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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  fun driving - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By williamwhitmer - July 18 - 5:46 pm

  so much fun to drive and gas milage is also great for a truck. has been hard to keep the wife away from it as she always chooses to drive it.

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  2008 Frontier Crew Cab - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Nismo CC - July 18 - 4:56 pm

  Great family truck with lots of power. The Nismo model I purchased had all the features I was looking for including the most important feature of all, the full side curtain air bags. I highly recommend the Nissan Frontier.

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  Nissans done it right!!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By todd - July 17 - 12:33 pm

  Very nice size truck. The king cab is perfect for a single guy like myself. The perfect get up and go. I liked the price too. V-8 power with V-6 gas mileage. Awesome! Just go test drive it and youll buy one too.

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  My Horse Barn Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Cate - July 12 - 5:20 pm

  It is a truck. Dont expect a car ride. Love the truck itself. Hate the gas mileage but it is 4WD. Gets me where I am going. Plenty of "Lets Go!".

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  2007 frontier se 4x4 - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Rod F. - July 10 - 5:10 pm

  I would agree with most of what I have read about this truck, I traded a 2003 ranger 4 liter,4wd, the ranger was 4:10 gears and would outperform the nissan in 1/4 mile, the nissan is quiet, good ride, eye appealing, nice and roomy compared to the ranger, seats take some adjustment to get right, console is short,mileage is about the same as the ranger (less than 20 mpg) I have been a Ford truck guy for years--so far I am pleased with the nissan. I would have liked the cruise controls to light up, se with the value truck package is a good buy in my opinion.

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  Go anywhere! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ry - July 7 - 10:06 pm

  I commute 100 miles a day. 100,000 miles to date. Great on fuel & highway smooth. Through the foothills of the rocky mountains in wheel deep snow the 4x4 is perfect. No repairs only tires. Ive driven/owned the others too. Buy this truck!

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  bad choice of wheels - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jmmosley - July 7 - 10:00 am

  The overall appearance of the truck would be greatly improved by adding aluminum or chrome wheels to make the paint really stand out.. Ride is hard needs softening up.

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  Da Twuk - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Dak - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with Nissans overall attention to detail with this truck. This truck won out over some tough competitors when it came time to shop for a new vehicle. In fact Nissan was not an original choice, whereas; Ford, Toyota and GM were. Great job Nissan!!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Michael - June 21 - 2:23 am

  I have been very pleased with this truck. I did consider a Colorado at first but very soon discovered that the L5 engine was just not a best choice for the powerplant. The 4.0 in the Frontier is very strong and will leave all other midsize and most fullsize trucks in the dust. The only complaint I have was that splash guards werent a standard feature. The tires sling up and leave a lot of chips on the paint. There is a hint from the ride of a larger truck but soaks up the bumps fairly well. All and all its a great truck and I am very pleased with my decision.

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Miguel - June 13 - 11:50 am

  Just took it off roading a few days ago. It was great!!! I took my Basset hounds(80lbs each) and my gear and couple of my friends and still had lots of power to spare. This truck is improved from 2004 models definately but I think 2004s look better. This is a fun vehicle to drive and I think that it should be the best selling truck on the market this year. Thanks Nissan for a great truck!!!