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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Great truck! - 2014 Nissan Frontier
By Rich - April 17 - 9:46 pmI had a 2004 Frontier king cab. It was spartan and handled kind of rough, but the thing was a tank and I had very little problems with it. I traded it in at a 170k miles. Having kids I knew I needed more of an actual back seat, I got a used 2014 Frontiet sv trim line crew cab. So far I love it! The V6 engine has great "gitty-up" and power. Its handling/turning may not be its strong suit, but its a truck, not a sports car. Not sure this is most trucks strong suits. Overall I love the look of truck, sporty and brawny, while maintaining some refinement. Understand that this is a mid-size vehicle, so there are lots of bigger trucks with way more cargo and back seat space. But not wanting a school bus sized vehicle for a truck, this is a perfect size. Certainly if you do lots of hauling, especially heavy duty, look elsewhere. But for around town with some hauling, this truck fits the bill. Also some people knock the mpg, but again, its a truck!
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Good truck for the money - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By ike - April 3 - 10:00 amI bought this truck having had a 2wd version before and knowing what I was getting. I think it is a better value than the Tacoma, which I had that one as well. The Frontier engine feels stronger and gas mileage is better at around 19 to 19.5 with a 4wd. I like the so called hard plastic interior, it is easy to clean and maintain. Nissan builds a tough truck. It has a firm steering feel that controls well, but does bounce a little from having a stiffer suspension. The back seat even in a crew cab is for kids or cargo, not adults, but useful. Factory spray-in bedliner, utili-trak, and bed extender are absolutely wonderful and useful. Better price than Tacoma!
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A top midsize contender - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By kiwi - April 3 - 5:10 amOverall this has been a great truck to own. its fun and easy to drive, with almost sporty handling and a very strong drivetrain. The driving position is comfortably upright with good all round visibility, easy controls and ample room for a six footer. Rear seats are cramped even for kids but theres good usable space back there for additional cargo. The utili-track bed system and factory applied bed liner are very practical. I dont know why all trucks dont have this as standard. The dealer took care of some initial interior rattles, but otherwise the truck has performed flawlessly. Hard interior plastics are showing there age already. Average real fuel economy is 17MPG, 14 City, 22HWY.
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Frontier vs. Tacoma - 2008 Nissan Frontier
By jusdukky - March 27 - 3:30 amI really wanted the Tacoma but after driving both trucks I could not justify the difference in price. The Frontier is a very solid truck and Im really glad that I checked it out before making a decision. My wife likes to drive the Frontier and she did not like to drive the full sized truck we had before. Very cool and fun truck with plenty of room inside as well as in the bed.
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Room for Improvement - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By TKH - March 22 - 10:00 amTruck has been pretty reliable. Appealing exterior. Interior layout is paractical. Right (passenger side) window rattles terribly, especially with driver side window down. Lost radior light at 45,000 mi. Lost radio volume control at 49,000 mi. Service engine light at 51,000. Diagnostic incomplete, requiring a return trip.
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Ole Miss Update - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By olemiss - March 21 - 11:44 pmI just wanted to update my post of my Frontier Crew Cab long bed with 3.3 engine. I had to replace the A/C compressor around 75,000 miles, replaced a headlight last week, and a battery at the seven year point. I chose to put new shocks all around and replace the brake pads at 85,000 miles. I will have new hoses and belts put on when I have the timing belt replaced at 100,000 miles. Not bad for a ten year old truck with 90,000 miles. I take very good care of this truck and I plan to drive it daily for a few more years.
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Excellent Choice - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By tmlhump - March 19 - 10:23 pmAlways had some type of pick up truck and needed more passenger room. Was able to easily find a Frontier with just the right options for me at a good price. The ride is smooth, small bumps do not exist, but you do feel the large ones. 4-wheel disc brakes stop you quickly. Very powerful & quick, especially for its class. Roomy for four people. The bed extender gives you close to 6 working space. Overall very pleased with my Frontier LE CC.
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Great Truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
By woodworker76 - March 11 - 9:46 pmI have had my Frontier for about 1 1/2 months. I love it. The 4WD is dependable and very stable. I have had it in a very soupy cornfield near my house and it pulled out with no problems. The gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I get about 18 mpg on the highway. It is comfortable on short trips, however it is a bit short for my 6 foot frame. The engine is strong and reliable. Nice truck!!!
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Nissan Frontier Truck - value package - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By camel99 - March 9 - 1:20 amA no frills truck, 2wd, king cab, 5 speed, value package. I also own a 1993 hardbody and never had any technical issues until after 140,000 miles with mediocre maintenance on my part. This truck had no build issues. These trucks make great fleet vehicles.
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Gas Hog!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By carty1 - March 4 - 10:00 amNot bad, but fuel economy drags down the overall rating. Im getting 13.5- 15.0 for in-city driving. No difference noticed for highway driving!?!
