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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  I just put the first 1000 miles on it today - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Allen W - November 27 - 7:49 pm

  The steering and parking are better than my old Dakota. The lights are brighter and the mirrors show more than my last truck. The cruise stays constant - my other truck would slow down on hills and speed up after the climb or descending a hill.

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  First 4000 miles - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - November 25 - 4:13 pm

  Took over 10 months to make final decision, finally convinced myself to go back to a truck (had a Volvo sedan for the last 4 years, big mistake). Even though only in my first 4k miles, this purchase turned out to be a smart move. Lots of power, room, storage and style. Fun to drive and so far, no real complaints. Great truck!

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  I named her Harriet... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By H.B. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Frontier. I had a base model toyota from 92-02...I was shopping for a Tacoma and discovered the Frontier. Its visual styling,abundance of extras (compared to Tacoma)and just the overall feeling of getting alot of Bang for your Buck cant be beat.It handles great, has good gas mileage,and has all of the bells and whistles I was looking for...I recomend Frontier to anyone who is thinking of a new small pick-up!

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  bad to the bone - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By pete - November 20 - 2:16 am

  this small truck handles like a car yet has the carrying capabilities of some of its larger competitors.it is a very smooth ride,love the drive train!!!

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  Great Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Southky - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After about 6 weeks and over 2k miles I can say this truck has met all my expectations. It is sharp as a tack and fun to drive. The only thing that I could wish for is a couple more mpg. But it in line with the other trucks of this type. Nissan makes great vehicles.

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  !!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By andy - November 17 - 9:50 am

  I have the xe 4 cyl in an automatic, I swapped the tires and rims and this truck can do anything! Very very happy with my purchase... Just change the oil and go! Tuff truck! No problems and it just turned 43,000 miles. I bought it used, great gas mileage for a truck... Can tow, haul anything I throw at it! Just love it!

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Front 4 you - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful, fun to drive truck. gets the looks being bright red and different from the rest. plenty of power and comfort.

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  2000 Nissan Crew Cab XE 4wd V6 Auto - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kd7oqc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  As it gets older, it will get a lot of off road / back road use. I want compact external dimensions, and a short turning radius for the (almost) roads that often use. This fills the bill. It is quiet on the freeway. The only real wind noise comes from the bug deflector. We average 18.5 mpg with a canopy, a bed full of "family stuff" and 4 people in the truck. It has no squeaks and rattles.

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  Good basic truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By t - November 10 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a lightly used Frontier and have driven it from 27,000 miles to 45,000 miles so far, and have had no issues at all. I got the most basic edition - manual, no power anything, V4. I average 22-24 mpg per tank. After trying out some American cheap 2 door trucks, the Nissan felt like luxury. The interior is nothing fancy, but its just comfortable, well designed, and not bad looking. The "back seat" is small and uncomfortable to sit in, but great room for storage. Only complaints. very limited visibility when looking over your shoulders for blind spots. Also the turn radius isnt great, kind of hard to park.

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  Nissan Convert - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Richie C - October 30 - 8:36 am

  As a proud/loyal owner of 4 Toyotas and in the market for a mid-sized pick up, it was a given that I was going to purchase a Tacoma. Keeping an open mind, however, I researched and conducted test drives on the Tacoma competition, Frontier Pro 4x in particular. I was blown away. Much quieter ride in the Frontier as well as "tighter" construction vs Tacoma. Bottom line, I am now a "Fronty" convert. Although I have only had a short while, I am very pleased with the purchase--will continue to evaluate and will post updates to review after a few thousand miles (plan an extended trip to the Rockies this summer). Bottom line--check out the Frontiers before you purchase--youll be glad you did