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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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike Kelley - October 13 - 11:05 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, I read many reviews on this vehicle and while the Star value from all sites were 4.5 or higher I saw a mixed review of how people perceived the vehicle. Overall Since Ive owned the vehicle I couldnt be more happy as a 6ft tall male weighing 195lbs its quite comfortable. Pros would be lots of leg room, Quiet Ride, plenty of upfront storage, Good gas mileage(Based on weight, motor size and size of vehicle. Lets face the facts its a 4 dr Truck weighs a couple tons not a small car weighing in at a buck fifty). CONs only one I can think of think of would be a bit more storage space.

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  2006 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Josh - October 11 - 11:33 pm

  I traded my Ranger Edge in Nov 06 and have never seen such power from a smaller truck. You feel the power on interstate and it does not hesitate off road. All stock, I have pulled out a Silverado and a Jeep and then drove through what they got stuck in. The push button locker makes a world of difference. For a 4WD it could be a little higher though. Overall, the power is there when you need it and off roading is fun as hell.

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  To much fun - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By j_ftkd - October 10 - 7:36 am

  This truck is powerful, yet does not drive like a truck. It handles so well. It is like two vehicles in one. A sports car and a truck. It is awsome

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  Great Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By DESRNNR - October 5 - 1:53 pm

  Bought from private seller in Venice Beach Ca. Only had 58,000 miles on it, was in great shape. Had to replace right exhaust manifold ($400). And 1st gear synchro fragmented ($1700). And cat manifolds rattle. Going to remove those. Put BFG All-Terrain T/A KO tires, and american racing outlaw II rims. Other than a few minor problems it has been my fav truck so far.

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  Great Functional Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ken - September 30 - 11:23 am

  Great mileage for mid-size truck, got 25mpg in mixed driving on the first tankful. Ride is quiet and smooth and has plenty of space all around. Not fancy but has all the basic features available as options.

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  Save a nickle Nissan? - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Don Shirley - September 27 - 3:54 am

  After one year, I opened the door for the cabin filter and 1) the latch broke, and 2) there were no cabin filters installed. Really had to save a nickle and leave out two paper filters? Not impressed.

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  frontier - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By tennessee fan - September 24 - 5:10 am

  Truck looks good with good v6 power response. channel tie downs are great and will come in handy. hoping MPG will improve with break-in. vehicle is tight and doors fit good. there seems to be some oversteer on the hwy driving. transmission shifts good. would rather see electric engine coolins fans than the direct engine driven cooling fan.

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  Great value - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Vicky - September 23 - 8:53 pm

  The XE is a sleeper. Sure the 154 horsepower four cyl. isnt for the macho types. It works hard to push a 3,500 lb truck, but this is the engine that makes the Altima great, just tuned for truck duty! Give me the 23 mpg any day over the (admittedly GREAT 4 liter 6s 16-18. Workmanship is excellent, handling is great, towing capacity of 3,500 lb for a 4 banger is amazing! Ride is a little busy on rough road, but cornering and braking is super. And gas mileage for a truck that I use to haul around tools fo work is fantastic.

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  Nissan frontier KC SE 4X4 - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By norm ernst - September 16 - 5:20 am

  Nice tight little truck, but not too little. Ride is stiff/ bouncy, but not bad for the wheel base and it IS a 4X4. Yup, it does have a wide steering radius, but Ill get used to it. Did good when I had 18" of snow in the driveway. Havent had it to the hunting camp (mud) yet, but performance in that arena depends on the teeth on your tires, not the drive train. Comfortable interior, good ergos for the controls. Drove carefully on a road trip and got 22.2 MPG with the cruise set at 65 MPH. Not bad for a 4.0 liter 6 cyl 4X4 w/ auto transmission. I like it a lot, and would recommend it.

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  Its a very strong vehicle - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By cheynene marshall - September 15 - 2:00 am

  a very good vehicle with a great reputation!