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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  New Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By pahunter - November 4 - 1:53 pm

  Only have 170 mi on odometer. Drove home to Littleton from Greeley, CO on I-25 at 75MPH. Truck surprised me on the broken concrete with the amount of bump steer. Front end of the truck gets light and jumps all over. Wife following me in our van and I noticed swaying in the long bed when changing lanes at 75 MPH (not to severe). Other than that this truck is a pleasure to drive. I enjoy the power and solid truck feel. I bought the truck to tow my Ford Windstar while we are traveling. Surprised to find out that UHaul considers this truck too small to haul my Windstar on their tow dolly. Nissan owners manual also recommends electric braked trailer to haul anything over 1000 lbs. Recommend!

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  great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mike grillo - November 4 - 12:23 pm

  Love the truck, however according to my nissan dealer the power package i got on my se did not include keyless remote,and according to nissan it cant be installed. with no outside door lock on the right side, its very inconvenient without a remote

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  Manufacturer defective drivers side seat - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert W. McReynolds - November 3 - 4:53 pm

  My new 2016 Frontier is missing a bunch of padding near the backrest in the drivers seat. Feels like you are sitting in a hole and hurts my back. Nissan is not willing to replace or repair the seat. Passengers seat has the padding and is comfortable. 100% dissatisfied with Nissan Customer Service. I purchased a new 2011 Frontier and was very happy with the truck, so purchased a new 2016 exact copy. Both driver and passenger seats on the 2011 were identical and comfortable. After dealing with Nissan Customer Service, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT! The dealer and Nissan indicated they would write no more repair/complaints. So much for the LEMON LAW!

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By blaker427 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I think the Nissan Frontier is a great truck for the money! I have had a 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0L V6 Ranger Auto and the frontier outperforms the ranger 10 to 1. I looked at the tacoma and for the exact equiped model it was going to be $5,800 more dollars when comparing sticker to sticker.

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  So Far, So Good - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By BB Shotz - October 26 - 3:50 am

  3000 miles and running great. I have added Nissan splashguards, an aftermarket sunroof and will replace the stock stereo in due course. Only disappointment is mileage. I drive mostly city and get 22 MPG, which is better than sticker.

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  A manly truck indeed - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By cbrown - October 24 - 3:30 am

  I have beaten the heck out of this truck on many rough and desolate west Texas roads. The truck performs flawlessly. Its locking rear differential gets me in and out of situations normally reserved for 4WD vehicles. Whether cruising 85+ mph on the interstate or slowly clawing through a dry wash, this truck is amazing. It is absolutely the finest truck I have ever owned. You can spend a heck of a lot more for other makes without coming close to the value this truck offers. It is exceptional in appearance, features and performance. Do yourself a favor if you are in the market for a truck. Test drive a Nissan NISMO. You will be amazed by Nissan engineering. I am. Thanks...

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  Sports Car Power in a Compact Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By crailey01 - October 23 - 12:06 pm

  Right from the first start of the engine, I knew that the 2005 Nissan Frontier was one of a kind. This truck has sports car power with the versatility of a compact truck. The speed of this thing is incredibile for this size of vehicle. The ride is smooth and almost the quality of the Maxima except it has larger tires. I know I will be more than pleased with this vehicle. Typically, Nissans compact trucks are very reliable. I also test drove an 2005 Toyota Tacoma and it was no comparison to the Frontiers power.

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  I love it! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By DTT - October 20 - 7:23 am

  Test drove both Tacoma and Frontier and decided on Frontier due to more comfortable ride, nicer interior, availability (Need to wait 3 months for Tacoma), price (about $4000 more for comparably equipped Tacoma), and more power. The Frontier has a quieter cabin and the bed is traditional steel with a sprayed on liner which is not slippery like the Tacomas plastic liner. The utilitrac is very strong and durable and seems like it can hold a heavy load. Had six mountain bikes and six people on board and it didnt break a sweat driving uphills in the mountains. Very strong and smooth V6. Test drive both and see for yourself. All other trucks werent even considered.

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  Tacoma or NISMO Frontier.... - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tsavo - October 19 - 1:06 pm

  On 12/31/05 I bought my my Storm Gray NISMO CC, and brought her home. Little things like the oil filter access plate integrated into the skid plate, thickness of plastic in the wheel wells, strength of the utili-track channels/tie-down cleats, engine response, utility, seating position, reliability, and past service (2002 Xterra SC)sealed the deal. Mine came with the Rockford Fosgate package and sunroof. I also have the bed extender, bed divider, and locking rear axle. This truck is incredible. Only complaint is the roof rack, too much noise when the sunroof is open. I tried to put a wind deflector on but it didnt fit with the roof rack. Other than that, couldnt be happier!

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  Fours fine - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Grailfan - October 17 - 10:20 am

  Was set on a Tacoma. Looked at the Frontier in the 11th hour. The stock and option values were better. The 6 is a great value for lots of extra power, but I wont be doing any heavy hauling. Also nice to have that extra power on tap but as the price of gas goes up-my need for speed goes down. The 2.5 isnt exactly a small 4 anyway. I took mine through the gears @3000 rpm and found the power more than adequate. Its too new to check the gas mileage but Im sure it will be decent after switching to full synthetic Mobil 1. There are some minor negatives, but overall this is a great truck. Perfect size. Nicest looking.