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:

• 

  Nice rental but I wouldnt buy it. - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Craig Laughlin - August 16 - 2:33 am

  Ive had the 2016 rental 3 weeks while my car is getting repaired from an accident. I enjoy driving the truck as it has plenty of power and handles very well, but the mileage is nowhere near its EPA rating. Im getting only 12-15 mpg with 2/3rd of more of my driving on highways. A lot of full size trucks do better. What really surprised me is the lack of small features Ive grown accustomed to in my GM vehicles. The lights are manual - you have to turn them on and off. Cmon! I had a 2003 Chevy S10 pickup (base work truck model) that had automatic lights. This Frontier is a loaded model and it doesnt have this feature. It also lacks a vehicle travel computer showing instantaneous and average speeds and gasoline consumption, miles until empty, etc., nor an outside temperature readout. I read through the manual to find out if they are hidden behind some function on the radio/info center. Every GM vehicle Ive had since 2007 has all these as standard on every model and trim level. Also, it didnt have the rear camera, though the manual indicated some models have it. I expected it on a loaded 4wd full cab 4x4. Again, a feature that GM is making standard on all vehicles.

• 

  Incredible Truck for the money - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wolfpk1 - August 15 - 10:50 am

  Recently purchased a SE Kingcab v6. It rides great with plenty of power. I was surprised how quiet the interior cabin is and how smooth the ride is. The only drawback is the turning radius is rather large. Gas mileage is decent for a truck - about 18-21 mpg. Visibility is great, making the truck very easy to drive. Was considering the Tacoma or the Frontier but chose the Frontier because it drives just as well but had more features for the money.

• 

  Greatest Truck Buy - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By LCM - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been the best investment that I have made. I am in love with this truck because it is very reliable and durable. This truck is like a passenger car, SUV and truck. My family fits just perfectly. My wife rather use my truck instead of her mini-van (Chryler)which we are very disappointed with.

• 

  This is the third one. - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By M.E. - August 5 - 1:43 pm

  I grew up driving old stick shift PUs. And I use a PU as a PU. This is my third King Cab with 4cyl/5 spd manual. Mpg with proper use of manual is a pretty steady mid-20s, up or down a few mpg depending on driving conditions and brand of gas, and reliability seems to be a given. Im not going to bad mouth other small pickups out there. Ive driven them and used them and a couple of them I really liked. But when the time came to fork over the money for a new one, I just couldnt bring myself to do it for anything other than what I think is best of breed.

• 

  Priced right in class - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chuck - August 5 - 8:13 am

  In comnparing to Tacoma, seating more comfortable, priced about $2K less. Spray in bedliner. MPG 19.3, great acceleration, roomy enough

• 

  Driving the Nismo - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By John E. - July 25 - 9:40 pm

  I have owned my 2007 Frontier Nismo for a month now (purchased used). Fuel mileage is steady around 18mpg city. I have yet to take it on a trip along highways. It is a bit rougher ride than my neighbors 2006 Frontier XE due to the Nismo package. I would like to have his fuel economy but the towing capacity of mine will be handy with a boat and camper. The ride would be better with different tires. The electronic locking rear differential comes in handy when pulling a boat out of the water at the boat launch. Overall I would give this truck a well deserved A rating.

• 

  A 6 time Nissan owner not disappointed - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By David - July 18 - 9:24 pm

  Im a pretty big guy. 64/ 260 lbs. I traded up for my 2009 king cab 2.4 liter manual transmission. Got the price I wanted. I was able to find a Desert Runner, in Silver with the hokey decals already removed. Maybe Im used to semi truck brakes, but I have no trouble stopping my Frontier. I expect the audio system to go first. My wifes second Maxima is the only one (out of six) that didnt fail. I question Nissans Interior color choices, and the materials seem flimsy, but they are very durable. If you want fluff and gadgetry, look elsewhere. If you want a solid, well made, Reliable and durable car, buy a Nissan. I have owned Nissan since 1987, All went 120k miles problem free and I know two of the six are still being driven by our children. I currently own two Chevrolets that I cant say the same about. Cant buy a comparable well made vehicle for the same price.

• 

  My next truck.... - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By f41driver - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 99 Frontier XE 4cyl King Cab until it had 207,000 miles in it when I worked for a Nissan dealer as a parts driver, and I can tell you this is the most durable truck Ive ever been in. The updates are mostly cosmetic between 99 and 03, so I feel this experience relevent. Im planning on buying a 2003 Frontier sometime next year.

• 

  Rev Happy V6 - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By NISSANONLY1 - July 6 - 3:13 am

  The truck is very fun to drive it is just the right side for what I use it for. I considered a Titan but it was a little to big for my need. The Frontier is a great truck I would recommend that anyone in the market for a mid size truck take one on a test drive before they purchase another make.

• 

  the best "small" truck around - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By dhectorg - June 28 - 2:56 pm

  Ive had my Frontier LE for about 3 weeks...not really long enough to review it yet, but i like this truck so much that I couldnt wait! I had a full size 2005 GMC Sierra before this and the Nissan is 10 times more refined in just about every way. I am ALWAYS more impressed by products from Japanese companies, compared to GM products Ive owned. Tacoma cant even beat this one. Frontier wins in power, ride, handling, refinement, etc.