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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  Get It - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Richard - March 17 - 9:03 pm

  I wanted to trade my 2WD Ranger for a 4WD. Looked at the Tacoma first then Nissan. No question Nissan is a MUCH better truck and value. You get more power and features for less money. The Nissan rides great and feels much more solid than the Tacoma. Styling is great inside and out with great features you are surprised to find. Many debate between these 2 trucks, go Nissan.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By carsdepot1 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Frontier and they have both been great trucks. The supercharged engine is very powerful and my truck can easily hold five people. I love the Rockford Fosgate Stereo.

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  my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mary2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the Nissan, it drives nice.

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  Cramp My Style - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By captain - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I like the overall vehicle. Its a very nice riding truck. All that have driven in it thinks it rides like a car and not a truck. It has a good style on the outside but lacking on the inside.

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  Japanese Gas Hog!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Nunya - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought ours new. Have appox. 57,000 miles now. Not to happy with no way to be comfortable resting arms.I was out of state when wife bought it after finding Ford escape testing to be pathetic. Dealership took advantage og a female and charged her a 10% apr!! And thats with a fico score of 810!

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  Great Value - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Retiredrobert - March 1 - 12:33 pm

  I researched both the Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma trucks. Of the two the Nissan was a better value. It cost less to purchase, had lower maintenance costs and resale was comperable, based on initial purchase price) after 5 yrs. The reliability is the same as the Toyota and the features are better.

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  brand new fun - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mark - February 27 - 10:23 pm

  I drive Porsches... a Cayenne S a C4S and others... we have a lexus gx470 in the house also... I was looking for a pickup to leave at a weekend house and use infrequently to haul "stuff" in and out of a vineyard... drove all brands... The Nissan was a pleasant suprise. Well built, quiet, good power, thoughtful layout... and according to my 15 year old..."tight". handling characteristics were very good and since it has the highest safety/roll over record I feel pretty good about letting the soon to be 16 year old drive it... A great 4X4 with a nice V6 for a very reasonable price... Way to go Nissan... I actually left the Cayenne in the driveway for the weekend and drove the truck...

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  300,000 Miles and Counting - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By jlundin - February 24 - 3:05 am

  This has been a daily commuter for many, many years and there has never been any major issues. I have replaced the clutch 2x and done the normal maintenance over the years. Never once has it failed me. It gets great gas mileage for a truck. Just recently I passed the 300,000 miles mark and it still made a 2,000 mile trip to Arizona and back. The only complaint I have is that it is a gutless 4 cylinder. I have to put the pedal to the floor when turning onto a street and it still takes it time to accelerate.

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  good truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By eracer08 - February 21 - 12:20 am

  Rides great for a truck. Good power from the 4.0V6.

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  good one - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By king - February 17 - 4:40 pm

  so far so good