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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  In front----Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Mitchelm - March 1 - 5:50 am

  This truck has all things a truck should be, power,room for 5,looks, and NO problems. Quiet and smooth on less than perfect roads. Avg.20 mpg. Easy to park and get out of tuff parking spots. Sits high enough to allow you to see ahead of avg. autos on road today. I belive it may be one of the safer trucks on the road.

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  Disappointed in Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By LK Texas - February 29 - 12:40 pm

  This is my third Nissan pickup (80,82,05). Of the three I am really disappointed in the quality of the vehicle. I ONLY have 26,000 miles on it and already the exhaust manifold requires replacement (TSB was not sent to me), my fuel gauge sending unit is shot, and the wiper reservoir cracked. I will end up doing all the repairs as I will not pay for dealership service. Only good thing is I put on a Gibson performance exhaust, a custom CAI with a AMSOIL intake filter, replaced ALL fluids with AMSOIL and I am now getting 25 city and 33 highway. If nothing else goes out I will keep it. Otherwise, I will consider another manufacturer.

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  Best Value in the Small Truck Segment - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By dynamos - February 27 - 5:21 pm

  Purchased our Frontier about a week ago. Very pleased so far. Ours also has the Value package which includes the bed track system, backup camera and automatic a/c. V6 is smooth and powerful, with excellent acceleration. Interior is comfortable, and feels roomier than the new Colorado. Materials are nice and have quality feel. We like the fold up rear seats, which provide a flat floor with the removable storage bins. Storage in the backseat of the Colorado is not removable. Utility track system is well designed and included spray on bed liner-an excellent value. Comparably equipped Chevy would be much more expensive, and the Frontier has a proven record of reliability.

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  Nice truck - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By RodneyK - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Touchy Gas pedal, hard to control. Gear ratios very low, goes in 5th gear at 30mph no problem. High rpm at 70mph. Could use an overdrive. Otherwise very nice truck.

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  Great deal - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2011 SL 4x4 crew cab, leather, "Top of the line", very happy with it, I replaced a 2000 SE 4x4 crew cab "Top of the line" I am a Nissan addict. Test Drive one and you will be sold on it!

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  WOW what a truck for the price - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By WOW Best for your $$ - February 11 - 10:23 am

  We had a 2002 Frontier. It had 89,000 on it and the only thing went bad was we had to replace the darn battery, can you imagine. We traded it in on a 2007 with 261 HP V6 4x4, wow. A lot more truck than the 2002. 1. The best is way more power. 2. The double doors no extra charge. 3. It is a bigger truck, bed is 10" wider, inside is bigger for more room. 4. Finally they changed the darn emergency brake to a hand and the gas fill is on the drivers side. 5. Just looks nicer inside, interior is as good or better, roomy and comfortable. 6 4x4 shift is just a dial now. GREAT for moms in bad weather.

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  Nice Light duty truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Light Duty Hauler - February 10 - 11:26 pm

  Checked Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado. Frontier has good road visibility, good seating and the gas mileage we wanted. Cargo capacity is generous, ABS brakes effective and love the King Cab. Sad to give up our 1989 Chevy S10 but are very pleased with this new member to our family. For us, it is a great light duty hauler in the 4 cylinder version. The 4 cylinder is adequate but nothing snappy. The overdrive is easily engaged or disengaged in hill climbing or descent. 4 wheel ABS is very good.

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  Great Value - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Colin - February 10 - 10:40 pm

  I chose the Frontier after comparing it with the Tacoma. Both looked and drove great, however Toyota couldnt compete in price. I was also impressed with the added hp and sharper interior design. I have been very impressed with the performance, especially the tight handling and impressive git up. I also love the 4wd feature. I am very satisfied with my purchase so far!

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  Nissan Gone Bad - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Owner - February 4 - 10:00 am

  It looks good from the outside, and the inside isnt that bad. The only bad things I have is the terrible MPG and the wind noise.I mean, 20/22 is terrible for a 4-cylinder with 143 horsepower.

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  Still love it after 1 year - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By James - February 1 - 4:03 pm

  I bought my Nismo Frontier just over a year ago. I still volunteer to drive friends places just to drive it and look over my shoulder after I park it just to see it again. Its been great in every way. My favorite vehicle Ive owned yet.