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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  Good mid sized truck - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Martin - January 25 - 2:49 am

  driver leg room less than my 2012 model though specs say theyre the same. Turning radius is poor.

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  Nissan service is horrible - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ray fitzgerald - January 24 - 4:00 am

  I had a fuel gauge issue on my truck repaired by me mechanic using Nissan parts I received a recall letter a week later. In order to reimburse the bill Nissan insisted on reworking the recall issue, The rework has been done three times and is still not correct. I have been on the phone with Nissan service and consumer affairs they never call back and have do not check or follow up on their work.

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  5 month update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By newnissanbuyer - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  Had truck for 5 months. Now have 16,500 hard miles. Solid, some rattles from seatbelt buckle. Engine and trans are worth the price paid. Interior holding up pretty well even with 2 kids. Gas mileage fair, 15 mpg mixed driving - a best of 20, all hwy at 70 mph. Emergency handling surprisingly good. Should have rolled truck on rainy day when rearend broke loose on on-ramp. Truck stayed solid and easy to control.

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  Nissan Frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Nayar - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, now 80000 miles. Very reliable and reasonably comfortable for a truck. Handling not bad, winter driving excellent. I get about 21 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. Had trouble with the AC in the first year, got it fixed under warranty. One of the front wheel locking hubs has become hard to turn, but still works. Hope to keep it at least for another five years. It has the largest truck bed of any pick up - can haul a lot of stuff. Mine is four cylinder, five speed - not much power, but enough for most jobs.

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  Not sure I made the right choice... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Tex - January 17 - 5:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and my first truck. Bought this truck base on price primarily, as compared to Taco. Didnt consider US products base on previously bad experiences. After 5100 miles the dash rattles sometimes when idling, the rear suspension squeaks (I HATE squeaks and rattles), and presently the dealership cant figure out why it wont start. The dealer set me up with a rental F150 Crew Cab which, I hate to admit, I like- its very comfortable and responsive. Heed other reviews that comment on the driver arm rest, driver side only door unlock, key fob, and plastic dash- these turned out to be real annoyances for me. If I could give my Frontier back and get all my money back, I would.

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  Gold SC Crew Cab 4WD - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Jon-Michael DeBona - January 16 - 7:43 pm

  My pickup was incredibly reliable which is typical of Nissan. This was my second Nissan. I never had a problem with either. After over three years I have not had to have any repairs done to my Frontier whatsoever. Im thinking of trading it in for Titan only because I want more space.

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  Love the truck, but it could be better - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikabru - January 16 - 4:33 pm

  I Love the truck, but it could be better. The drivers seat lacks lumbar support, the seat belt is hard to latch, the quality of exterior paint was poor... Dont get me wrong, I love the truck. That supercharger is killer, but attention to detail would have made it even better.

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  Excellent underrated truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By ugaguy - January 15 - 8:13 pm

  Great truck for the money. I have had two Tacomas, a GMC, and a Ford in the past 3 years. Nissan impressed me the most. It is not a perfect truck, but it is better than most. I has more power than a Tacoma, but not as much back seat room (in a crew cab). It gets respectable mileage, has excellent handling, and comes with well done factory options (spray in bedliner, utilitrack system).

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  Good truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By tvs - January 15 - 3:00 pm

  I looked for a while at smaller 4dr trucks. I liked the toyotas but I could not find any in my area. A friend said he was looking at the Frontier. I took a look and loved it. It could be a little faster but I did trade an 02 Mustang GT for it so that may be why I think it is a little slow. Love the 6 disc cd player and the styling of the truck. Towing capacity was also a big plus since we were buying a boat. I have two little ones and you do have to move the front seats up a bit so the car seats fit but I have also fit 5 adults in it for an hour and a half with no complaints.

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  annoyance overshadows good - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By king - January 15 - 7:33 am

  Overall driving is an improvement. Too bad you ruined it with that horrible cover on the back