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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Cheaper than Toyota - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By srl99 - June 10 - 2:00 amCheaper than Toyota and you get what you pay for. Auto dumped all tranny fluid at 1507 miles (yes, brand new). Nissan USAs response - refill fluid and have a nice day. Truck looks nice and gets excellent mileage on the back of tow truck. Cant operate defroster independent of A/C, shift lever blocks controls.
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Steering Steering Steering - 2016 Nissan Frontier
By Tim Lenihan - April 12 - 2:42 pmIll keep this short. Needed a truck to replace my 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 and this truck appeared to fit that need. Negotiated for a good price and road tested it on local roads, less than 50mph. It handled ok. What a surprise though when driving on highway or any back roads that are posted 50 plus that have curves. Youll need to work that steering wheel to keep the truck on line. I drive school buses, flat noses and conventional, and they handle 10 times better than this truck. Fortunately for me most, not all,, is local driving. If your thinking about buying this truck, road tested it like no other vehicle youve bought before.
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Great Work Truck! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By baldbastard420 - April 9 - 10:00 amGreat little work truck, the 5-speed gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive...incidently the squeek that is heard when turning is the rubber stops, you will notice that this only happens when the wheels are turned all the way in either direction, like when making a U-turn.
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NOT BAD FOR THE CASH!! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By NISSAN_DRIVEN!! - December 8 - 2:00 amI have the same clunking in the front end after one week!! Americans can NOT build quality in the states... Truck looks very cool, great price, great deal on my trade from this dealership as well. This is for all you people complaining about the GAS MILEAGE, its a TRUCK get over it or drive a compact car!!!!
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soon to be tacoma owner - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By taco2come - December 4 - 3:46 pmwhere do i start...bought it from an older gentleman in 2002 with 33000 miles and no damage or sign of being abused. At 75000 seal went bad in timing chain cover leaked/burnt oil.=engine overhaul. At 100k replaced all bearings in man.trans & clutch. Trans case leaky,stays out of alignment,instrument panel lights go off while driving & overall its just poorly designed when it comes to dependability. Compare side by side with a tacoma & its obvious. Its serviced every 3k miles, only non pavement use is an occasional hay field or dirt road. Looking back I wish I would have spent the extra money and bought a far superior toyota tacoma!
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No thanks, Id rather have my GMC back - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By botran - November 26 - 10:00 amComfort is lacking. Front seats are lousy. Rear seat needs more room. Sound system sounds cheap. At first I liked the ride, but once you inflate the tires to an appropriate level the ride goes all jiggly on you due to chassis flimsiness. Replaced shocks with decent ones which helped but still sucks. Nissan cant fix driveshaft issue after 3 tries, common problem Im told. Runs out of breath on the frreway.
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NIssan will roll backwards - 2011 Nissan Frontier
By Ken NH - November 12 - 2:00 amIn July I purchased a new 2010 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X4 . With the new purchase I quickly discovered that when stopped on a hill, while in drive, the vehicle rolls backwards. It will similarly roll forward if in reverse and stopped when backing up. I now know there is a Hill start assist that allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake and not roll back for two seconds. But after two seconds the vehicle rolls as if in neutral and will roll backwards unimpeded. Some assist. As effective as the Emperors New Clothes. Unaware of this assist I reported the problem to the dealership and I was told when on a hill I would have to two pedal it.
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MY mistake - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By bugman - October 21 - 2:00 amI feel I made a mistake buying this truck, I was in a hurry and thought I was getting a deal on it. I bought it used, thought at first it was a good truck, it is a good truck, but for a person who put 120+ miles on in a day it is not that good of a truck. only get 18 mpg in 2 wheel drive but the weird thing is in 4WD I get 22 mpg. Just not the right truck for me
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MY mistake - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By BUGMAN - October 21 - 2:00 amI feel I made a mistake buying this truck, I was in a hurry and thought I was getting a deal on it. I bought it used, thought at first it was a good truck, it is a good truck, but for a person who put 120+ miles on in a day it is not that good of a truck. only get 18 mpg in 2 wheel drive but the weird thing is in 4WD I get 22 mpg. Just not the right truck for me
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2.5 L gutless wonder - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By porsche habit - October 12 - 6:50 pmThe most BASIC/cheapest xe, 4 cyl. Engine and trans are not a good match. Power and torque below 2500 rpm is terrible. Gas mileage with gas here in Hawaii is only 21 mpg. But again our fuel is 10% ethanol so straight gas would give you about 10% better average, so that would be about 23 mpg. It is a very heavy truck so the 4 cyl. Has to work hard and the mileage shows. The gear ratios are wrong, you have to wind it out or when you upshift it bogs down badly. A six speed would be more appropriate. Drives well, good brakes, BASIC interior, great reliability, good value for the buck. My friends with the same truck but 6 cyl. Love the power they got on tap but 6 cyl. Mileage is only 18 mpg.
