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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  Frontiers Amazing - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Ballistics - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always had Toyotas, I thought Id try Nissan. The Nissan feels heavier, but has better center of gravity feelilng. Has outstanding noise supression cab. In WV, running 70 up hills in 5th gear feels good! I had to drive 3 hours in 4WD in near white-out snow, the vehicle was very stable and reliable, rarely broke traction and handled well. My only disappointment is the consistent 15-17 mpg. However, considering all the other pluses I have no regrets. Frontier delivers on demand every time.

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  I test drove both Nissan and Toyota - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By muttley - May 6 - 10:50 pm

  I have been researching both vehicles over the past 2 months and decided to go with the Nismo Frontier Crew. I recommend everyone to test both first. The reason I chose the Nissan over Toyota was for the overall build and engineering of the truck. When you test drive the Toyota look at the liftgate then look at the liftgate on the Nissan. The liftgate on the Nissan was much thicker and more heavyduty on the Nissan. It felt like a full size truck liftgate. Also when you are test driving the Toyota spend some time and look underneath the vehicle. The components underneath seem very thin and weak where as the Nissan looks like it could take a land mine and keep going. This is a strong truck!

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Gaz - May 5 - 1:06 pm

  Just bought the truck. Used a friends Tacoma a few times and decided that I needed a truck. Going from a Subaru Impreza WRX to a truck was going to be difficult to compare performance wise, but comfort, features and design have impresed me very much so. My wife had an 03 Xterra and I thought it was terrible, but this new vintage of truck feels and drives great. Comparing the ride and features and looks, the frontier definatly has it over the Tacoma. Quite frankly I think the Tacoma looks very boring, inside and out.

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  06 NISMO lover - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Lew - April 27 - 3:36 pm

  I have had my NISMO CC for 2.5 months,and now have 10,000+ miles on the odometer. I do not go off roading but my job does require me to make regular use of the NISMOs ground clearance as well as occasional use of the 4x4. This truck has performed flawlessly. To be blunt, I love this truck! People complain about the fuel mileage. I find it fair for a vehicle of its weight and performance specs. My job entails highway and city driving and I average 15 to 16 MPG. Recently I took the NISMO on a 1600 mile round trip. Going out(VERY windy) I averaged only 18 MPG at 70 MPH+. The return trip with better weather and slightly higher speeds returned 20.2 MPG. This truck rates a 9.5 on a scale of 10!!

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  Love this truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim - April 26 - 7:00 pm

  I waited for a long time to purchase a midsize truck and I am glad I did. Love this truck. Love the horsepower. Love the exterior design. Love the quality. Love the build in tie-down system in the truckbed. GREAT vehicle so far.

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By NELSON JOHNSON - April 24 - 2:00 am

  With over 100000 mi i have had no problems. the dealer is superb in quality of work and price.

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  Better than I expected - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By James McE - April 23 - 11:30 pm

  This truck has proven itself to be more than I could have expected. Since I put 30k or more miles per year on a vehicle, I didnt expect to keep this truck for more than two years... I have now owned my truck for almost 4 years and it runs just as strong as it did when I bought it. The only negetive points I can think of is the wiring for the license plate lights in the rear and the front headlights. the interior dome light is somewhat dim as well, and the seats have a bit to be desired in the lumbar area, not very forgiving on your lower back on long hauls. Otherwise, this truck has my complete satisfaction, too bad they changed the body style after only 4 years...

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  Good Truck Revisted - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichGil04 - April 20 - 7:20 am

  1st reviewed a year ago. I still love this truck. My wife bought an 05 Xterra. Very jealous of the new design. Considered new Frontier, but sticking w/the 04. Feature I would like most the rear door on extended cab for easier access. Golf clubs are hard to get in and out from behind back seat. Other than that, Ive really enjoyed this truck. Good commuter vehicle and great for hauling whatever.

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  Cool truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By togo - April 20 - 6:43 am

  I traded in an 05 KC Frontier for this one and I have not been disappointed. There was nothing wrong with the 05 I just needed more room. I got the SE CC Longbed and just love it.

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By DC - April 19 - 5:50 am

  This Frontier is a nice truck. The long bed is actually large enough to carry some cargo. Towing capacity is good. The crew-cab is very handy for carrying stuff or kids, a little tight for adults on a long trip. Rides and handles very well for a truck. The crew cab and long bed makes it a nice compromise between a compact and full size truck. Fuel economy has become more important lately: my Frontier gets about twice the mpg of my friends Chevy full-size, and about 6 more mpg than another friends Toyota 4-cyl 5- speed Tacoma!