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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  2016 Nissan Frontier Pro4x - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By S K - October 21 - 11:18 pm

  Traded my 2009 dodge ram in for the 2016 Nissan frontier pro4x. I AM LOVE ! I have been looking for a new vehicle because my dodge literally was crumbling in front of me. Thought about going for the new Tacoma, but I didnt like that it was the first run of the " completely renewed Tacoma " so I went for the frontier. The thought of it not being changed since 2004 really grabbed my attention as they hold their value so well. I owned a 2006 jeep wrangler before my dodge and I would say the frontier drives super similar to how the older jeeps drove, which is why I fell in love with the pro4x. If you want a solid riding, reliable truck, then I say go for the frontier.

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  Nice & Slow - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Ben - October 19 - 10:56 pm

  Great truck, nice looking, great mpg, very slow. I have an auto with 63,000. Something squeaks when i go over bumps.

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  I love this hard body - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Donald Thompson, Sr. - October 17 - 8:23 am

  Purchase this truck from dealer, with 40k all ready on it. It was a lease truck by a one owner and was well taken care of. 130k on the truck as of this review. I previously owned a Toyota 4x4 "87" bought new and traded it in at 150k . I loved that truck. I never thought I would like another truck as I liked that one, but this Nissan is as good as the Toyota was. I take this truck to Florida two or thee times a year and drive straight threw, a 15 hour drive. Just gas and go with normal routine maintenance. This Nissan is a keeper.

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  I love my Frontier Crew Cab 4WD - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Rod, man - October 13 - 1:30 pm

  I have own many trucks and SUV in my life. The Frontier is my first vehicle from Nissan. I love everything about the truck. Excellent handling, engine power, and its bold body styling. I have yet to test the off-road and towing capabilities, but that will be soon.

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  Underpowered - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Very Disappointed - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new Frontier in May 2004 & I just got rid of it for a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner d-cab,4 cylinder because it is more responsive & has much better fuel economy. I was so disappointed in the Nissans poor performance, I took the loss & bought a much better truck.

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  My First Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - October 11 - 6:16 am

  This is my first truck and I think I made a great choice. This truck is great. It has a comfortable ride, a smooth tranny and looks great. The stereo is first rate. The controls are easy to operate even with gloves on. I test drove an 03 Toyota but went with a new Nissan. My wife calls it Stewie.

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  Just got it, still evaluating - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Fitz134 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got the truck, after being a dyed in the wool Ford man. Nissans to me seem to be some of the most durable, and time tested out there. My truck is an absoulute pleasure to drive, and it gives the best mix of practicality, and functionality. My wife even likes it. We have our first child on the way, and needed another four door vehicle.

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  My first new Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - October 8 - 8:00 pm

  All I can say is WOW. This truck is great. I just got it home two days ago and cant stop staring at it. It just looks great. Like a bulldog with an attitude. Drives great, Very comfortable and has a real solid feel. Very tight. I believe the 05 is the first year for the new body style and it was a much needed upgrade. The 6 CD stereo is excellent. the controls are easy to use and easy to reach. You really feel safe in this truck. I had a used Mazda for about 4 weeks and gave it back for this new one. Very Smart Move. Buy one. Youll love it.

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  Fits my needs perfectly! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By LET-CA - October 7 - 7:03 am

  This is my second Nissan pickup. The first was a 97, now being driven by my daughter; yeah, they dont wear out. Were still waiting for the first major repair on that vehicle. I purchased this just a month ago, the XE with the Power Package, and the Value Truck package, basically the "old man" options that really make it comfortable. Its my daily driver, rock solid with good fuel economy. The 4-cylinder is not a good choice if you are going to be towing frequently, as the power is lacking. If you REALLY need the extra power, buy the 6, but be prepared for a large drop in mileage. Im delighted with mine and will drive it for a long long time!

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  Does the job other than gas mileage - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By EdH - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck as a demo and couldve done better on the deal but came out ok. Truck runs great and handles just like a truck should handle. The overdrive kicks in way to quick while using cruise and going up a hill. This annoys the wife. Other than having the drivers door power window regulator assembly replaced and one of the rear doors also, havent had any problems with the vehicle except for mileage. Going to try a 70 series tire when these wear out and see if that helps the 16s really hurt the mileage on a V6.