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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  Rock-Solid, Market-Wise - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By SkiMan - January 3 - 10:00 am

  It has been three years and I am just getting started with this truck. What still amazes me is the value for the money factor with this rig. I am a contractor and this truck does not get pampered. I had a fullsize before but this time decided to try the midsize with this crew cab setup. It was definitely the right move, this rig is a strong little truck. A lot of quality has been built in to this model by the manufacturer - which is good because Nissan dealership service departments can be such a nightmare.

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  First Pickup Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed - December 29 - 11:00 am

  This is my first p/u and the vehicle is very nice to drive. Smooth, quiet,and handles very well. The 5 speed auto shifts nicely and the engine has excellent power. The ride is not busy on the highway. I drove a Tacoma with similar equipment and found it to be not has sure footed. The ride in the Tacoma was unsettled at highway speeds. The Rockford/Fosgate stereo is very nice indeed. I have the leather interior, it is very comfortable. Even my wife likes to drive it. We have owned Nissan cars since 1987 and we were never disappointed.

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  Nice Truck For The Price - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By ROBO - December 29 - 8:56 am

  I have only owned my Frontier SV 4x4 for 2 weeks and am happy with my purchase so far . The only problems i have so far is a not centered steering wheel and a minor trim fit problem in the cab . The truck seems well built and a value considering the price compared to mid size Chevy and Toyota trucks which are rated better by writers but also cost a few thousand dollars more . I have the 4.0 V6 and the mileage is less than my previous 2011 Jeep Liberty Sport with a 3.7 V6 . But the Frontier SV is bigger engine wise and weight wise so it is to be expected . A lot of writers criticize the gas mileage of the Frontier compared to similar trucks by Toyota and Chevy . But if you research it . They all have smaller engines compared to the Nissan 4.0 V6 in the Frontier . So the critics of the Frontiers poor gas mileage have made a bad comparison in my opinion . The ride is better than a lot of cars . The off road abilities i have not checked out yet . Ground clearance looks good for off road use . All in all a nice truck at a nice price .

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  Better than a Tacoma - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By danwatson - December 29 - 7:38 am

  I owned an 04 Tacoma Crew Cab that I was never going to get rid of. Very reliable and functional. Then I moved to the Eastern Sierras and needed 4WD. I quickly narrowed it down to a Tacoma and Frontier. Chose the Frontier because of better pricing an appearance. Ive had it for10 months and nearly 13,000 miles. There has not been a problem. 4WD works great in the snow and I just got back from a hunting trip in Wyoming where I was off road for a couple of hundred miles. Even needed 4WD low and it went everywhere I needed to go. Im very satisfied with the Frontier. Its my first Nissan truck (I used to own an Infiniti). I owned an 88 and 04 Toyotas and this is better than either.

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  Not Quite Good Enough - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By alko - December 26 - 8:10 pm

  This review is specifically for the 2x4 Crew Cab SE w/ 6-speed tranny. This truck looks nice and has nice features in and out and the interior controls and gauges are well thought out, but threr are a couple of things I dislike. The front suspension is so stiff that it does nothing to absorb the freeway bumps and constantly throws my body from side to side on uneven terrain such as dips and driveways. The tires take all the abuse bouncing over the bumps. Its almost unbearable. The other thing I dislike is the electronic throttle control which has a decceleration delay of about 1 second and makes smooth shifting very hard to master. I just dont understand the thinking behind this.

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  nissan drew the line - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - December 22 - 3:16 am

  I have to say this truck is such a delight to drive thumbs up where ever I go. a radar detector might be in order

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  2008 Frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By longdrive - December 18 - 11:53 pm

  I have over 50,000 miles on my 2008 Frontier. It has performed well. Gas mileage on the highway is about 20.5 mpg. Good in the snow (4wd). Rides very well on the highway. Smooth ride. No mechanical issues to date. Down side: Turning radius is an issue. It is hard to park and turn in tight spaces. Inside front cabin space is noticeably smaller than a Dakota (I have had 4 dakotas). The Nissan zip type toneau cover is terrible. The cross bar support brackets break easily, it cant seal well at the corners and thus it leaks, harder to remove than a snap-type cover. The standard radio is not as good as it should be (one disc, power is low, no aux audio input). Overall I like my truck.

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  2002 Frontier just so-so - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry Cline - December 18 - 2:20 am

  A bit underpowered. Poor fuel economy (15-17 mpg in combined city/highway use. Fairly comfortable, with good room front & back, although back less so for adults. The long bed is handy, although it makes thre truck very difficult to park; a short bed with the removable bed extender might be good enough if you dont haul large items regularly. One extremely annoying design flaw: the vents cannot be closed completely off, and the ductwork runs close to the engine, so hot air is blown in all the time. On days over about 65 degrees, you have to keep the a/c turned on or windows down or it gets very warm inside.

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  02 Nissan XE Xcab 4wd - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By RVT Jr. - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Wanted Toyota, looked at Ford but liked Nissan better. 8 months and 10K miles later Im glad I picked Nissan. Fit and Finish excellent. Hardly a squeak and no rattles. Comfortable. Fun to drive. Sharp looks. No return trips to dealer!!! My first Nissan but I banked on their track record and so far its been right on. Dependability, reliability, thats what I want for my money, not trips back to the dealer !! Why dont V6 pickups get better overall gas milage? 18 mpg 80%highway 20%town. Ive hit 20.5 on a long cruise. Overall excellent value. Just as good as Toyota and better than the others. Got a great price too.

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  Nissan Frontier crew cab - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By BobZ - December 16 - 7:40 am

  This is a very quiet truck, well made, excellent power, rides great, tows a 4000lb travel trailer very well. I recommend it. Nits and picks, turning radius is poor, radio has weird controls, edge of rear tail light not shielded from breakage if tail gate is down. broke it first load of long planks. You lose your traction control if you install aftermarket wheels and tires w/o tire pressure senors.