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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  gas hog - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By m.r. - June 12 - 10:00 am

  i like this truck except for the horrible gas mileage. driving down from san francisco to los angeles, it took me 3 fill ups just to make it. i was averaging around 13mpg. i had a tundra that at least delivered around 18-19mpg on the hwy. i try to drive with a light foot as possible, the best i got was 14.5 mpg. very disappointing for a V6. my advice, forget the supercharger, go with the normal V6, believe me, the power difference isnt that noticeable. and, go with the white colored gauges. mine had the black background w/c is hard to see in the daylight while wearing shades.

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  Great Deal - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By truckowner - June 11 - 9:43 am

  Only had the truck a little over a month, but I am very pleased. The power is exceptional, as is the ride and handling. Very little road noise. The truck handles 4 adults in comfort. Glad I chose this over the larger trucks.

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  BUY ONE!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Alec - June 10 - 6:33 am

  I use my truck for hauling, towing, hunting, and as a daily driver. I get around 18 mpg all around mostly in city driving with my mom driving a lot of them and she is bad at driving a stick shift. It has very good offroad capabilities. It is very fast and has a lot of power and torque. It has a very big bed and i can fit my yamaha kodiak (fourwheeler) in the back. People and edmunds often complain about the hard plastic interior, but you have to remember that this is a truck not a little car and hard plastic is tough and will last. Buy a Frontier

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  2008 Nissan Frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Ponch - June 9 - 4:20 am

  Purchased my frontier a week ago and love it! Prett fast, smooth ride. Excellent color choice and fabric for the interior cloth, doors, etc.

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  Great truck needs a few small tweaks - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - June 8 - 11:56 pm

  Bought new in Oct. Great power,very fast. Very nice clean design interior and exterior. 4wd works very well in the snow. Better than expected fuel mileage approx 19mpg avg. Excellent value. A few small gripes show that I am spoiled and have forgotten how crappy my Ford was: A small squeak that comes from the back right corner of the cab, large turning radius, lots of wind noise, interior plastic scratches way too easily. Inside is nice and clean in design but could use some more luxurious touches like Tacoma. Still a great Value, I would buy another one.

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  Another trustworthy truck! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By MtbVA - May 29 - 10:00 am

  For 16 years Ive driven two NISSAN Trucks (84 bought used in 89) & (95 bought new), this is my third. Not one problem that wasnt normal wear & tear (brakes/tires/clutch)! Extremely low maintenance costs! This truck has many more creature comforts & storage options than my past trucks!

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  06 Nissan Frontier SE Automatic - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rowdycowboy85 - May 27 - 6:36 pm

  I LOVE this truck! The only thing thats a slight downer for me at this point is gas mileage (only cause gas is so high. It wasnt so bad when I first got it) but its still great for a truck. The power of this thing is almost beastly. Its light rear end can make your tires squeal easily, especially in the rain. Push the pedal and you GO with this baby. Its especially quick on the highway between about 70 and 90. Ive never had any real problems with it at all. At least nothing to speak about. If you can afford this vehicle and are in the market for a great truck then Id highly suggest you buy one.

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  Nice Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Craig Uhl - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Need more backseat leg room. More CD space. Dashboard gauges are hard to see in the day time (need to be a lighter color) 6 disc CD changer should be standard. Over all it is a very nice truck and fun to drive!!

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  Tacoma Killer! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Paul - May 23 - 8:50 am

  I love the Nissan Frontier! I have had other Nissan trucks in the past and test drove the 2005 Toyota Tacoma, but the Frontier tops them all. Nissan did their homework and learned a lot from the Titan. The powerful 265hp 4.0 V6 engine pulls hard to 60mph+. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and never hunts for the right gear. There is a solid graceful feel to the chasis and it handles corners very well. The build quality is excellent and the cab is very quiet and roomy. This truck drives and feels much like its big brother, the Titan. The Rockford Fosgate package has a great sound, it is a must! The quality of interior materials are very good. This truck has become a major player in the midsize class! THANK YOU NISSAN!

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  Best Midsize Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - May 14 - 8:20 pm

  The Frontier rides better then our 2001 Buick Lasabre. Smooth quite ride, plenty of muscle in the 4.0 V-6. Comfortable seats. Does have a wide turn radius. Like the hidden storage under the back seats. Dislike the exterior key lock only on the drivers side.