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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  2010 Nissan Frontier SE 4x4 4dr - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By jodi1988 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck! With 12K miles on it, I’ve had my Nissan Frontier for a little over a year now. The Tacoma was the only other truck that compared but the Nissan price difference had me sold. Very fun to drive, love the acceleration. My mom has an old ’91 Pathfinder with 280K + miles on it and hasn’t had a problem yet, besides changing her battery cables. I have no doubt that my Frontier will be just as reliable.

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  Best truck value out there - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Ron - November 8 - 2:06 pm

  Traded in my 01 Frontier KC 2wd, the only reason I traded it in was for 4wd. The 4.0L has excellent acceleration with decent fuel economy. I also liked the fact that the rear doors opened whereas my 01 didnt. I was comparing this to the Tacoma and Colorado and for the money this was the best truck out there.

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  So-far-so-good - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By deemery - November 7 - 11:12 am

  This replaced my 2000 4x2 Frontier (I got from a friend after he adopted 2 kids and needed a vehicle that could hold multiple car seats :-) That truck ran great, good mileage, relatively low maintenance costs (except for the leaky fuel pump at 100k that cost $1100 to fix). After 800 miles, performance is very good (Im not used to this much power), gas mileage as expected (4x4 not a winner there), comfort is good, interior features are generally good. Overall quite satisfied.

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  Shift_Respect - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Dirt Trail - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I drive my Fronty hard. Im always delivering 10 foot metal studs and drywall with no problems. For a compact truck its very rugid indeed. For the price of Frontiers you really get your moneys worth. I recommend a Fronty to anyone shopping for a well built compact truck.

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  Frontier of my discontent - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Jvincent - November 2 - 6:42 pm

  Engine idles rough , lot of vibration . Front seat rattles ,dealer repaired , still rattles. Climate control difficult to regulate . Slow to warm in the winter. Wanders from side to side , loud when driving .

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  Great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By normm14 - October 29 - 12:30 pm

  This is a great truck to drive. Incredibly powerful, and roomy. I commute 50 miles a day, and I love the commute in this truck. Great in the snow and rain. High up, and the tires are actually beefier then the rims. Gas mileage could be greater, but that is what you get when you buy a truck.

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  Yes you should get one! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Roland V - October 26 - 7:58 am

  Awesome truck, wish I purchased thr PRO-4X instead. This is the 3rd time Ive own a pickup truck and the best time. This truck is bullet proof. Ive put it through the wringer. Awesome in snow and mud. Very stable and at times almost drives like a car. No problem yet in the last 5 years just regular maintenance. The answer is yes a Nissan truck is a better buy. Glad I didnt choose the other brand that starts with a T and ends with an A!

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  SUPER TRUCK - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By MEL PARAS - October 23 - 4:36 pm

  The truck runs very well. Great Power and comfort , it has been reliable and very fun to drive! I love the fender flares and the Front bars, side bars and luggage rack , makes truck look and feel rugged. Im a very Proud owner of my first Nissan Truck. I love my purchase and recommend this truck to anyone looking for style comfort and reliable truck that has kept me happy the past 5 years of ownership. Ive only had oil changes and a new air /gas filter installed the past 5 years of ownership.

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  4x4ing Skills - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 4x4ing in NV - October 23 - 1:00 pm

  I have 10000+ miles on my 01 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 Off Road SEV6 now and darn near 2000 miles have been off road. This truck is extremely capable and agile when you equip it with proper off road tires and increase the clearance of the front suspension. With the 16” stock equipped rims, ground clearance is not a problem. 175hp in this truck is plenty to get me up any obstacles that I’ve come across and with some minor upgrade engine performance parts available, this will only get better. Ive driven completely around Mt. Charleston in Nevada and been thru trails that a comparable Ford Ranger 4x4 Off Road couldn’t (and wouldn’t) do.

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  Consumers Dream - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary Hooper - October 23 - 8:20 am

  Love to drive this vehicle. First new truck Ive ever had and Im 50. I live in a rural area with dirt roads and you cant tell where the dirt ends and the pavement begins. Ive taken it through thick mud and water with no problem in handling. The 4 speed automatic transmission shifts without you even noticing. Ive filled the bed with bricks and lumber and it still handles like it was empty. This truck was made for Home Depot runs. I love the interior. I have never seen an interior fabric like this. Excellant! I think my next truck will be a Nissan if this one ever wares out.