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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  Pleasantly surprised! What a gem! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By VQ_Man - November 11 - 10:53 am

  I recently traded in my 2007 Mazda3 due to the rough winters in the northeast. I never really considered a Frontier, but Im glad I checked it out! Wow! What a truck! The ride quality blew me away and is far superior to the Tacoma. The engine is refined and powerful. I dont really baby the truck for mileage, but Ive managed 20 in the city, which is way better than I thought. No major highway trips yet, so I cant comment on highway mileage. The long bed option is awesome and the spray in bedliner and utili-track system are great features. If youre in the market for a mid-sized truck, do yourself a favor and test drive this beauty. I promise you wont be disappointed.

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  This Truck Kicks A## - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By felixguru - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have never had this much fun driving a truck before in my life. I have taken this thing EVERYWHERE! It is only 6 months old, and it already has 15,000 miles on it. Bad for resale, but I cant help it. Its so much fun to drive!

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  I love this truck! - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By clconner - November 2 - 9:39 pm

  I owned a Tacoma TRD crew cab and while I enjoyed the truck, I didnt enjoy paying for it. A few years later, I find myself in the market for another vehicle, so I gave the 2014 Frontier SV 4x4 a try... and its every bit as great as the Tacoma, minus the sticker shock. It handles great, rides smooth (takes potholes in Northern Virginia like a champ), has a lot of get-up-and-go, and the interior is even more comfortable than my Tacoma was. Im looking forward to owning this truck for many, many years.

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  Its a real work truck - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By heiliner - October 29 - 10:52 pm

  I just purchased my 4th Nissan Frontier. I traded in a Nissan D21 that I had for 25 years. My 2013 is a 4 cylinder, 5 speed, S model King Cab. It was priced about $3000 below a similar Toyota Tacoma. The truck has crank windows, no power locks, and no Bluetooth. The first tank of gas I got almost 28 mpg in city and rural driving. On the second tank full I got 25 mpg. The secret is to shift around 2200 rpm. The truck is clunky and dated and simple transportation. For every 100 miles I drive this Frontier I save about $8 over the Tundra parked next to it in fuel costs.

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  Nissan Frontier Forever - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Vicki Kemmerer - October 29 - 3:23 am

  This is my second Frontier. Ive had this one for 11 years. These are great small trucks. I just wish it got better mileage. Both trucks had problems with tailgate lock in both trucks.

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  2004 Frontier XE 303L LB 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - October 25 - 12:26 pm

  I have had this truck for 23 months, in rain, snow, mud, dust, you name it, it goes there. Its a solid truck and Ihave had ZERO repairs and ZERO Recalls. It hauls well, carries, and also looks good in Super Black.

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  ok - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By bobjohn - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i have had a couple problems with mine there are ok trucks but could use a little work

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  Loving it - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Marine SGT - October 12 - 1:13 pm

  I Purchased my Frontier 11/09. I researched a number of trucks and for the money, options, and owner reviews, my decision was easy. To put icing on the cake, when I test drove the truck, I went from city to highway and back to city driving and she rode like a car but had that firm suspension a truck needs. I once owned a 06, F-150 but had door problems from the start. Im very pleased with my frontier. It hauls my trailer (loaded) with ease. I have taken a couple of 600+ mile trips and love how it handles on the highway. The seats are comfortable and with the 16" wheels she sits up pretty high. Super Black is the color of mine and she is shines all around town.

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  Best truck yet! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mauifrontier - October 12 - 12:30 pm

  I love this truck! After 4 months of ownership, its still a blast to drive and so nice to look at. Very off road capable and comfortable. My previous truck was an 03 Tacoma xtra cab 4x4. I was perfectly happy with that until driving this truck. Im so glad that Nissan is getting back on track creating exciting and and attractive vehicles again! It reminds me of the products they had in the early 90s. Keep up the good work Nissan!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By nh4tom - October 9 - 10:26 pm

  I needed a mid-size pickup and by chance I test drove a Frontier. I was amazed! Quiet, powerful, smooth shifting, solid build, comfortable and a decent price. Almost two months after purchasing, Im still very happy with my truck. Minor annoyances: 1. door handle placement requires long reach to close doors when seated, 2. overhead map lights are not shielded and light up the entire cab (a distraction to the driver), 3. lane changes require extra care due to blind spots with king cab.