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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  Frontier is a great truck in the city! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By emptyhooks - October 5 - 9:16 am

  IMO, full-size trucks have gotten too big. Lanes and parking spaces certainly arent getting any bigger and the Frontier Crew Cab is the perfect size for getting around. Pile in 3 or 4 buddies in the cab and throw the gear in the back and youre in a highly capable truck. Tow ably and tear it up off-road while still being able to squeeze through parking garages and fit into small parking spaces. It really is the best of both worlds in many ways. And its more fun to drive and even more burly sounding than the more expensive Tacoma. Now if only the Frontier could get significantly better gas mileage than the full-size pickups...

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  Quick, quiet and very comfortable - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By M. J. McCloskey - September 29 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased a 2010 LE CC 4x4 with all options and am very pleased with this truck. Heated leather seats are real comfy and the Rockford Fosgate Audio is very nice. Im surprised at how quiet the truck is. Very little wind noise considering that Jungle Gym roof rack. The 18" alloy wheels are sharp looking and appear to be from the Pathfinder LE. Great truck with lots of power and mileage so far is 19.3mpg. I was considering the Toyota Tacoma but it cant be had with a moonroof or heated seats and I didnt care for the overall look of that truck.

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  Lots of problems with the 4WD - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Zas Karson - September 27 - 5:36 am

  I live in Colorado and use 4WD a lot during the winter. I frequently experience problems shifting from 2WD to 4WD and usually I must come to a complete stop in order to make the transfer successfully. The dealer has tried to repair the problem twice with no success. I am a four time repeat Nissan truck buyer, but I think this may be my last.

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  Satisfied for the price - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JET - September 25 - 11:03 pm

  Have just under 3,000 miles so far and just minor problems. Ive noticed a timing chain slap while starting every once in a while. Drivers sun visor bounces while driving and in stowed position and falls slightly when against windshield. Speedometer reads 2 miles fast. Brakes have strange hitch only at complete stop and just after acceleration. (Feels like loose wheel lug nuts.) Finish on chrome front bumper not that great. Turning radius too large.

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  Did not want to like it. - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By purvelo - September 25 - 9:07 am

  I seriously did not want to like this truck. I had to purchase a truck for a new business I started. Decided on the Nissan Frontier V6 4x4 because of how well the test ride went against the other midsized trucks like the Tacoma. Solid ride,great handling for a truck, and much quieter interior compared to the noisy Tacoma. I liked the full size Ram but cost and MPG kept me away from it.So I have owned this truck for almost a year now and have to say, as much as I want to be pissed about driving a truck daily, this well made solid truck is growing on me. Nissan has built a reliable mid sized truck that feels like it can handle real truck work and yet drives rather nicely. 20.2 MPG with a 4x4!

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  Not Happy w/my nissan 98 frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By T.K - September 24 - 6:40 am

  Had mechanical difficulties w/ this truck since I bought it, not reliable. Bought with 30,000 miles in 2002. Fix oil leak of engine and axle (under warranty), the windshield wiper motor went out during a thunderstorm in the middle of nowhere and I had no windshield wiper use, clutch motor fixed twice w/in 6mos. clutch going out and expensive to fix due to location of clutch. Problem after problem w/ this truck.

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  The Perfect Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By David Mock - September 24 - 5:54 am

  My grandfather bought this truck new from the dealership in 2004. The whole time he owned it through my childhood and teen years it was phenomenal, and still is today. Recently due to medical issues he had to give up driving and the truck went to me. It is still the the magnificent truck it was the day he brought it home. My wife and I own a small hobby farm and we use it frequently for hauling feed, supplies, produce, animals, and just about anything else you can think of. Its easy to maintain, very simplistic in that there is not a lot of electronics to fail and the gas mileage is unbelievable. We recently took a trip from our home in Western Maryland to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY and the truck averaged 34mpg for the trip, and that was with the bed loaded with camping gear. When my grandfather bought this truck he traded in a 1984 Nissan truck for it which had 483,000 miles on it an I expect that and so much more out of this beautiful piece of machinery. If you have the opportunity to purchase a 1st gen (1998-2004) Nissan Frontier with the bulletproof 2.4L KA24DE engine get it. It will be the best investment youll ever make.

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  Owner comments - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Carl Gaudiano - September 23 - 2:20 pm

  I recently purchased a Nissan Frontier after much research on similar vehicles. So far I like the vehicle. I agree with other owners in that the arm rest is too small. Also, when the driver/passenger door is fully extended,its difficult to reach it to close the door. It seems to be built for drivers with long arms. Fog lights should come as a standard feature, not an opion.

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  My First Nissan - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By TaTa - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck because I needed inexpensive 4wd and the ability to pack a couple of kids in the back when necessary. Have had numerous other Japanese vehicles over the years and always was impressed with there quality,reliability,and driving satisfaction. Have to say that the Nissan is a step below the others. I also had the radio light go out (a common problem), Ive had driveability problems in damp weather,a 4wd hub issue twice,a/c not very good,squeaks and rattles,not very comfortable,poor mileage even with the 5speed. On the plus side, paint is good ,never stranded me,for what I paid its probably been a decent vehicle. Would I buy another? Probably not unless the price was a steal.

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  Better Get One !! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Great Truck !! - September 19 - 10:56 am

  This Is my 6th Nissan Truck. I have had a 1990, 1997, 2002, 2006,2007,2010. All the trucks were very good in every way. The 2010 has gobs of power. I have always had the 4 cy till know. I like the 6 cy but if gas goes up a lot I would likely go back to the 4cy. I like the manuel trans. I have had in on all my Nissans. Truck is quality inside and out.