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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  Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tsg2003 - December 2 - 8:46 am

  Overall I really enjoy this truck and am very happy with my purchase! The interior is very nice and the layout is excellent. There is plenty of room in the front, but barely any in the back of the access cab. This isnt a problem for me as I dont plan on having tons of people with me all the time, but be aware, space is sparse back there. The truck looks beautiful from the outside. Very rugged looking and certainly stands out in a crowd. So far gas mileage has been 14 mpg which is alright considering the power this truck has, but I was hoping to get 17-18 out of it. Again this is a great driving truck and I feel very comfortable in it. Get one!

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  Nice Truck Pro-4X - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By cascar - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  Bought 2010 used. Nice ride and awesome RF sound. Heated seats. Leather. No complaints at 72,000. Will go anywhere in snow and mud.

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  Works 4 Me - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Osiris - November 25 - 2:50 pm

  I really like this truck. It has all of the utility of an SUV and just enough accessories to be an effective work truck, plus its a NISSAN. This thing will run forever. Lets put it this way, I traded a 2001 Trans Am for a Frontier and I loved that Trans Am. Only detractor is the interior color. Its a light tan and all of the dirt show up. My two year old has made sure of that.

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  Excellent Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By ChrisViper - November 22 - 2:00 am

  100% problem free at 8K, MUCH more roomy than the Toyota Tacoma, Easy to self maintain the basics i.e. oil changes, filters, etc., Factory installed tires on 16in aluminum give a secure feel on the highway going 55 in heavy rain.

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  my new truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By horn - November 18 - 11:26 am

  I bought this truck bran new. used edmunds.com to find a fair price bought truck at 23,000 a little lower than the tmv pricing report given on the web site im very happy with the truck performs very well is good on gas and the eye. even the rather standard model has nice qualty with a few good opitions i would recommend this truck over its counterparts from japan and america. the nicest mid sized truck for the money

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  2005 Nissan Frontier LE 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Wld Bill - November 15 - 7:33 pm

  This is the second Nissan truck that I have owned. I think that Nissan has out done it self this time. I am really impressed with the engineering and craftsmanship that has been put into this truck!

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  Nice Truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By thedingo - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan and so far I am happy. Good Power....great ride....good amount of room. Moved several people and even with the short bed and a tonneau cover had a substantial amount of room.

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  great truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By wilvk - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I think nissan will be sorry for not keeping this smaller and more adgile little truck.

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  15 months w/my Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By DB - November 10 - 7:10 am

  I have had my Frontier for almost a year & 1/2 now. I use it for personal/family, not really as a truck. I love the bed for carrying things I would have to squeeze into a car trunk, like Little League equip. I purchased an aftermarket locking bed cover, so it makes it much more useful. I love everything about this truck except large turning radius & poor gas mileage (about 14 mpg in local driving). It feels comfortable & looks great.

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  Not Bad - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Vertifly - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Right now I am approaching the end of my first gas tank at 250 miles. That says a lot so far. This thing is, no doubt, a gas gusler. Other than that, it seems like an intelligent purchase for someone who needs a truck but does not want to sacrifice a back seat. The truck is stylish enough to be proud of driving and gets the job done. I can see myself making the following changes, such as a Tanneu Cover, to help gas mileage.