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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  I love it! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By DTT - October 20 - 7:23 am

  Test drove both Tacoma and Frontier and decided on Frontier due to more comfortable ride, nicer interior, availability (Need to wait 3 months for Tacoma), price (about $4000 more for comparably equipped Tacoma), and more power. The Frontier has a quieter cabin and the bed is traditional steel with a sprayed on liner which is not slippery like the Tacomas plastic liner. The utilitrac is very strong and durable and seems like it can hold a heavy load. Had six mountain bikes and six people on board and it didnt break a sweat driving uphills in the mountains. Very strong and smooth V6. Test drive both and see for yourself. All other trucks werent even considered.

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  Tacoma or NISMO Frontier.... - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tsavo - October 19 - 1:06 pm

  On 12/31/05 I bought my my Storm Gray NISMO CC, and brought her home. Little things like the oil filter access plate integrated into the skid plate, thickness of plastic in the wheel wells, strength of the utili-track channels/tie-down cleats, engine response, utility, seating position, reliability, and past service (2002 Xterra SC)sealed the deal. Mine came with the Rockford Fosgate package and sunroof. I also have the bed extender, bed divider, and locking rear axle. This truck is incredible. Only complaint is the roof rack, too much noise when the sunroof is open. I tried to put a wind deflector on but it didnt fit with the roof rack. Other than that, couldnt be happier!

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  Fours fine - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Grailfan - October 17 - 10:20 am

  Was set on a Tacoma. Looked at the Frontier in the 11th hour. The stock and option values were better. The 6 is a great value for lots of extra power, but I wont be doing any heavy hauling. Also nice to have that extra power on tap but as the price of gas goes up-my need for speed goes down. The 2.5 isnt exactly a small 4 anyway. I took mine through the gears @3000 rpm and found the power more than adequate. Its too new to check the gas mileage but Im sure it will be decent after switching to full synthetic Mobil 1. There are some minor negatives, but overall this is a great truck. Perfect size. Nicest looking.

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  2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Josh - October 11 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my Ranger Edge in Nov 06 and have never seen such power from a smaller truck. You feel the power on interstate and it does not hesitate off road. All stock, I have pulled out a Silverado and a Jeep and then drove through what they got stuck in. The push button locker makes a world of difference. For a 4WD it could be a little higher though. Overall, the power is there when you need it and off roading is fun as hell.

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  To much fun - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By j_ftkd - October 10 - 7:36 am

  This truck is powerful, yet does not drive like a truck. It handles so well. It is like two vehicles in one. A sports car and a truck. It is awsome

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  Great Functional Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ken - September 30 - 11:23 am

  Great mileage for mid-size truck, got 25mpg in mixed driving on the first tankful. Ride is quiet and smooth and has plenty of space all around. Not fancy but has all the basic features available as options.

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  Great value - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Vicky - September 23 - 8:53 pm

  The XE is a sleeper. Sure the 154 horsepower four cyl. isnt for the macho types. It works hard to push a 3,500 lb truck, but this is the engine that makes the Altima great, just tuned for truck duty! Give me the 23 mpg any day over the (admittedly GREAT 4 liter 6s 16-18. Workmanship is excellent, handling is great, towing capacity of 3,500 lb for a 4 banger is amazing! Ride is a little busy on rough road, but cornering and braking is super. And gas mileage for a truck that I use to haul around tools fo work is fantastic.

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  Its a very strong vehicle - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cheynene marshall - September 15 - 2:00 am

  a very good vehicle with a great reputation!

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  Awesome truck! - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Central NH - September 2 - 12:56 pm

  This truck has the value added pkg. Many say its getting old..I say its still got bells and whistles without all the electronic stuff like new vehicles. Handles great my only kinda dislike is fuel economy compared to others in class but how reliable will those other makes be with new power plant. 400 mile trip and was great. Duel zone temp was great for the trip. All in all 5 stars. Keep it simple kinda guy not high tech.

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  One Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By nismoblue - September 1 - 9:23 am

  My 06 is now 2yrs old w/ 33,000 miles on it and it still feels great to drive every day. The power is very good, drives like a sports car and feels solid. Try one out if you are thinking about a midsize truck. The interior design is nice with everything laid out really well. I always still look at it while walking way from it after two years.