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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I love my truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By kas00 - November 20 - 2:00 amIve had my truck for 2 years, drive it pretty steadily, and have never had any problems with it. Its a great truck.
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Been an outstanding truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By Dg - November 15 - 8:27 pmFirst off I dont write reviews, but i thought I would make an exception. I bought my 2001 ad crew cab used in 2003 with about 30k on the clock. I have it a 3 inch lift and a few other mods, fast forward to 2015 and I still have the truck, 190k now and it still gets compliments and it still runs great. I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere, in fact I still use it to go on road trips across multiple states some times towing a travel trailer, it has held up well. I thought I would write this review because Ive seen people say "Ill never buy a Nissan again" "my toyota never had problems" and that may be true, however I also have a 1990 hardbody that I bought used in 97 and it now is approaching the 300k Mark and other than 2 clutches and a timing chain, its still running great, and i also have two very good friends who both have toyotas, both with 22re and both didnt make it very far past 145k before a rebuild was in order, now Im not digging toyota, I believe they make good vehicles, and quite honestly ,thats what I originally wanted to buy, but I am far happier with my nissans. They have been super reliable, you will usually see the reviews of people who think they have been wronged somehow, and things do happen, but I have owned 4 kids and and they are very reliable. Love my frontier, its been my daily driver for 12 years,and just now the leather seat is starting to wear out, supercharger is still original. It does not leak or burn anything, the gas mileage would be my only complaint. I average 15mpg but I also have larger tires...cant say enough good things about the truck
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2010 LE Frontier Review - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By John P. Mundy - November 13 - 11:16 pmI am very pleased with my 2010 Frontier LE Crew Cab. Ive driven full sized trucks but wanted a mid size. The Frontier and Tacoma were the two I looked at. The Toyotas offer very few cabin comforts while the Nissan offers many added options. Mine has 18" tires/wheels, leather, power windows/doors, heated seats, XM radio, bluetooth. It is comfortable and has plenty of power. I am totally satisfied and happy with my truck. Id recommend anyone to purchase this truck. It rides like a full size truck.
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Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
By moloch16 - November 12 - 10:03 pmIve owned this truck for almost a year now and I am very happy. The truck drives very well and is tightly made. I commute in this truck and get about 19mpg on a regular basis (I have a bunch of stop lights to go through). This truck can do it all - commute, tow, haul, offroad!
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New Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
By pahunter - November 4 - 1:53 pmOnly have 170 mi on odometer. Drove home to Littleton from Greeley, CO on I-25 at 75MPH. Truck surprised me on the broken concrete with the amount of bump steer. Front end of the truck gets light and jumps all over. Wife following me in our van and I noticed swaying in the long bed when changing lanes at 75 MPH (not to severe). Other than that this truck is a pleasure to drive. I enjoy the power and solid truck feel. I bought the truck to tow my Ford Windstar while we are traveling. Surprised to find out that UHaul considers this truck too small to haul my Windstar on their tow dolly. Nissan owners manual also recommends electric braked trailer to haul anything over 1000 lbs. Recommend!
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great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By mike grillo - November 4 - 12:23 pmLove the truck, however according to my nissan dealer the power package i got on my se did not include keyless remote,and according to nissan it cant be installed. with no outside door lock on the right side, its very inconvenient without a remote
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Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By blaker427 - October 28 - 2:00 amI think the Nissan Frontier is a great truck for the money! I have had a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 Ranger Auto and the frontier outperforms the ranger 10 to 1. I looked at the tacoma and for the exact equiped model it was going to be $5,800 more dollars when comparing sticker to sticker.
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So Far, So Good - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By BB Shotz - October 26 - 3:50 am3000 miles and running great. I have added Nissan splashguards, an aftermarket sunroof and will replace the stock stereo in due course. Only disappointment is mileage. I drive mostly city and get 22 MPG, which is better than sticker.
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A manly truck indeed - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By cbrown - October 24 - 3:30 amI have beaten the heck out of this truck on many rough and desolate west Texas roads. The truck performs flawlessly. Its locking rear differential gets me in and out of situations normally reserved for 4WD vehicles. Whether cruising 85+ mph on the interstate or slowly clawing through a dry wash, this truck is amazing. It is absolutely the finest truck I have ever owned. You can spend a heck of a lot more for other makes without coming close to the value this truck offers. It is exceptional in appearance, features and performance. Do yourself a favor if you are in the market for a truck. Test drive a Nissan NISMO. You will be amazed by Nissan engineering. I am. Thanks...
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Sports Car Power in a Compact Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By crailey01 - October 23 - 12:06 pmRight from the first start of the engine, I knew that the 2005 Nissan Frontier was one of a kind. This truck has sports car power with the versatility of a compact truck. The speed of this thing is incredibile for this size of vehicle. The ride is smooth and almost the quality of the Maxima except it has larger tires. I know I will be more than pleased with this vehicle. Typically, Nissans compact trucks are very reliable. I also test drove an 2005 Toyota Tacoma and it was no comparison to the Frontiers power.
