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:

• 

  Truck Must Have Been Built on a Friday - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By TSmith - June 10 - 10:36 am

  I do not know how anyone could rate this truck at anything but very poor. I guess that I must have just bought a vehicle built on a bad day. I purchased this vehicle right after they came out and had many problems with it even though it was taken very good care of. Bad fit and finish. Every small item in car broke. Plastic on inside of the passenger door shattered when it was very cold one winter. No power. Bad gas mileage. Rear tailgate fell off. A very heavy small truck and bad 4WD. At 115k the engine blew a head gasket and the mechanic said I needed a new engine! I was through. I paid a premium price for this truck and it was anything but that. My last Nissan.

• 

  Give me tires or give me death!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mgm - June 6 - 7:53 pm

  Nice truck overall. Interior nice but a little small. Back seat okay for kids but not for adults. Replaced the supercharger under warranty. Gas mileage horrible compared to my 93 frontier. Biggest problem are the tires. The high performance 17 inch tires are no good. They only get 15- 18k miles and I get many flats on the dirt rds I travel. The only available tire is $220.00 apiece. UGH!! I find the 4ft bed too small as well. I put a cap on mine which eliminates the use of the bed extender. Truck looks nice and have had minimal function problems. I have 54k for mileage and had to replace the back springs and need a whole exhaust system. Can you say time to trade.

• 

  valuable exposure - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By patrick - June 5 - 3:26 am

  overall, vehicle provides a continual high value performance. this is based on constant positive responses to all handling manuever attempts.

• 

  NISSANS TOUGH TRUCK - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By HARDHEAD - June 4 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK FOR ALL KINDS OF USES!THIS TRUCK CAN HANDLE ANY KIND OF TRIP WITH MOUNTAINS OF FUN.

• 

  Rock solid - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By its_all_good - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is rock solid. Ive owned it a year and a half with no problems. Its fun to drive and I get compliments on it almost every day. Nissan has everything Toyota offers for alot less money!

• 

  great truck, much better than its review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jaron - June 4 - 10:00 am

  despite lackluster magazine reviews, I have a fleet of these trucks (they seemed the best value for the money, and unlike the Toyotas, can be had for around $4000LESS than MSRP) and am thoroughly impressed. Ill purchase another fleet of the same truck in three years.

• 

  Lots of Warranty Work, but still fun - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By scottn - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my truck in the shop several times since I bought it in October. Bad rotors, faulty computer, popping noise in front end, and this week - bad window motor. The good news - I dont have a single complaint for the service department. They are quick and friendly. Those are, for the most part, minor problems covered by warranty. I still love the truck and after 10,500 miles in 8 months, its still fun to drive.

• 

  Just a great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Pioxen - June 3 - 8:03 am

  Bought my 2006 Nissan Frontier in November 2008. Havent had a single problem with it. I drove over black ice and hit the center barrier damaging the front end and rear driver side. Minimal repair cost and no frame damage...what a tough truck. Ill drive it till the wheels fall off!!!

• 

  from the big guy - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Robvd - May 24 - 12:06 pm

  I am 62" 300 lbs, I like the fuel economy of a compact pickup for in town driving. I have plenty of room and comfort in the truck.

• 

  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - May 19 - 7:33 am

  My last truck was a 94 dodge ram 1500, this thing so rocks compared to my old dodge, I cant believe I have waited so long to get a new truck. Acceleration past 60 is very good. I opened it up on the highway and was at 100 with out even straining the engine. Feels like it was made for me. What more can I say. I have no complaints, rides and drives great. Fuel consumption is not so good, but hey, its a truck...