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:
Showing 11 through 20 of 1,385.00-
Not like they used to be - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By xcars - November 19 - 7:43 amAfter owning this truck for a couple of days we knew we made a mistake. This truck gave a horrible ride on the back roads. It actually made us sick. Gas mileage was horrible. Also, we couldnt wait to get rid of it so after 2 mos. We traded it in for a Dodge. They gave us a good deal thank god we have also heard these trucks are costly for repairs, a lot of people we know who had Nissan frontiers didnt keep them very long for this reason, if you buy make sure to get a 3 day money back guarantee, I will say we got all our money back and plus on trade. Good luck.
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unhappy with nissan - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By unhappy nissan owner - October 6 - 10:00 amIf you like to spend most of your time at the gas stations this is the truck for you engine is slugish gas mileage is terrible..and as for getting help from NISSAN lets just say they dont! this experience has soured me to all NISSAN produuts I will never buy another NISSAN!!
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2007 Nissan Frontier Nismo - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By booter - October 3 - 5:20 pmRattle trap, poor mileage, bad stereo. The interior scratches way way too easy for a truck.
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Better buy the Tacoma - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By srl99 - July 14 - 2:00 amDumped all auto tranny fluid at 1507 miles due to wedge left in cooler line at factory. Nissans response? Refill the tranny - you should have bought an extended warranty. Guess they dont know about service after the sale. I SHOULDVE bought the Tacoma and you should too!
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Transmission mismatch - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By porsche - October 29 - 10:00 am4 cyl. has little power, the truck weighs a lot. the gearing is poor for the engine powerband, gears are to tall, shifting puts you too low in the next gear/lugging badly. if the trans had 6 gears instead of five it may work. gas mileage at 20-21 mpg is poor for such a gutless power-plant. get the 6 cyl. and power is great and you will get 18-19 mpg.
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Piece of Junk - Never again - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By toyman15 - February 4 - 1:26 pmI thought Id save a few thousand by buying a NISSAN over a TOYOTA, and thought the Nissan would be reliable like the Toyota. No way. First 30k miles the fuel sender went. $400. Then the windshield washer tank sprung a leak. Now, at 80K miles the transmission went, cause the trans cooler in the radiator cracked, allowing a transfer of fluids between cooling system & trans. $4500. Not to mention missed work, time wasted, etc.
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DON"T BUY!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By rustyvell - December 24 - 2:00 amA/C breaks down every 5-6 months. No power in the 4 cycl. eng. Service at dealerships No Help!
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Woulda Coulda Shoulda - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By john smith - November 20 - 9:13 pmClutch burned out before 12,000 miles, mechanic would not talk to me directly about the issue, in shop 3 times for over 30 days and still not resolved.. no loaner while in shop, clutch not working under 32 degreesF, hard to see out when backing up, small mirrors with no factory extensions nor aftermarket accessories for towing, no low rpm torque for trailer towing even at 1/2 of advertised towing ability. Very disappointed after 4 previous Nissans. Am 7,000 upside down after one year and truck back in shop for estimated 2 weeks of repairs! Rental CAR costs me $50 a day in the mean time. Is putting me out of business and NMAC is happy to be closed in evenings... be wary!
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Not satisfied - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By murman - May 18 - 2:00 amHard riding truck. Lots of squeaks and rattles that the dealer has been unable to eliminate.Truck is underpowered and yields poor fuel economy.Cheap interior, especially carpeting and upholstery.
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Frontier Foe - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By JML - March 21 - 10:00 amThe Frontier burns way too much gas. The gas milage is very poor. I suggest you tak this into account before buying this truck. The gas alone equals my car note every month. Also the ride is very rough and the BF Godrich tires that come stock on the truck wear prematurely and they cost 150.00 each to replace.
