmjust got the truck so havnt had any mechanical problems obviously, so this is basically a 1st impression. the interior seems to be pretty cheap, but its VERY comfortable, more so even than the sedan i drove before. the turning radius is amazing for the size of the vehicle, i can get it into anywhere! it is a little slow to start but when you put it in overdrive its much better, very smooth on the highway. I LOVE the way it looks too. PERFECT truck for a girl who needs one, but wants to be able to see over the dash! its just the right size for me.
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Traded up from Toyota Tacoma - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By Bill - January 12 - 10:00 amJust traded in my 2007 Toyota Tacoma for a new Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab. I had to have more comfort than the Toyota seats would give me. I really hate that Toyota didnt offer a upgrade leather power seats in the Tacoma because I did generally like the truck. But since getting my new Nissan, I have never looked back. Its a wonderful truck and a wonderful ride with the LE Value truck package of goodies. fully adjustable Leather heated seats, Steering wheel stalk tilts down for real comfort. Have already put 1500 miles on it and find that the gas mileage on a long trip runs 20+/- mpg. Im not sorry that I switched trucks. Nissan makes a great product and its also made in the South
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My Frontier Experience - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By arcadio figueroa - January 11 - 2:00 amFor the most, this vehicle is a good handling truck but very high on gas consuming. THe air conditioner and heat exchanger are very poor and the interior space is very limited, specially in the back seat.
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fun truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By zip - January 10 - 10:00 amFun truck to own, never been in the shop, great performance.
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One year old and still strong - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Adam - January 5 - 8:56 amI have had the truck for a little over a year and am still enjoying every drive. I was able to get the hitch and tool box included at $1000 less than MSRP. The optional tool box works great for me as a construction worker, and it blends in with the style of the truck. The front seats have plenty of room and are reasonably comfortable for longer trips. The rear seats can be a little tight when the front seats are all the way back. Overall, the truck is excellent, and I am glad I didnt choose the Tacoma or Dakota instead.
