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 basic weekend pick-up - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike2575 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I shopped this and the Toyota Tacoma - this had a better price point, and the dealer was not the usual jeck. Runs fine, no issues in 10 months. Great weekend hauler.

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  One Tough Nissan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Harold - October 4 - 6:00 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Tacoma for Frontier Nismo. What a difference. The ride and drive have to be experienced. Very quiet running at highway speeds. So far, quality seems to be first rate. All the whistles and bells I wanted in a truck that isnt like every other truck on the road. Power to spare! Gas mileage not great, but close to estimate. I think Nissan got it right this time.

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  11 yrs - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By afrey - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  My first 4wd. I live in the SW and have gone many interesting and wild places. No engine or starting problems after 131000 . Two AC problems, cracked lines fixed by dealer under warranty. Radio lite out after 5 yrs. Acceleration is wimpy but sufficient. It is now using a little oil. 1qt/2000 miles. No 4wd, suspension or drive line problems.

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  Follow Up to June17th review. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JET - September 28 - 8:06 am

  In my original review, I mentioned that the brakes produced a strange feel just before a complete stop and immediately after acceleration. I took my truck in to the local Az Nissan dealer to have the oil changed and to check the condition of the brakes. I also wanted them to check the drivers side sun visor because it seemed loose and does not stay against the windshield. When I went to pick up the truck, the service manager told me that these conditions were observed with other like vehicles on the lot and that the condition was considered as being normal. If you purchase one of these 2009 Frontiers and expect the dealer to "fix" these conditions, think again. They were no help at all.

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  Killer - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Stu - September 25 - 10:00 pm

  My Ranger was starting to die on me (150k) so it was time for an upgrade. After testing out the Taco, F-150, Ridgeline & Titan, I was sold on the Frontier. It was the most comfortable to my frame(56"), plenty burly and looks killer (the wife was pleased). Being in Houston I didnt even ask about 4WD (would have been a special order), but at least I got the NISMO which is kind of like 3WD with the limited slip rear and nice clearance etc. The only knocks I have are that it always makes a clunking noise in the front when I start out in the morning, the doors swing way wide open and the steering is quite wide and somewhat sluggish feeling at low speeds. Wish Id gotten the Rockford sound.

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  Nissan got it right! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By RKW - September 25 - 3:03 pm

  In 2004 we bought a 2004 Frontier for our daughter in college. In November my husband bought a new 2004 Titan and in December I bought a 2005 Frontier in black. Its an eye catcher and Ive had a lot of compliments on it. I drive 100 miles every day and the new 05 Frontier is comfortable, lots of power and Im getting almost 22 mpg on the highway. Nissan has done an awesome job in the redesign of the Frontier. Of all the trucks weve owned, by far, this is the best one. Im a convert having been a fan of the Chevy Silverado for many years! I can haul a two horse trailer with two 1300 lb. horses aboard with this new Frontier with no problem.

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  Best pickup yet - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By sca1211g - September 24 - 2:20 pm

  Have owned two Ford 4x4 F-150s, and a Ford Ranger 4x4, this truck crushes all three in terms of power, reliability, "fun factor", off-road performance, ride and overall quality. Hauls three kids, 4,000 lb boat, and all our gear with room & power to spare. Blasted through 12-24 inch snow drifts before any plows had a chance to clear the roads after a nasty Michigan storm. Have pulled many friends full sized domestics from sloppy mudholes while hunting/fishing up north. Drive around 22,000-25,000 mi per year, no issues as of yet. Use roof rack in conjuction w/ cargo basket more than I thought I would. Bedliner/tiedowns great.

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  Impressed - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By JohnE - September 23 - 9:26 am

  Ive had this truck for 3 months and I love it! I bought it so I could do some beach driving in NC. This truck went through 8" of sand without any trouble at all. Good to know I can get to where the fish are. Find it to be a solid, well built vehicle. Am getting decent gas mileage

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  Very Satisfied with My Truck! - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Charles Craig - September 22 - 10:05 pm

  Recently I purchased a new Nissan Frontier SV King Cab with the 4.0 V6 automatic, and I really like it. For about two years prior to my purchase, I considered the Frontier as well as the Toyota Tacoma and to a lesser extent the Chevy Colorado. There are several reasons why I chose the Frontier over the Tacoma or Colorado. Among those reasons is way it drives; the Frontier handles very well and feels very solid on the road. The interior and seating position felt more "right" to me than its competitors. In my opinion, the Frontiers exterior looks much better than the Tacoma and even the Colorado. Finally, for the money, I believe I got a much better deal with the Frontier, paying thousands of dollars less for what I would have paid for similar features in its competitors. I have owned other pickups in the past, including a Mazda pickup, an older Toyota pickup, and a Ford Ranger, and in my opinion the Nissan Frontier is clearly the best of them all, even though it is really not fair to compare this Frontier to the older trucks. While this particular version of the Frontier has been around for more than a decade, it is still very up-to-date. My truck has Bluetooth, XM Radio, a USB jack, and apps available in the entertainment system. So far, I have hauled several loads and towed a small utility trailer with no problems at all. I am very satisfied with the Frontier and would without hesitation recommend it to others.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Billy - September 15 - 9:43 pm

  Ill start off by saying that my Frontier has over 175,000 miles on it. I bought it brand new in 00 with 10 miles on it. It is now one of my work trucks. What a fantastic truck it has been. Not the most powerful, doesnt get great gas mileage, isnt the roomiest, but damn, this thing is reliable. Other then tires, oil, and brake pads, Ive only replaced the timing belt at 120k miles, and one A/C hose at 160k miles. I highly recommened this truck for people who need a good used, long lasting, dependable truck at a great price on the used truck market. By the way, mine was not babied at all. It pulls a heavy work trailer on a regular basis, and only gets the oil changed about every 10k miles.