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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  Love my Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Front Range Lady - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I love the smooth ride, handling and that I didnt have to give up any of my interior luxury. The 18 inch wheels are a plus.

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  I love this truck. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jim - September 6 - 12:00 am

  Two days arfter purchasing this truck I drove from Dallas to Seattle. Since then, Ive driven to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Missouri and New Mexico. Ive never had a problem. I take it off road frequently and love it. I wish I would have gotten an off-road package, but Im still very happy with it.

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  Solar Yellow + Rockford Fosgate= FUN - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By tnkatuf - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I am averaging 20mpg with my truck and I love everything about it! Everyone looks when I drive by, the solar yellow makes it easy to find in a parking lot. Get the Rockford Fosgate sound system! It drives very quiet and the automatic transmission shifts with ease.

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  LE 4WD - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By zechs220 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Currently have about 92k. I love this truck. I have owned it for 4 years. I beat the crap out of this truck. Smashed it twice, and i drive it like i stole it. Never had any problems till recently. Catalytic converter on Drivers side went out on it at 83K just out of emissions warranty. Nissan wanted $1200 i did it myself on the ground for about $250. Now if having some sort of vibration coming from the transmission, almost like the torque converter lockup is not engaging correctly. My Gibson Exhaust rusted through and i ended up puttin a banks exhaust on it. I bought it for the power, boy does this truck move. Ive raced with it and ive run it through the mud. Cant beat a Frontier.

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  The Last Nissan Ill ever buy!!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ineedatoyota12 - August 30 - 3:53 pm

  My engine light came on at 93K miles. I took it to the dealer they said they had to replace the catalytic convertor that cost me about 1K dollars. Within a week I’m driving down the road and loose power. I can’t go any faster than 20 or so mph and my engine light never even comes on. I should have marked my cat because it sounds like to me they never replaced it. How can a new cat fowl out that quick? Even if I was burning pure oil it would take longer than that to get blocked.

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  I made a mistake in getting this vehicle - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By trojo69 - August 27 - 1:36 pm

  This truck has no power, and the gas mileage is terrible. There is not much room at all inside. The hauling capacity is mnot that bad for a small truck, but if I have to haul alot of weight up a small incline I am in trouble.

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  My third Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Pete Lange - August 18 - 3:43 am

  This is the third Nissan that I have owned. It is the second Truck, and I am more than satisfied. It is a very sporty looking vehicle and has the motor to back it up. Also the ride is very comfortable. I really cant think of any gripes at all.

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  Perfect 10 - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Awesome Truck - August 17 - 2:30 am

  I love everything about this truck, the way it looks, the way it drives, the cupholders, the sound system, seating position and yes, even the fuel economy. I got 21.25 mpg on my last tank with mixed driving. I do use the cruise control whenever possible but I sincerely doubt there are many other V-6 4x4s out there that can make that claim. I think it will give me 23 -24 mpg for all hwy miles. The overall value is awesome.

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  Greatness! - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By white_nissan - August 17 - 12:23 am

  I bought this for my first vehicle. At first I didnt know much about the Nissan name. I thought it was a cheap Toyota knockoff but I bought it because it looked good and was cheap. I have buried it up over the hood in mud, wrecked it, and constantly go off-road in it and it is still running strong. I gas it until the rev-limiter kicks in all the time. This truck is great! I have literally put this truck through things where my buddies have blown their trucks up and mine is still strong. Its not real fast but it handles terrific. It will also surprise you on the power/torque. This is an all around great truck I usually get about 20 mpg but could get more. With 140,000 miles on it, its great

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  Gets the job done - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By ks5guy - August 8 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased new in 98. Engine could make more power. Had a 93 240SX with the same base engine (different intake, computer, etc) and it made much more power. Air Conditionong compressor clutch seems to be on its way into the sunset. Plain styling. Interior is reasonably nice for a $14K truck. With a tonneau on the bed, get 29 MPG on the interstate at 75 mph. Like the 240, this truck does make good power once the engine is running in the top half of the tach.