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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  Love My Truck - Great Truck - Wont let it go - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By laurelguy - May 14 - 11:53 am

  Bought my 03 Frontier new in 1/03, havent had any complaints, now has 191k miles on it, having some issues but thats expected I guess. Speed sensors on both side needed replaced, now having to replace rear seal. Might be bandaging it but really dont want to let the truck go. Only complaint was local Nissan dealership for service or lack there of, but found local shop just as good and less expensive.

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  Well worth it - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Jereth - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Frontier. I had to drive it 7 and a half hours back home. It drove great the whole way. You get everything you can out of it. Very comfortable for long trips. The styling makes it a great head turner. The SE version comes packed with extras uncommon to most trucks. A good truck for someone wanting just that, a good truck.

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  Sold my vette for this - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Lennie2step - May 10 - 11:56 pm

  First test drive sold me on this truck. Beautiful ride, looks great and great on the beach. What took me so long to purchase a pickup. Looked for two weeks at all makes and models, the Frontier was by all means the best for the value.

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  Keep Shopping For Now - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By indintruk - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Frontier late last year, and was quite happy with it until March of this year. The drivers door handle broke off; the electronic control module needed reprogramming; a grinding sound and kerchunk developed in the left front end; the drivers door window regulator went bad; and the gas mileage suddenly, and inexplicably, went down about 4-5 mpg. The service department was very courteous and wonderful in all respects. I simply decided to cut my losses and trade the truck in on something else while it still had most of its value, and before anything else went wrong.

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  Great overall truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By JNegron - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck. The aggressive styling and performance in this truck is impressive. The fact that there are not that many supercharged Frontiers on the street make people really acknowledge the better look of it.

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  Mud Slingin in Style - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By McFack - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck! Easily $3k cheaper than Toyota or Ford Sport Trac w/ comparable options. I purchased for looks, options & $price$. Options:4WD,Automatic,Long Bed,Under rail bed liner w/ rail caps,Rockford Fosgate 6-disc.CD,Tow Hitch,Leather Package(Includes Sun Roof & Security System) Added Options:H&H Tool Box Nit Picky Complaints: (1)Clicking noises under the hood when putting the truck into gear. I think this is typical of Frontiers, but IÂ’ve never heard of this before. (2)When I turn on the AC the compressor makes a noise like one beat on a drum. I hope this is not the sound of future repairs. Otherwise the AC works great!

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  Gas gas gas - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Brian VABeach - April 30 - 8:10 pm

  Ok so everyone konws that your going to get bad MPG on gas but not this bad....i have had my Frontier for 3 weeks now and am at 1500 miles and still only getting 17.7 - 17.9 MPG ....Horrible!

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  No regrets whatsoever - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - April 28 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my 05 Frontier in October 2005, and Im still in love with it. Its a great truck for taking your friends to pick up replacement parts for their Fords, Chevys and Dodges when they break down every week. It has about 30,000Km (~18,600 miles) on it and everything is still as tight as new. I put an ARE hinged tonneau cover on it, which is disappointing because the bed is short so you cant reach anything in the back without climbing in, so get a rolling cover and youll be much happier. Definitely get the step bars too, because the front tires zing rocks at the rear fender flares. You can get great fuel economy if you drive this truck very gently, but... why would you do that? :)

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  Good Commuter - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By DJ - April 28 - 3:36 am

  Bought brand new with only 6 miles on the odometer. Havent had a single major problem. Had the belts replaced at 57000 miles. Other than that, oil changes and gas fill-ups. It doesnt have very much power and the A/C drains even more from the already struggling engine. However, my 5spd manual gets pretty good gas mileage (as much as 28.5 hwy).

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  A KEEPER, AT LEAST FOR NOW - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By RUBICON4X4 - April 25 - 7:06 pm

  After 6 months good power and economy combination, average low 20s unless in 4 wheel drive. OE tires are mediocre for snow and mud, but do fine on dry roads: disappointing to need new tires since I live in an area that has snow 4- 5 months. Surprised that neither the salesman or sales manager knew that this truck does have a break in period. More truck for the price than I could have gotten a Toyota for. Radio works well, even in fringe reception areas. Radio and heater controls are easy to reach and understand.