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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  My 3rd nissan truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By tom - December 16 - 4:56 am

  This is my third Nissan truck. The first and second both have 300,000 miles Ive never had any major problems except the normal things brakes, clutches, batteries and tires the reason I bought the new one was I got tired of looking and driving the old one. I expect to get 300,000 out of this one also! These are great little trucks

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  sweet!! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By incrediblehonky - December 11 - 4:56 am

  this truck is awesome. i got lucky finding this one. i looked within 500 mile of my home, no luck then my local dealer got one. every aspect of this truck is awesome, from the rockford fosgate sterio to the rear locker. this truck has the feel of a luxury suv with real 4x4 performance.

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  14,000 cluth burned out - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By jerrygarner - December 9 - 7:40 pm

  I see another review, his clutch burned out at 12,000. Very unhappy, very difficult to see when backing up, had to remove headrest. Very sorry about this purchase, very unhappy with many factors. go back a second time before you buy, I should have listened.

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  Its a truck... Really. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Scott - December 3 - 9:33 am

  After considering a variety of cars to upgrade to from my previous vehicle, I chose the Frontier as it provided a high level of features, great build quality, and is very comfortable to drive both around the city and on long HWY hauls. As a commuter vehicle, the Frontier has all the necessary comforts and features of a comparable sedan while also handling well. However, as I also needed a vehicle that would accommodate the tools and supplies used for home renovation, the Frontier was an easy choice to make as even with the 5ft bed it

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  Thumbs Up to Nissan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By texastruckgirl - December 2 - 5:00 pm

  First time Nissan owner. Love this truck. Roomy interior is user friendly. Tows like a champ. You get instance power when petal to the metal. Sharp looking truck all the way around.

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  2 Dr. KC 2WD XE - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Joeeick - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Nissan Frontier XE for a no-frills truck. I looked at every truck in its class and for the money it is the best. Handles well, so-so power, and good looks.

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  Outstanding - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By warp9vt - November 26 - 7:06 pm

  Went from a 2003 Dodge Dakota to a Frontier, wow what a difference. This truck goes everywhere. With the Dodge I had to watch out where I went, not this baby, it loves to climb mountains. With the Dodge it got 17 mpg. With this baby I get 24 mpg. On trips 26 and its an automatic. The only problem I have is it has power locks with no keyless entry capability. (Safety hazard with kids in the back seat, if the doors are locked and you need to get to them quick, you have to go to the driver side door to get in, (not easy access with locked doors.)).

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  Gr8 Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By RickP Casa Grande - November 18 - 1:56 am

  We went to the dealership to look at a used 2003 Frontier and liked what we saw. We test drove it and even though it rode good, the ride was a bit stiff it handled like a TRUCK and the rear passenger leg room was a bit skimpy. We then took a 2006 for a test drive and what a difference. It handles like a dream, feels like your sitting in an EZ chair and has great room in the cab for for both front and rear passengers. Needless to say the 2006 now sits in my driveway and I cant wait to get it into the desert.

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  A big truck in a small package - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - November 14 - 9:16 am

  When I set off to ID a replacement for my little 01 Toyota Tacoma, I wanted to match its overall reliability, maneuverability and fuel economy but also gain a roomier interior, 4 doors, horsepower, a more civilized ride and a few bells and whistles. Some internet research and a few test drives quickly steered me towards the Frontier over the Tacoma and Colorado. The "Fronty" (CrewCab, 5 bed) had big truck power, ride and interior room without being gas thirsty and a PITA to park/drive in tight places. It also, IMHO, had better styling and initial build quality than the others. (My Taco was a rattle trap!) I got 20% off/ below invoice on a loaded LE with little effort. Try that with Toyota.

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  Nissan Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By yeadan - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Disappointing fuel mileage. About 21 mpg. 4 cyl has low power for getaways.