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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  Its a great truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By bond007 - April 14 - 10:46 pm

  Its a great little truck. Ive done a little stuff done to it I put a kn filter in it , e3 spark plugs , and a flowmaster with a bigger pipe. Its a fun truck to drive around town and gets up to speed pretty good when you want it to. Its doing great for having 150,000 miles on it. Just a oil change and its good to go.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Lonnie Roberts - April 14 - 6:50 am

  This is a great truck. In the past I have had two full size trucks, the last being a Nissan Titan. I was concerned about going to the Frontier because of the loss in towing capacity. I have had the Frontier for 2 months now and would say it is an outstanding truck. It is "zippy" and much easier to maneuver than the past two full sizers I have owned. As for towing, I tow a Bobcat S130 (4800 lbs) at least once a week and have no trouble whatsoever. The Frontier performs without flaw. The 4-door cab will truely haul 4 people. The 4wd will really pull this truck out of trouble (even towing a trailer through mud). I highly recommend this truck.

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  Better than Ford - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By J. Orf - April 13 - 11:10 am

  This truck is a joy to drive. I previously had a Ford Ranger. It had a 4cyl engine and couldnt get out of its own way. My Nissan however is almost as peppy as my 6cyl family sedan. I am very pleased with this vehicle and I havent had a single problem with it. The Ranger was in the shop more times than I care to mention.

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  My favorite TRUCK - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By MAGMAN - April 12 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this truck over three years ago as gas prices started to increase (dumped my Sequoia). My Frontier Crewcab SE has 194,000 miles on it and runs great! Gas mileage is not awesome but it is a truck. The quality of the leather interior has held up great, as has the silver paint (which is a color that usually fades more than others). I will buy another Frontier as my next truck when and if this one ever dies. I have owned a Ford F250 in the past...gas hog and built like a typical American car. Big, bulky and not well built for any amount of time.

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  It gets complements all the time!!! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By romoore14 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Great truck and very good looking, cause it has been complemented alot!!! Fun to drive, definitely!!!!! Gas mileage could be better but I think it is geared pretty low in the higher gears!!!!!! Back seat is a little tight for the average adult but my kids love it!!!

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  Cramped and Weak - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe.C - April 5 - 5:53 pm

  I made a big mistake purchasing this vehicle. The cabin is the most cramped of any vehicle I have ever driven. I am 60" with a 33-34 inseam in pants and my knee always managed to hit the steering wheel no matter where the seat was. The seats were horrible. I could not drive for more than 30min without pain. The gas mileage was beyond terrible. The engine is super weak. I only put 5500 miles on it and I had squeaks in the suspension and rattles in the windows. The steering was very vague and numb. The rear end shuddered when no load was in the back. What a mistake! I have since purchased a used 02 Ford Ranger XLT and I am very happy. The room, features and ride are so much better.

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By kris1023 - April 1 - 3:56 am

  I LOVE this truck! I initially wanted this vehicle because of the aggressive styling, but ultimately bought it for the value and practicality. Even for a small V6, it can move if it needs to. I dont have the same mileage issue as most people (I get about 20 per gal) and I have a bit of a lead foot. No mechanical troubles, except that the check engine light went on when I put on a locking gas cap. With the birth of my second child, I found that the backseat cant handle an infant carseat without squishing the front passenger. Still I only paid $17,500 including the optional power and sport packages, so this is truly the best vehicle I have ever had for the money.

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  Awsome Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By JoNaThAn - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a awsome truck that is big and can haul around a lot of stuff. IT has big tires and has good ground clearance so a teen as myself can go over things and not mess anything up!!

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  cool truckin - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By ldldldld@earthlink - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle performs well for a pickup at all speeds. Nice quite ride, lots of cab room (4 door Crew Cab), and a superior sound system stock.

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  what a truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By grey go` - March 18 - 6:20 am

  I TOOK IT FROM THE DEALER TO MY HOUSE. AFTER BUYING IT,I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET OUT.JUST TO LOOK AT IT MAN WHAT A TRUCK.IT DRIVE GOOD LOOKS GREAT AND ITS MINE.LOVE THE OUTSIDE -LIKE THE INSIDE.