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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  Awesome truck! - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Central NH - September 2 - 12:56 pm

  This truck has the value added pkg. Many say its getting old..I say its still got bells and whistles without all the electronic stuff like new vehicles. Handles great my only kinda dislike is fuel economy compared to others in class but how reliable will those other makes be with new power plant. 400 mile trip and was great. Duel zone temp was great for the trip. All in all 5 stars. Keep it simple kinda guy not high tech.

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  Great Little Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Lynnie - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been outstanding! It has been 100% reliable, never burns oil, and for a truck, its very quiet. Overall, on a scale of 10, I would give it a 7.

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  07 Frontier 4x4 - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By j smith - September 2 - 3:30 am

  I really like the engine, handling, ride, and features of my Nissan. The only dislikes I have are the too soft seats and the turning radius. It is really hard to park in tight parking lots. I average between 17 and 18 mpg so far. Overall I really like this truck.

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  Dream Come True - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronteeer - September 2 - 3:26 am

  Ive been looking for a truck to replace my Jetta TDI for a couple of years, and I did tons of research leading up to buying this Frontier. Thanks to everyone who posted reviews--theyve been really helpful. This is a really sturdy, beautifully designed, tough looking, powerful, capable truck. Its definitely stiff, even without the NISMO package. It doesnt take any crap from potholes, lets put it that way, but the ride is suprisingly smooth and quiet on decent surfaces. Excellent clearance, very roomy interior, big clunky controls that are easy to grab with gloves on and without taking your eyes off the road, simple design but with useful features. Fuel economy so far is very good.

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  One Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By nismoblue - September 1 - 9:23 am

  My 06 is now 2yrs old w/ 33,000 miles on it and it still feels great to drive every day. The power is very good, drives like a sports car and feels solid. Try one out if you are thinking about a midsize truck. The interior design is nice with everything laid out really well. I always still look at it while walking way from it after two years.

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  BAD GAS MILAGE!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By SHR - August 29 - 10:00 am

  The truck is very nice looking but the gas milage is poor!!!! I drove 1160 miles on it and put almost 97 gals. of gas in it! 3300-3500 rpm at 75mph! and thats with the 5 speed and 3.3 ltr. not recommended for alot of traveling! But it will fit a family of 4 in it nicely and the interior layout is very nice! ride is a little harsh but what truck isnt!

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  Perfect - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike - August 23 - 8:40 pm

  Looked at all small trucks and this was by far the best out there. Had for 2.5 years and never had any problems, even the mileage is better than I thought. Would buy again, but will be keeping this for years to come.

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  Done with Nissan - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By mazzaducci - August 21 - 3:03 am

  I purchased my 2014 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x brand new 01/11/14. I have 53,567 miles on it already and will tell you this, never buy Nissan! on board computer-junk, locks up, loses connection with my phone, and the whole "pay attention to the road" sign could not be more irritating! I drive mostly highway, on cruise control...I have NEVER seen 21 MPG EVER!! The most important factor in selecting this vehical. They somehow neglect to inform you when you purchase the truck of all the mileage related "maintenance" that needs performed. In the 15 months I have owned the truck the dealers have soaked me for over $2000.00!! REALLY!!? I still need tires! I now have 110000 on the truck. The computer is still junk, and they want $150 to upgrade the map. I havent gotten the 100000 maintenance yet and my wallet is terrified. The serpentine belt is squealing quite loudly, and with all the internal fluids that will Im sure "need changed" I have no doubt a $1000+ bill is in my future. I put a 3" lift and 33" tires on the truck. With the bad, I will say the good; I cant get it stuck. I also highly suggest a cold air intake system, it really helped increase power.

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  90K and counting - loving it - Shift4x4 - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Shift4x4 - August 20 - 7:56 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations, A new purchase and have enjoyed very mile. only issue has been, battery replaces at 4th year, leaking a/c hose replaced compressor to top of condenser, new tires after 5th year and heat shields on exhaust removed (they began to rattle) due to some corrosion. I am not planning on getting rid of anytime soon. too much plastic in the front grill and fascia on the new one I will wait for a nicer design. I like its towing capacity, I have taken it from philadelphia to montreal several times with a fully loaded trailer, perfomance was good. the cruise control light, dimmer, and radio controls are a bit out of view on this model. overall I love it.

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  Great Truck! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By tbs04xev6 - August 20 - 9:40 am

  I purchased this truck used in May 2008 to replace a 2000 Dodge Dakota. The truck drives well and can haul whatever I throw in the bed. The 4wd is flawless and works well when the snow flies. The truck has limited slip differentials, so I never get stuck. I have the long bed 4-door model, which is a bit difficult to park in tight situations, but the bigger bed is worth the trade off. The V-6 runs great and gets decent gas mileage for a truck this long. The automatic transmission is lazy on the downshifts, but runs fine. Wish it had a fifth gear for better fuel economy. I installed a Magnaflow exhaust on it, which helped freeway merging and mid- range power greatly.