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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  Awesome truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Stan - December 17 - 3:46 am

  Test drove the Frontier & Tacoma, went with Nissan. This is an awesome truck. Style,comfort and man does this truck have balls. Step on this gas pedal & you wont be disappointed! Handles great at 25mph or 90mph. This truck is a must test drive if you are buying new! My last truck was a Ford Ranger, the Frontier puts it to shame. Nissan has taken a giant step forward!

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  Good Value for the money - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Copeland - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Value for the money. The V6 Runs strong, handles good for a truck. Gas mileage is average for trucks in this class. The interior is laid out well. Very comfortable and fun to drive on long trips. This truck can rival any compact truck around. Very impressive for the price. Good, reliable and well built. The Frontier in my opinion is highly underrated. Good looking too. Nothing else looks like it.

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  Superb truck +1 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Thomas Lawson - December 15 - 2:33 am

  This truck has been wonderful. There is plenty of room for our sons in the back seat even on 200+ mile trips to see family. The is superb power and even pulls the 6500 lb towing without a problem but make sure you have trailer brakes if going very far. This is by no means a "compact" truck with the ample room over the previous Frontiers. I am running Mobil 1 synthetic and Nissan says,even though they recommend standard crude in the owners manual, that this is okay for warranty. I work at Nissan with guys that oversee engine testing they say these 4.0 are just about bullet proof.

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  2007 Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By greentreefro - December 12 - 7:36 am

  This is a great truck, excellent value. The V6 engine has lots of power and the 6 speed manual gets me 25 MPG average better on long trips around 28MPG. I will enjoy this truck for many years to come.

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  cheap truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By johns truck - December 10 - 3:10 am

  Overall a cheap truck, both good and bad. Engine torque performance at start up and pulling grades was poor, especially with a load. Number 2 plug wire was against a metal bracket and shorting out intermitently for first 5000 miles, once repositioned, performance became marginal. Traction has been very poor when unloaded, until it resulted in a crash into a road bank at 15 mph and $5K of damage. Have now replaced the original 225/70 tires with 205/70 tires. So far that change has proven to be useful, wet and dry traction seems to have improved and the torque/gearing now is acceptable. The speedo/odometer, of course, is off now, as nissan offers no adjustment.

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  Nismo Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Voto - December 9 - 6:56 pm

  Have put 15K on my NISMO since I bought it last spring. Someone run a light and totaled my Chev S-10 Highrider with a 4.3, and this Nissan is the only new truck with the power that matched that. Overall Im very happy, plastic interior scratches to easy, but a very stout and good looking truck. Just put on the NISMO cold air intake with headers, some remapping and timing adjustments and I have over 300 ft lbs of torque and 285 hp, with the catback system that is coming out I should push over 300 ponies. mileage could be better, but this truck will run.

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  Nismo - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By wardfan0 - December 4 - 4:00 pm

  3rd new 4WD Nissan truck. Best yet. Performance is impressive, Offroad capability with electronic rear locker is best in class. Interior comfort is car like. Compared to Tacoma better ride, better interior especially seats. No comparison in options.

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  None - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By B. Mckey - December 4 - 12:20 pm

  The rear visibility is hindered by the two rear headrests (removable), also take a peek at the rear view mirror, could be wider?, again a blind spot issue.

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  2000 Crew cab XE, automatic - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By spy77 - December 4 - 6:38 am

  I use to be a Chevy guy, but Nissan knows how to build cars and trucks. Being my third Nissan, the Frontier is a overall really good truck. The V6 engine could use a little more power, but it gets the job done. Its now at 98,000 miles and still runs like new. I did have to replace the exhaust manifolds due to cracks, and the battery died after the 6th year. I do all the repairs myself, so it hasnt cost me much. I am now planning on replacing the timing belt, water pump and hoses. I have already replaced the O2s plugs, wires, cap and rotor along with the drive belts, since I am a strong believer in preventive maintenance. Truck has proven to be highly reliable and still performs like new.

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  05 Frontier CC SE 6spd V6 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By rangermang - December 1 - 4:13 am

  I researched and researched this truck as well as others, and I will have to say it was an easy choice. Cheaper, and more unique than the other trucks out there, and a very smooth ride all around. Also, it is basically a sports car in a truck body. The gears catch very quickly, almost a short throw sometimes! And, averaging 16.5 mpg strictly town is not bad for the size of this thing. Best choice ive made yet!