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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  Getting What you Paid For - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob the Builder - January 21 - 2:00 am

  It is what is is ... a small truck, as opposed to full sized trucks. A great truck all around. Sound design and feel.

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  Reliable, no-frills truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By RingusMaximus - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Good, reliable no-frills truck. My only complaint is the black paint has faded a bit and lost its shine. Other than that a good truck. I have actually used this as a truck, not a pimped-out ghetto cruizer. Ive hauled heavy loads, towed a 1500+ pound wood-chipper with the bumper hitch, driven a ton of miles, and never any problems. Previously I had a new 1998 Dodge Dakota xtra cab 4x4, and that was the biggest lemon Ive ever owned. In my opinion, you cant go wrong with any imported truck.

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  great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By david stark - January 21 - 2:00 am

  it has been a very good truck , great dealer service iat mossy nissan el cojon, 4 wheel drive has worked great in the snow witer times would buy again.

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  Great bang-for-the-buck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By mf - January 18 - 2:40 pm

  Impressed with the 261HP & 281FT-LBS of the 4.0L V6, even at >6000ft elevation where I live. Excellent quality all-around! VERY spacious in the front of the cab. Mine has "SE Value Pkg" which includes ABLS brakes, bedliner, pwr windows and locks, RKE, cruise-control, and painted aluminum wheels. Its actually a mid-sized truck with a nice, high road-stance. Overall a great truck for the money.

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  2007 Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mark - January 12 - 4:30 pm

  Great vehicle with stunning design. Perfect size matched with awesome power. Not too big, but big enough to do just about anything... with great features all about. Great purchase.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier SE 4x2 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - January 12 - 2:46 pm

  I have put almost 13,000 miles on this truck since purchasing new in Aug. 2005. The milage is a good mix of highway and city driving. Overall the truck is a solid performer. I havent hauled anything really heavy but what I have hauled did not strain it in the least. The cockpit has a real nice feel with easy access to everything. Plenty of storage space for all the junk you would need to carry. Driving on the highway is great at higher speeds. It doesnt have a lack of get up and go. Short hauls with passengers is about all I would suggest. The seats are comfortable. Overall craftsmanship is top notch.

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  Lovin It - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Proud Owner - January 3 - 3:23 am

  Very comfortable interior. Plenty of room inside. Smooth ride. Quiet performance. Gas mileage on recent 900 mile trip to Okalahoma 22 MPG highway and local 18 MPG. Would recommend to anyone interesed in a mid- size pickup truck. Ive owned Ford Ranger and Toyota 4Runner and the Frontier beats them hands down.

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  Great Truck 2006 CREW 4.0 2 WD - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By wayne - January 1 - 3:00 pm

  I drive about 13k miles a year, bought used last year from original owner. It had 50,000 miles when I got it, it has now 67,000. Just put new front brakes on last month. Put new tires on yesterday. Original BF Goodrich long trails had 67k miles. I mainly use to commute to work, we do live in Fla and own a 3,500 lb boat that I pull a lot on the weekends. Pulls with no problem. Good truck if you dont mind the smaller cab and not much of a back seat. Overall, I have not had one problem. Just make sure cab has enough room for you. I was used to driving a Tundra.

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  What a nice surprise - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Sam - December 27 - 11:46 pm

  I am writing this because of how surprised I was with the quality of the truck. I had a 2017 Tacoma which was a mistake. Dont get me wrong I have always had Tacomas and loved them but the new model leaves a lot to be desired. This Nissan surprised me quite a bit. I have read some disappointing reviews so I tried it for myself. This truck is fast and the transmission shifts perfectly, unlike the Toyota. I will admit it doesnt get the gas mileage the Toyota got but that was because Toyota fiddled with the transmission to make it shift weirdly to try to get better gas mileage. This desert runner is smooth and looks great. I got this truck for an amazing price about $9,000 less than the Toyota. As of the date of this writing, the reliability of Nissan Frontiers outweighs the Tacoma, Colorado and Canyon. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Great New Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jene Moseley - December 22 - 10:13 am

  Instead of a Toyota, I bought a Nissan Frontier 4X4 and drove it home from the dealership 200 highway miles. The last 20 miles were over a snow packed, icy, steep dirt road through a forested and mountainous area. It was midnight and I was alone. Im a 71 year old great grandmother and felt totally secure. Though still quite new, I really trust this truck. If youre looking for a smaller, rugged all- terrain pickup, check out the Nissan Frontier. For performance, its an impressive vehicle.