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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  Piece of junk - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By big ron - August 9 - 3:26 am

  I hate this truck, nothing but trouble. Every sensor went bad. Radiator went bad. Broke on inside one big mess Nissan would not fix. Transmission gone bad. Cant fine a new one. Will never buy another one. Should have stayed with Toyota

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  great smaller truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By bronco_fan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for an inexpensive pickup thats great on gas too, then the Nissan is the way to go. The bed is bigger/deeper than any other small truck. I bought the std cab because I didnt want to spend more than necessary, though the extra cab would be nice to have. I have owned this trk for a few months and enjoy it. Wife thinks the steering wheel has too much play, but I dont notice it. Rides rough like a truck, and on windy days I get thrown around the freeway because its not heavy enough to hold its own. Thats what I expected though, so Im not upset.

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  Nice quality truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Hooker - August 7 - 9:00 am

  Bought this truck 5 years ago with 31,000 miles. I now have over 200,000 miles as I commute 200 a day to work and home. No major work preformed except for tires, oil changes, brakes and clutch (at 180,000 mile). Truck is comfortable for my daily trips. I average 30 miles per gallon on the highway with a standard tranny. Dependable truck!!

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  Hot tip - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By fdxbrad - July 31 - 12:26 pm

  Have used my truck for hunting, shopping, camping and getting to and from work. I love this truck!

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  Great Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By ktg77 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck new in 1999. In that time it has dealt with a 200+ mile a day commute, countless moves, and general rough driving. I am extremely hard on vehicles and I have never had a problem with this truck. Its a great truck!

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  Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry82 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Great truck for the price and holds a lot of weight. Great for work and my electrical business.

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  Id buy again but Frontier too big now - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By kyboy - July 30 - 8:43 am

  Truck is babied. Other than oil and filter changes, no expense, but air went out at 45k. Still on original tires at 55k. Rear vibrated even when new, 55-65 mph. Gearing is very tall, making engine appear sluggish, took some time to get used to having to rev up to take off, but love the mpg, 24/28.

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  Back to nissan :) - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By bgarthe - July 27 - 6:20 pm

  Years ago I had pathfinder and 720 pickup and went Jeep for a bit. Our Nissans were great and I am very glad I returned. I recently bought new Frontier crew cab Pro 4x and it is a dream. The styling, power, performance, and features set it apart from the many other brands considered and researched. It helps that the local dealership has such great service dept. It is quiet, has a nice music package, moonroof (my first), and handles really well. I think the safety features are a sure plus. Mileage is ok, but is sure to get better as she ages. I had my Jeep for twelve years and look forward to at least that with this truck.

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  Frontiers on the Forefront - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Hammerman - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  I have owned the LE Crew Cab for 2 weeks. Chose it over Tacoma b/c of better high-end options (sunroof/leather). Acceleration is surprisingly responsive and fast. Interior on LE is very nice, logical, and comfortable. Paid $300 over invoice through federal government car-buying service from local dealer. Very happy with vehicle.

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  Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By D. Smith - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Seat design and height reduces driver confort.