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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  Pro-X - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By 604doc - November 29 - 10:30 pm

  I needed/wanted a smallish pickup, and had it narrowed down to this, and the Honda Ridgeline. After driving it, and considering the $3,000 rebate, I went with the Frontier. There seems to be plenty of power, and it rides very well, absorbing bumps quietly. The turning radius is a bit wide, but Im coming from a VW, so I think its just a matter of getting used to it. The seats are very comfortable, with the drivers seat having 8 way adjustment, and lumbar support. Mileage is a bit low, averaging 14.7 around town, but I expect it to improve as it breaks in.

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  I love my truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kas00 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my truck for 2 years, drive it pretty steadily, and have never had any problems with it. Its a great truck.

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  Been an outstanding truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Dg - November 15 - 8:27 pm

  First off I dont write reviews, but i thought I would make an exception. I bought my 2001 ad crew cab used in 2003 with about 30k on the clock. I have it a 3 inch lift and a few other mods, fast forward to 2015 and I still have the truck, 190k now and it still gets compliments and it still runs great. I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere, in fact I still use it to go on road trips across multiple states some times towing a travel trailer, it has held up well. I thought I would write this review because Ive seen people say "Ill never buy a Nissan again" "my toyota never had problems" and that may be true, however I also have a 1990 hardbody that I bought used in 97 and it now is approaching the 300k Mark and other than 2 clutches and a timing chain, its still running great, and i also have two very good friends who both have toyotas, both with 22re and both didnt make it very far past 145k before a rebuild was in order, now Im not digging toyota, I believe they make good vehicles, and quite honestly ,thats what I originally wanted to buy, but I am far happier with my nissans. They have been super reliable, you will usually see the reviews of people who think they have been wronged somehow, and things do happen, but I have owned 4 kids and and they are very reliable. Love my frontier, its been my daily driver for 12 years,and just now the leather seat is starting to wear out, supercharger is still original. It does not leak or burn anything, the gas mileage would be my only complaint. I average 15mpg but I also have larger tires...cant say enough good things about the truck

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  2002 Nissan Frontier XE CC 4x4 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By BrewJeep - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Its a great little truck -- very handy. I purchased the shortbed for ease of handling offroad, but would prefer the longbed for hauling loads. Handling is very nice with less understeer than some of the competitors offerings and better ride than the Tacoma, which I also looked at.

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  2010 LE Frontier Review - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By John P. Mundy - November 13 - 11:16 pm

  I am very pleased with my 2010 Frontier LE Crew Cab. Ive driven full sized trucks but wanted a mid size. The Frontier and Tacoma were the two I looked at. The Toyotas offer very few cabin comforts while the Nissan offers many added options. Mine has 18" tires/wheels, leather, power windows/doors, heated seats, XM radio, bluetooth. It is comfortable and has plenty of power. I am totally satisfied and happy with my truck. Id recommend anyone to purchase this truck. It rides like a full size truck.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By moloch16 - November 12 - 10:03 pm

  Ive owned this truck for almost a year now and I am very happy. The truck drives very well and is tightly made. I commute in this truck and get about 19mpg on a regular basis (I have a bunch of stop lights to go through). This truck can do it all - commute, tow, haul, offroad!

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  You get what you pay for... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Sambo - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I wanted something simple with a low overall cost of ownership. So far so good with 9000 miles on the odometer. 4 cylinder is peppy and 5 speed transmission is nicely matched. Mileage is 23 MPG in mixed driving. A/C really sucks the power-I turn it off when I need some speed. Interior is nice. Exterioe styling is great. Made in the USA-I like the idea of keeping those 5800 Americans working hard in Smyrna, TN.

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  Crew Cab - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By SBB0618 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  All around great truck. The long bed actually makes the truck look better than with the chopped look of the short bed.

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  Efficiency over Power - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By bkaiser - November 8 - 12:00 am

  I bought this truck used from an individual in 12/05 and have since put about 12,000 miles on it. Overall, I love this little truck for what it is: an inexpensive, efficient little hauler. Its not very powerful or roomy on the inside, but for a "compact" truck (of which there really arent any more, these days) it excels in many other areas. I routinely average 26 mpg on the highway (as high as 30mpg on a couple of trips) and about 22 mpg in mixed/city driving -- this is fantastic, I think, given that this is a TRUCK and not at all designed for efficiency. Ive had a few mechanical issues to deal with (front suspension bushings worn, rear shocks worn) but nothing major to date.

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  2000 nissan frontier - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By iphone956 - November 5 - 1:20 am

  very nice truck just bought it a year a go and has not given me problems....no oil leaks no nothing ... fun to drive .... not a fan of the windows since there manual ... but engine and trans is good