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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  Silver 2008 Nissan Frontier KC 4WD - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By dac420 - January 29 - 6:36 am

  I traded my 2000 Nissan Frontier 2WD for a Silver 2008 Nissan Frontier 4WD & glad I did, I love the 4.0 V6 power. Comparing it to my brothers Tundra (which I drive some) I like the Frontier much better - Just fun to drive and thousands less than Toyota

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  01 heres a review with miles - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By firstacsent - January 29 - 1:26 am

  Allright, so Ive put 79,000 miles on my truck in less then three years. My driving includes a little of everything, city, highway, even some off road. But to be honest its handled it pretty well. Recently though I did start having some issues, 1st: the taigate handle started to break and mad useing it very diffucult, but it was a easy $50 fix 2nd: Drivers side window knob broke, **** happens... BIG PROBLEMS- 4th: Throw-out bearing has worn, new clutch- $500+ 5th: Service engine litgh came on- O2 sensors need to be replaced first, possible the cat convertor. Still in the end Ive treated this truck poorly so in the end these problems could be expected.

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  Engine mount problems - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Michael - January 27 - 6:10 pm

  I bought the truck with 75 miles on it last 11/26/06 and was pretty impressed initially. I have had the vehicle in the shop twice now for engine mount problems. I picked the truck up and it sounded good for 40 miles and the sound is back so it will be going in again for service. Overall the truck isnt too bad for what I paid for it. I wouldnt buy another nissan truck again but I will stick to Toyota in the future.

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  The truck that has it all - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Faithdimmer - January 27 - 6:13 am

  I have only had this baby for a week, but I have had more fun driving this truck than I have ever had driving anything else. It accelerates nicely, handles very well for a truck, looks great, and conveys a sense of durability that Volvo would be jealous of.

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  Good Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By textodd - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall this truck has been very good and reliable. We will probably get another one when our lease expires in May 2003.

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  My first new vehicle - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Dawg Pound - January 25 - 12:13 pm

  I was looking to buy my first pick up and test drive a new LE 4 door v6. I hit the accelerator and that truck took off and felt like it just kept gaining HP. Within the hour I was the proud owner of a Nissan. The heated seats are great. The leather is nice. The power I wanted was there. The armrests lack, need to be bigger. Fuel economy not great but it is a pick up. About 17 mpg in city, 20 on highway. The truck is really fun to drive. It handles really well in the snow, descent in rain. Glad I bought it.

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  Great little truck, - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - January 23 - 3:23 am

  Had the truck for about 3 months now, with alittle over 2000 miles. Truck has been great, no problems. Have the 4 cylinder, starting to get better gas mileage. Wasnt good to start with, but now getting around 26 in the city. I havent had it on the highway since it was new so that mileage on the highway is probably better. Picked up a good deal at the end of the year with the rebates.

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  Nice truck, but... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Swarty - January 21 - 5:03 pm

  The Frontier LE is a nice truck with a few caveats. My complaints seem trivial but here they are. One, the turning radius is abysmal. I know, its a truck, but I was shocked how bad it was. Also, the key fob had a way of easily being hit. I set off the car alarm at least 15 times in 6 months. Gas mileage is fair. I averaged about 17-18 mpg and about 20 on the highway. Stereo is crappy to say the least. That said, it was fun to drive, had great acceleration, I like the tie down system in the bed and my daughter loved riding in it. If you need a truck that will give decent storage room, you could do a lot worse than this one.

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  My 2 cents - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By brindlefawn - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Great all around truck. I drive it to work, on vacation, and some times "off the beaten path." I have never not had enough "go" and for the money this is the best small 4x4 truck out there. It is thirsty, but I contricbute that to the way I drive in addition to the numerous short trips I make.

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  Great Value & Performance - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ca24 - January 15 - 11:00 pm

  Had the truck for 2 weeks and absolutely love it so far. The powerful V6 265 HP engine is matched up nicely with the smoooth 5 spd automatic tranny. Interior noise is pretty low for a truck and the highway ride is about the best Ive experienced (for a truck). Overall pretty pleased and the dealer price was 2000 under invoice. Cant wait to take it offroad - right now Im conquering Baltimore city potholes with ease.. Tested the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The Frontier easily bested the Ford. The Tacomas cheap bed liner, uncomfortable seats, and lack of power and comfort when compared to the Frontier made it a pretty easy choice (not to mention a $3000 price diff)