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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  little truck with a big heart - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rossp - June 10 - 9:40 am

  Acceleration and towing are a breeze with this truck. This one will definitely be in my garage for a few hundred thousand miles. If you want a little truck with big truck power this is the one!

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  05 Nismo is Super - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 81 Trekker - June 5 - 5:20 pm

  So far, quite pleased with the NISMO 4x4 Crew Cab. It has plenty of power on the highway both for passing and entrance ramps. It has a comfortable ride and handles well. Ive taken it off-road a few times in the GW National Forest where it performs well. Took it up a steep hill with lots of lose rocks and gravel but it didnt hesitate. Have tried the hill descent but havent needed the locking differential yet. It did bottom out a couple times - perhaps I was going too fast for the humps. After driving 4 Runners for 20+ years,I decided on the NISMO because I wanted a pickup this time and the Tacoma needs premium gas.

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  Excellent Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By CP in STL - June 2 - 5:46 am

  Purchased the Crew Cab 4x4 LE with floor mats, hitch & cloth interior in March 2008. Traded in a 2002 Ranger. Driving position is comfortable and the feel on the road is solid and sturdy. With the 261hp engine, good acceleration and the BF Goodrich OEM tires are good, but not great. The turning circle is a bit too big for the size of the vehicle. I like the covered/weather tight hitch connection. Two glove boxes are nice, but one could be cooled. The steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons are not illuminated at night. The orange dash lights should be blue for easier night vision adjustment.

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  I love my truck!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By South Carolina Pride - May 29 - 5:36 am

  I have 29,500 miles on my Nismo Crew 4x2. White with Charcoal interior, tow package, audio upgrade (rockford fosgate 6 disc cd/sub-woofer), power sun-roof, bed-divider/extender. This truck handles well and looks great! I get compliments all the time on this truck. A lot of power. I upgraded the exhaust with a magna-flow exhaust with steel tip pipe adding a nice little growl and about 10 more horses. Plan on adding the air-raid air system/filter for more HP and increased fuel economy. This truck is a KEEPER!!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JJ - May 22 - 12:33 pm

  This is a great truck. POWER like no other. Ive already added a K & N air filter for added HP, and the magna flow dual exhaust adds a much deserved growl to this truck.

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  Best mid-sized crew cab of all - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By D. St-Pierre - May 16 - 2:40 am

  Ottawa, Canada - Bought my Majestic Blue Frontier just before Xmas. I test drove all the competitors (Dodge, GM, Toyota and Honda) and at the end of the day the Nissan beat out the Toyota. The others did not compare. The clincher was overall price vs. options. This is not a truck for those looking for a Cadillac ride with truck utility. That being said, this is a very functional vehicle that can take anything thrown at it and then some. It has power to spare and will fit well with the hard core truck user or the urban tinkerer/craftsman/sportsman. City driving is harder on the mileage (14.9litres/ 100km) but the highway numbers are much better. The ride on the highway is exceptional

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  Nissan 4 Alaska - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By g&s - May 16 - 2:00 am

  After looking at Ford, Mazda, Jeep, and Toyota our Frontier fit our budget for our move to Alaska. We tested it out by packing our bags for a two week Christmas/New Years Vacation from Tucson to Vancouver, WA. The trip up was great and uneventful, but on the way back home a winter blizzard was closing the interstate as we drove through it. While other 4x4s were using their chains, ours stayed in the box and the Nissan handled the snow-packed roads with extreme confidence. We are looking forward to taking this tough truck off the road in North Central Alaska for the next three years. Creature comforts and toughness at a very reasonable price.

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  2011 Frontier Crew CAB SL - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By glockamole - May 14 - 7:23 am

  I had a Toyota Tacoma Doublecab TRD Off-Road, which I loved. I reluctantly traded for a car. When I came to realize I couldnt handle not having a truck, I began looking for a Tacoma or Frontier. When it came down to price and creature comforts, the Nissan Frontier was, hands down, the best choice for me. Toyota dealer was barely willing to negotiate with me on the price of a Doublecab 2WD. I ended up with my frontier, which has leather, sunroof, heated seats, nerf bars, bed extender, XM, and roof rack for roughly $4,000 less than the comparable Tacoma I was looking at. Ride and capabilities are every bit as good and it looks great. The only thing I miss is the back up camera in the Tacoma.

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  You had me at supercharged! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Jhn - April 29 - 7:46 pm

  I have owned many different makes & models, this truck made me a fan of Nissan. I wish it had better gas mileage but with a super charged V6 I cant complain to much. I am sort of a shade tree mech. & the ease of changing brakes, oil, filters, etc. was actually surprising. Thank you Nissan for a truck with great style & performance. The next time I buy a vehicle it will be another Nissan.

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  JBS3 - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By JBS - April 24 - 11:16 am

  I tried a Toyota and the Frontier felt more what I look for in a truck. It handles very well. The breaking system with 4 wheel disks are excellent with no pull or noise. The design of the cargo bed is outstanding. The bed is coated and the extended bed with the cargo tie down system gives you fexability. The power is most impressive. I have to drive in Philadelphia and they are the most selfish and inconsiderate drivers. Because of the power I am less likely to be cut off when pulling onto a highway, something that happened to me all the time. My past Frontier had 169,000 miles on it, original clutch. I hope this one gives me the same reliability.