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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  Good quality, reliable truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By WC DVD - July 18 - 10:36 pm

  I bought the truck with 186,000 miles on it. The former owners dad worked at the Nissan Training Center so it was well maintained. Former owner disclosed the transmission was replaced under warranty. Ive put 40,000 miles on the truck in 3 years and other than a battery that died with no warning, no major problems. The extra DC power plug has never worked for me. The tailgate latch works but is a bit stiff. The tailgate strip with the Frontier name is beginning to peel off. Interior is a little bland but build quality is good. A lady in a Jaguar hit me in the front right and it all did was scuff the bumper. A tough little truck and I look forward to seeing how far it goes.

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  2006 xe frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - July 9 - 10:33 am

  This is a good solid truck, I went with the 4cyl for gas mileage 18 city 20 highway. The truck does not have much power so go with the 6cly if you tow. The truck has 2 recall items both minor door latch, gas cap other than that no problems. I wanted a tacoma but this similar frontier was $2700 less.

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  The best vehicle I have ever owned. - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By CarAttorney - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving vehicles for about 25 years now, road test many new ones though the years at the dealer and owned many--this Frontier truck is the best I have driven or owned. I got it new and put on about 65K so far-- flawless--maintenance only so far. Fun to drive, easy to handle, looks nice, lots of utility and easy on the wallet. I have been looking to get another vehicle for a year or so, just because I get board and want something new, but you cannot find a better handling vehicle of any manufacturer at any price below 35K. I have driven the Toyotas, Hondas, Dodges, Fords and none compare. Just an incredible great truck.

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  Great Truck On And Off Road, - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad05 - July 1 - 12:43 pm

  I have owned this truck for about three months and it is already the best truck I have ever had. Before this I have owned Fords and Chevys and both of them were in the shop after only about a month of ownership. The Frontier I can trust to start for me everytime and not leave me stranded. I have the off road package and it has the rear limited slip. With this feature this truck does great off road.

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  On Road-Off Road - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed Jarecki - June 24 - 12:40 am

  While being the most comfortable truck I have owned it has one major flaw in the heating controls. When you put the heat control knob to floor only the hot air still comes out the A/C vents and makes it very uncomfortable, this feature keeps the feet and legs cold in very cold weather and your upper body too warm. Nissan service rep has told me this is the way they are built, and Nissan refuses to get back to me after several calls. Also there are a couple of spots where dirt was painted over at the factory. Overall the truck does very well in off road performances as well as a nice ride on hard surfaces. Ed Jarecki

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  Such a Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By 04xev6 - June 24 - 12:20 am

  I have had this truck for 5 years now and i love it. Never gave me any problems and i have done very little maintenance to it in 53,000 miles. The cab space could be a little better and engine performance can be upped a little but i have a K&N intake and magnaflow exhaust to help a bit. It does make rattling and squeaky noises but this is a frontier not a bently. All and all this is a great little truck, i would however like to test drive one of the newer ones with the more powerful engines, one of them could very well be my next truck.

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  New 05 Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Ed Atkins - June 23 - 3:20 am

  Have had the truck one month on4-28. No complaints so far. Does well in the snow. Really like the vdc and limited slip. Roomy cab is really nice. Gas mileage is around 15.5 to 16.7, I just turned 1000 miles so I hope this will improve around 5000. The trip computer is nice. I have mine set on the mpg setting as it makes me try and get the most. I replaced the original rugged terrain tas with the all terrain tas and I like the feel better. They seem smoother on the freeway and I know they will be better in bad weather.No difference in mpg or road noise that I can tell. All Round Great Truck Cheers!

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  Very satisfied owner - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By John - June 23 - 12:30 am

  I am about to hit 100k miles today (XE V6, 4WD, Crew Cab, 5 speed). Havent had a problem yet and Ive worked it hard. There arent even any rattles in the interior. Itll tow an 18 boat, haul a yard of stone, plow snow, and commute to work. The ride, handling, and build quality are much better than my previous truck, a Toyota Tacoma. As far as mileage, I have seen 21mpg when driving with a light touch on the highway, but its mostly 18-20mpg. Its certaintly no worse than any other compact pickup on the market. I did install a Magnaflow exhaust and K&N filtercharger, which helped with throttle response. Overall, I couldnt really ask for more from a truck.

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  109K Miles Down, Looking forward to 100K more! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By buldog60 - June 20 - 9:57 am

  This truck has been amazing. I have had no complaints at all. I feel safe with driving my family around in it. I do not worry that it wont start or will die on the road. I got it with 40K miles on it and have never wanted anything else. I am averaging 20 MPG with mostly hwy driving. Adding the K&N Air Filter was a great call. All my friends want one like it, and I highly recommend it to anyone. I am actually looking at another one as a second vehicle.

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  Cool Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By halfcar - June 20 - 1:33 am

  The 2005 Nissan Frontier far exceeded my expectations. The truck has a lot of great features for the value. My previous truck was a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab. Compared to it, the rear seat is a bit small and the bed is slightly shorter. However, it accomdates both my children in their car seats comfortably. I know some people are asking for a long bed version, but I think the bed is the right size for every day use. The truck could be improved in the interior. Over all I think Nissan did its homework accomodating praticality and value. I give it an A+.