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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  Fronty drives fine - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By DGrenier - February 17 - 5:03 am

  Plenty of power. Drives very smooth. Wife loves the truck (its her driver). Does a very comfortable 80 mph. Quiet inside. Stereo rocks (RockyFos). Leather interior seats.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dalo - February 11 - 1:43 pm

  NISMO 4WD CC Sunroof plg, Off Road pkg, Radio pkg. Pros Rides taunt. Steering is very true. Handles Northeast weather and roads very well. Fit and finish are pretty nice. Room for 4. Rockford radio sound is very good. Controls are easy to use. Very happy with choice. Cons Needs driver armrest. Rubber floor mats instead of carpet. Havent calculated mpg yet.

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  Damn Good truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By jonathan - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an awsome truck, everything is great the front seats are very comfortable, the only problem is the back seat is not exactly meant for huge adults but hey for me its just there so i can throw things on it, the truck bed has a lot of room and wow this thing tows a preety big load and hauls a preety big load without even breaking a sweat on my way to 90 mph on the freeway, lol this is a great truck

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  Functional and Affordable - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By MGutierrez - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Frontier Desert Runner because it fits my needs for my lifestyle. Having the 2 seats in the KingCab has been perfect for traveling with my 3 girls, as they have plenty of room. I use my truck quite often for work, loading it with heavy items, and its great for a trip up to the mountains as it has plenty of power. I suggest a frontier to everyone!

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  moved up from 2004 xe - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By darmonx - February 2 - 7:02 pm

  impressions coming from 2004 frontier xe. power. step on the gas like i did on the 04 and the tires would spin. had to learn how to ease down a bit but i like that power. noise in the cabin is greatly reduced, i could actually hear the radio at low volume. the ride is alot smoother as well. comfort level compared to the 04 makes me want to take a nap while driving if thats possible while the older one kept me awake for sure with the wind noise and bumpier ride.

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  All-Around Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Jerry - January 31 - 4:43 pm

  So far Ive been extremely happy with my 07 Frontier. Quiet ride, zippy performance, fairly comfortable driving position. Have had only one recurring problem...malfunctioning tire pressure sensor. It was finally fixed after the third visit to the dealer. Owned a comparable Tacoma before this truck. I like my Nissan far better.

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  Great truck!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By kendall - January 30 - 11:00 pm

  My dad owned a 03 frontier and has had zero problems in about 4 years with 60ish thousand miles so I figured Ill go with a Nissan. Bought the truck used and use it to read meters in central florida and the truck rides pretty darn good. Had to put a small lift kit on it for ground clearance but the truck can take a beating and keep on going. Dislikes are horrible blindspot on the kingcab and not so great turning radius which everyone else has stated. Tows my 18 flats boat pretty good, cant complain for a 4 banger. But overall great truck with great style.

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  6 mos review: still doing great! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By white knight - January 29 - 8:10 pm

  This is about 6 mos of use and 5,600 miles on the odometer. Turning circle is rather large but this is do in part to the longer wheel base and that is what helps provide a smooth highway ride. Still very comfortable on long trips. Very quiet interior, with little road, tire, or wind noise. I have averaged 24 mpg on regular fuel since I purchased this 6 mos ago. Mostly highway driving.

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  First Nissan 4X4 - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronty - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck in June 2003. I have put almost 9000 miles on it since then. I have had no problems at all. The gas mileage was poor to start, but a K&N filter changed that. (17-21)(15- 17 before)HWY. The Rockford Fosgate system isnt all what its cracked up to be. The factory stereo in my 02 Trailblazer sounds better. Overall I am pleased with the performance and ride.

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  Excellent reliability in a 4 cyl - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By tanka1 - January 28 - 8:23 am

  Bought this 4 cyl Frontier in 2000 new. In 117000 miles have only replaced battery, brake pads, one idler pulley, wiper blades and recently shocks to improve ride. Paint is still very good and interior like new. All buttons and handles still work. A/c still good. With addition of K&N air filter and platinum plugs, now get 25 MPG year round average(data calculated, not guess). First set of tires made 72000 miles. Second set already at 45000. For its size and purpose, you cannot beat this truck. I plan to keep another nine years. Not so much plastic on this model outside like later versions. Good reliable truck.