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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  Lovin It - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - February 5 - 9:26 pm

  Bought my Crew Cab in May, 05. Almost 11,000 miles now & still love it. Everything I wanted in a small pickup. Couldnt touch the Toyota (Price) and am now glad I didnt. Rides like a car on the highway. Roomy & confortable. Love that 4.0 liter V6. Strong and smooth. Pulls along in 6th gear at 75 mph around 2100 rpm. This is my 20 year vehicle.

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  Another Prior Tacoma Owner - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By mc929 - February 4 - 11:10 pm

  I owned a 2008 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD Crew Cab and feel that the Frontier overall is notably better than the Tacoma. My Tacoma was a six speed manual and the best fuel economy I observed was eighteen. I have consistently got better than nineteen out of the Frontier and have gotten as good as twenty one mpg around town. I think the ride quality on the Nissan is vastly better and the cabin is notably quieter than the Tacoma. I think the power from the Nissan is better as well. However, turning radius as well as ground clearance and approach and departure angles I believe were much better on the Tacoma. Build quality on the Frontier also seems to be top notch. Reliability a non issue.

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  bad truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mark k - February 4 - 7:20 pm

  my nissan is extremely powerful..plenty of room for the family and tows my 20 foot boat extremely easily. for the price and the name nissan! this truck cant be beat

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  Great truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By springbranch - January 31 - 6:10 pm

  Perfect vehicle for someone who needs a work truck and family vehicle at the same time. Not too big, not too small. Rides great.

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  08 Frontier SE 4cyl 5spd - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By 20Frontier08 - January 31 - 12:56 am

  Bought the truck brand new w/400 miles on it. I have 19,435 on it now (still low miles). Gas mileage is great and I love everything about it. I am a tech for Nissan at the dealership I bought it from and they treated me great! I upgraded the exhaust to an IMPO side exit exhaust and added a K&N air filter and it really helped it a lot. I drive the interstate every day, 40 miles round trip just to work and it handles great on the highway. Everything about this truck is so pleasing and fun to drive too.

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  Still early, but a great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By amram80 - January 28 - 1:03 pm

  Traded in a full size Chevy to get better gas mileage. So far, so good. Im getting about 4 to 5 more miles per gallon, which in my case translates to about 40 to 50 dollars of savings per month.

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  Frontier For A Frontiersman - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Duane Truman - January 27 - 10:00 am

  As a former Nissan truck owner, Im aware of its strong value as a dependable, sturdy truck with very reasonable fuel economy. My new Frontier XE only reaffirms my belief in the Nissan line as it performs smoothly, rides better than any other truck I test drove and has the most appealing face of any truck on the market...as recognisable as many classics that its sure to become.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Billiard - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased another Nissan soley due to my previous XE-6 extended cab had no problems in the 9 years I drove it other than an $14 relay I replaced in the ignition system. Ive had this one for 2 years and have already had too many problems. After only 3 months, my belts came off while driving due to a failure of the part that keeps the tension in the belts. This year, the regulators in both the front windows had to be replaced when my windows would not roll up. A piece on the wind shield for the luggage rack broke and the whole assembly had to be replaced. And now, by CD player will not accept CDs.

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  Gets me and my stuff there - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By sivartk - January 21 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my truck new for about $13,000. The only "upgrade" that it has is the color keyed body moldings. Minor repair work has needed to be done before 18,000 miles....squeaking front bumper and already had to replace the 3 belts in this little 4-banger due to squeeking. Other than that it is rock solid. It takes a while to get used to the look of the "rubbermaid" front end, but a simple grill insert improved the looks and protected my radiator. Use it to commute to work (2.2 miles) and average 23MPG w/o the AC. On the highway I have got as high as 28MPG. Great fuel economy in town even compared to some mid-sized sedans, plus you cant haul a sheet of plywood in a sedan.

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  I own a truck? - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zeek - January 21 - 9:06 pm

  Bought the truck recently, and have, from the 1st drive been very impressed. Kept in low rpms the truck is sedate and quiet, but above 3000 it moves - and growls. The interior is the best made of any recent Nissan, even on my cloth SE every surface is nice to the touch. Lots of cubbies and drink holders, too. The exterior looks great, again, even on the SE you get a good amount of nice Chrome. The standard spray on bedliner and 4 wheel disk brakes are great features. Finally, I got this V6 4wd for best same as a best offer on a 4cyl 4wd Tacoma. It wasnt even a competition.