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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  Great Compact Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Tzarita88 - October 27 - 4:13 pm

  I traded in my Jeep Compass for this new Frontier and I love it. It handles, snow, ice, mud, steep, rocky mountains roads as well as town driving. My biggest impression was with the sturdiness of this truck. It feels very durable. Despite gas mileage estimates, I get 25/21 mpg, even in 4X4.

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  Love the Gizmo - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Johnboy from NY - October 24 - 6:13 pm

  Ive had the Crew Cab Nismo (a.k.a. Gizmo) for 5 months now. Its one of the most fun to drive trucks that Ive ever had. I was a little worried about the Nismo off-road package while on the road, but the stiffer suspension is fine in all but the roughest pot hole highways, where your back-end will try to beat out the front end at speed. The only imperfections that Ive had is a rattle in the dash when its cold ( I havent dropped it off for repairs until it stays cold so they can hear it), and the rubber stops on the tailgate fall off easy. I am RTVing them on when the replacements get here. Overall, I love the truck. I get an average of 16.5 mpg in town and 20 on long highway trips.

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  Frontier Crew Cab Nismo - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By IndyNismo - October 22 - 1:30 am

  This is my second Frontier. I owned an 05 crew cab Nismo. It was without the Rockford and sunroof package with rack. I absolutely loved the truck...but longed for the extra options. So I traded for an 06. Since I sell Nissan...it only change my payment by 10 bucks!

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  Mountain Buggy - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Bill Gibbs - October 7 - 2:56 pm

  I bought and sent this pickup to Honduras where I regularly put over 2000 lbs. of chicken manure in it. I once had 18 workers in the back and went up a mountain in 4low. This truck is a beast and can handle as much payload as my F150. Mileage is fair, power is adequate and the truck is unstoppable on the worst mountain roads imaginable. Dont complain about power, learn how to drive a standard transmission. Quality is as good as Tacoma for much less $$$.

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  Love This Truck - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By J.Robbin Hajek - October 1 - 10:27 pm

  This is another winner from Nissan.After owning a used 1993 Hardbody D21,I was determined to upgrade to a crew cab Nissan Frontier (my Hardbody smoked my old Toyota,with way better off road performance).This truck even impressed my wife,who hated my old Toyota,with comfortable seating (were short people),logical controls,and especially visiblity.The model we bought lacks power windows and power door locks,but after our hunting trip to eastern Oregon,in which we locked ourself out a couple of times in the Chevy,I can do without such conveniences.Be prepared to battle the dealerships,who will way overprice these popular trucks.Arm yourself with Internet knowledge and roll up your sleeves and be prepared for a three hour ordeal.We got close to our target price.We love this truck.I added a receiver hitch,that required no drilling of the frame (WOW) to mount.Update:so far a great little truck,absolutely no problems,and does everything we expected.

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  Fun Truck Get One - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris - September 30 - 2:33 pm

  I had a 2006 XE and loved it so much that i traded it for the NISMO, same truck just lots more fun!!! If there are any complaints its the gas mileage. My XE got around 22 for work and back, now on the NISMO i am gettin on average 17. The upgraded stereo needed a boost so i added an infinity subwoofer to the rear. lesson learned if you disconnect the dash lights for the airbags, dont start the truck without them connected: trips the computer into a fault code (dealer FIX) Overall, would recommend this truck to anyone, it is good looking, fun to drive and an overall good deal.

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  Great Year for the Nissan Frontier: 2004 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Karen - September 29 - 8:00 am

  You wont get 50 mpg with this truck. It is, after all, a truck. I got 14-15 mpg combined gas mile p/gallon with a fully loaded bed (1000 lbs.)!!! (a homemade camper lives on the bed). Otherwise, about 18-20 mpg. I bought this truck used about 4 years ago. It is 12-years-old now. I put in a new battery, and a set of great tires. I do the scheduled maintenance. Thats it! It always starts, always runs. No issues. Reliable. Solid.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By JWG - September 23 - 4:06 am

  Bought my 2007 Crew Cab 4 months ago and I love it. Traded in a 2004 Titan and love that too but the gas mileage won me over on the Frontier. Just bought another Frontier today.

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  Frontier on the Edge - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By wcoward - September 23 - 1:03 am

  The truck is the hardest working small truck on the market. The interior is laid out so that everything is in reach of your fingers. Its 4-cylinder motor is powerful enough to pull anything you want, except a house, a 30 ft boat, a travel trailer, or a horse trailer. If you needed to pull those things, you should have gotten the Titan. I work at a grocery store. I use my truck to pull trailers full of buggies, pallets of product, or anything we need to. One of my customers has a 97 Nissan pickup. He hauls about 200 cases of cold drinks in it, and it hasnt missed a beat. Hes got 270,000 miles on that truck.

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  Buy the 2.5L if you can find one for sale. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By unixfreak0037 - September 20 - 12:50 pm

  I bought mine new in 2005. Its 2012 and it still looks and runs like a brand new truck. With these high gas prices, having a truck that can haul light loads and get 22/23 MPG is really nice. Right now I wouldnt trade it for anything. And these are hard to find. Used 2.5L manual shift XEs are rarely found for sale, probably because the owners recognize their value. Took this 2WD truck on some dirt roads in Tennessee and had no problems at all. Very good truck.