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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  Perfect design - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - March 16 - 12:56 pm

  All other trucks in this category felt small and cramped even with a crew cab. The shifting and power are AWESOME plus this truck defines versatility. I got the power package which is a must and a good deal. I love this truck!

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - March 15 - 10:03 am

  I feel in love with this truck as soon as I saw it. But looks were just what got me started. It handles well, is comfortable to drive and has made life a lot easier when it comes to working around the property, because it goes just about anywhere.

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  No Doubt About It - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By David - March 14 - 4:46 am

  I was torn between the Tacoma and the Frontier. After driving the Frontier I knew it was the truck for me. I had one in the late 90s and it was the best vehicle I ever had. The new Frontier is leaps and bounds better. It is bigger more powerful and fun to drive. And Carmax was the BEST buying experience I ever had.

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  4x4 on/off road performance - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Amanda - February 25 - 1:26 pm

  Newly acquired nissan frontier 4x4 only so far driven on paved road surfaces, the vehicle has good power in acceleration and braking, the ride is smooth for a truck, the ground clearance is sufficient for normal not too extreme use,the steering is smooth, easy to turn the wheel, So far my overall review is very good for this truck, I have yet to test drive off road on uneven surfaces to see how the truck handles and responds in 4x4 drive mode

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  Nissan Frontier Quality - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Catch22 - February 18 - 2:23 am

  I have had my Frontier now for about 18 months and absolutely love it! I have put on 44,000 miles during that time and I have no issues whatsoever. I am still on my first set of factory tires, brakes have about 50% wear on them. The interior features lack when compared to the competition. I am currently getting about 17-19mpg in the city, and 22-23 on hwy. I do not drive the vehicle hard at all though. I would have like more features available for interior (such as leather, nav. system, etc.)

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  2003 4x4 Crew Cab is awesome! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By gehnissan - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I compared Chevy, Ford,GMC,Dodge,Toyota & Nissan.I settled on the nissan because of the history(making trucks since 1933), quality (one of the best records), price(3K less than the toyota) and dealer experience(modern nissan is the best). Toyota does not offer the long bed or manual trans.Its styling is tough & the rear is geared better at 4.64 axle ratio. The fit&finish of the truck is great,seats are comfy & snug to the body. The engine is powerful with fuel economy. seeing 21 hwy 17 city. Overall very pleased with this truck. All nissan frontiers are born in Smyrna, Tennesse with %60 american made parts more than 40-60% of "american" trucks.

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  Best midsize pickup, period - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By abby - February 4 - 12:50 am

  I love this truck! The six-speed transmission feels good and the engine gets wound up quick. A K&N kit gave the V6 a deeper note that sounds awesome. The exterior looks like a functional truck, not some toy. Theres just the right amount of chrome. The wheels look good. The seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth enough for long highway rides, even with the stiffer Nismo suspension. Dash layout is intuitive, although they could have done with a few less buttons on the radio. Overall, its just a really nice-looking, well-powered, functional midsize truck. You cant beat it.

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  5 star - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By thejoker009 - January 27 - 9:20 am

  Fun mid-size truck with full size feel. The power is perfect for this truck. Love driving it.

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  Performance on sale - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Andy from Atlanta - January 22 - 9:13 pm

  I am a previous Frontier owner (I got a 2001 crew cab as well) and Nissan did its homework with this one. A lot more power, more room and more fun to drive. I am getting 24+ miles per galon on regular unleaded. I tried Tacomas and Ridgelines and they are not even close. I got V8 power in a V6 package at a V4 price.

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  My brilliant silver king Frontier - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Carol Neal - January 17 - 4:07 am

  Great space for groceries, travel chairs, luggage, purse and endless possibilities behind the driver and passenger seat. Great 4 cupholders for all sizes. Large console between seats and space for change. Do not know the exact name but a bar on each side to pull yourself up more. I have had my 2011 frontier king cab since July 2014, two years. No repairs have been needed! I love the pull up bar.. Also good size cubby hole on bottom of all four doors and double dash doors. I paid $14,500 at modern Nissan in Winston Salem, nc. It is 5 gear Manuel. Also rear cab light stays on long enough to get to house door. Just make sure you shut all doors or the light stays on. Has brilliant silver finish. Water still beads up. Wipers work smooth and quite. I also have a 2008 Nissan rogue crossover purchased 2010. Still has not needed any repairs in 6yrs! On a scale of 1-10 I give a 9.9 July 13,2016 still no problems and still enjoying the king cab truck - Frontier. Thank you.