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 it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tool4ritz - August 6 - 11:20 am

  Been looking at trucks for a while. Decided on Nissan because of build quality, passanger space, and power. Mileage is low in the whole spectum of cars, but for V6 trucks its on the higher end. If you want better mileage, go get a sedan. Seats are very comfortable, I have not found myself shifting around at all in them. Things i splurged on and am glad i did: moonroof. your head sits fairly close to the ceiling and the moonroof changes the whole interior dynamic. Dont waste your money on anything else becasue aftermarket is much better.

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  Good Used Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Trunks - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Nice reliable truck for my teenager.

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  shelleys frontiers - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By getitshelley - August 4 - 12:23 pm

  this is my third frontier, first one i traded 2004, my 2005 i totaled, rollover. it held up, condisdering 70 and rolled 3 times. the next day i bought a 2006 frontier. i love this truck it makes me feel safe when i drive. i would not buy anthing but a frontier le. its durable, cute, rugged, sporty and rides like a dream. its power amazes me it really gets up goes when you need the extra power. i cant say enough good things about this truck, if i continued it would be a book.

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  great value for a mid-size truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By peterB - July 30 - 11:50 am

  I was thrilled when the new design Frontier finally came out. Think of it as a smaller Titan. The LE model is loaded and still sells for under 30K. It handles well and has great pick-up thanks to the new 265hp V6. The back seats in the crew cab are fairly large for a mid-size.... Large enough for 2 large people or 3 average sized adults. Electronic 4WD switch is nice too.

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  you gotta get this truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By irishtj - July 29 - 3:23 am

  I have only had this truck for 2 months but it is AWESOME...265 horsepower on a mid size truck. this thing hauls butt. It is solid, well built, fun, and The looks i get at every light, people keep asking me about it and are impressed by the looks of this truck. I was not impressed by the looks of the full size titan but it works on this truck. it is a guys truck nothing wimpy about it at all..it handles beautifuly but you still have the truck feel due to its heavy duty frame

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By bensimmons_99 - July 29 - 3:06 am

  Great all around truck, I am impressed with its comfort, its smooth ride and its power. I shopped around for over 3 months, and finally found a great deal. For the money it is the best truck!

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  Best Choice, hands down - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Dang - July 24 - 3:06 pm

  This truck is beautiful inside and out. If looks arent enough for you, the v6 seems to pack a punch that can make some v8s look weak. Its a great drive, some great features that came standard (things like the bedliner and bedrail system). I fell in love with the truck, and with safety ratings that made the Ranger and Colorado look like bicycles, its the obvious answer. Roomy, manly and just plain cool.

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  Sure Looks Nice, But Quality is So-So - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By RichB - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Well let me say that my wife loves our 2001 SE.. Im a bit more critical. I think the interior materials are way too cheap plus the clock is just about useless in daylight. We have the regular SE and power is lacking. Also it sucks down gas faster than I can say fill er up. Styling wise.. total thumbs up.. very attractive truck. This is a good compromise between SUV and utility vehicle. I have two boys(12 and 9) and they fit comfortably. Plus the big plus is that it fits in my garage! So overall, I am a bit disappointed that a $25,000 truck has such a low grade interior, but dollar for dollar its probably one of the better values out there.

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  For the price......you cant beat it! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By The Count - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Nissan Frontier based solely on price. I found that the Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab was at least $3,000 more with similar equipment. The Dodge Dakota was a contender but it was $2,000 more with similar equipment. Plus the way this truck looks is just plain mean...another advantage is most Frontier drivers have the short bed. The longer bed and the price is what sold me. I didnt buy the 4X4 because there is no use for it in the city. I do wish it was more gas efficient but I knew this buying the truck so it is not a great concern for me. Overall I love the truck.

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  Better than a Tacoma - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jaydos - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Nissan trucks in the past and Nissan has really hit a grand slam with this Frontier. The truck has awesome power, great torque, a solid yet comfortable ride, great styling inside and out and decent fuel mileage (If driven conservatively).