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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Lemon - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By brian bernier - September 14 - 10:00 amIve brought my vehicle in for repair 8 times over a 14 month span and still having problems, I am filing a claim under the Connecticut Lemon Law Act. The tires are alreay spent after 15000 miles
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SE Value Package is appropriately named - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By KentT - September 12 - 8:20 amWhen my teenager totaled my 2009 Frontier with less than 9000 miles on it, I didnt think twice about replacing it with the exact same spec 2010 -- even the same Radiant Silver. (He walked away with only a bruised shin after sliding into a telephone pole that totaled the vehicle. The safety features, especially the intrusion bars in the doors worked as designed. The Value Truck package is even better value on the 2010, adding the Tow Package to the deal. With the rebate, this is an incredible value for a powerful, tough 4WD truck thats well- equipped and fun to drive. The V6 is simply best-in-class, an incredibly smooth and powerful engine.
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transmission from h____ - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By kaki johnson - September 7 - 6:27 pmThis is on a 2007 model. Site will not let me change the 2001 mistake. If you want a hole in your head and wallet, buy this vehicle. Nissan has known about these leaks into the transmission, and for most people, the problems do not normally start until over 90,000 miles, and then there is no help from the dealer/company. These CEOs should be sent to prison for knowing refusing to call a recall, and settlement in 2012 suit is a joke for most consumers. Shame on Nissan. I will never buy a Nissan ever again.
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nissan - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By jz - August 31 - 11:00 amnissan trucks are so dependable and well-built i decided to buy one and try it out. it is a great investment very reliable and durable. has good performance great fuel economy
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Nissan truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By snuffboy - August 29 - 3:30 amDrives smooth, sharp interior, very nice to drive. I am very happy with my Nissan Frontier. The only drawback would be the small seats in the king cab, so if you need more room for passengers you should go with the double cab rather than the king cab.
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features - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By fred - August 25 - 12:00 amDisappointed it did not come with safety remote key entry, rides a little rough. First time pick-up owner I expected more comfort. After purchase dispointed in jump seats instead of 4 seats. Bad choice on my part. Color was not first choice but acceptible. Overall pickup is very good and enjoy a lot. pricing of basic vehicle color should not change options or price.
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Sportscar with truck bed - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By JimInFLA - August 19 - 11:56 amI purchased my 05 Frontier 2wd used w/ about 10k miles. Traded in an 02 Chevy Avalanche. It was great but the gas was killin me and we dont need the 4wd in FL. My Fronty has plenty o power... its like a sportscar w/a truck bed, I swear! I love the beds adjustable tiedown system. Not crazy about the roofrack but it does have a sunroof that is nice, although I mostly run the A/C. Im a lead foot and I can get about 17-19 mpg doing about 75-85 mph on the highway. Its squirrely in the rain b/c its sort of light in the backend like my old 98 2dr Tahoe. The front seats are uncomfortable on long road trips. They also need to redo the center console so you have an elbow rest.
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Great truck for the money - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Mike Warren - August 17 - 3:53 amThe Frontier is a roomy, powerful mid- size 4x4 truck. It will seat five comfortably, has a decent sound system and smooth ride. Like most pick-ups you have to pay attention driving in bad weather. Im averaging about 15 mpg (with a six speed). A good truck for the money
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I Love it - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Nismo - August 17 - 3:13 amIve only had the truck for about 2 weeks, but its really fun to drive and has a lot of power. It has nice features and seems to be very well built and rugged.
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2WD Desert Runner XE - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By S Modica - August 11 - 2:00 amI have only had this truck for a few weeks but I already have grown very fond of it. Previously I owned a 98 S- 10 I enjoyed it very much but from the firt day I knew the Nissan was a better truck.
