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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  SuperCharged 4x4 Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - June 11 - 7:29 am

  This has been a great truck now for 12 years. Never a big repair beyond brakes,battery,etc. Great CD, Great A/C, Great in snow and even trails. Only two complaints; Its a longbed and hard to park at the Mall. Its also very poor on gas- about 12 mpg in town and 18 on the highway.

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  Great Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By JD - June 10 - 1:10 pm

  90K Miles & going strong. Great on and off road. Very reliable... this truck has never failed to perform. Comfortable to drive & great looking. Paint has held up perfectly in very hot Southwest sun.

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  Not all it cracks up to be - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By broncobubba - June 10 - 2:00 am

  i got the truck on a friday, by the following tuesday i didnt want it anymore. at 200 miles the transmission started shifting real hard and iratic, to the point of when you get on the hwy it literally slams you around. another problem is after running the truck for a while when you stop at a stop light it runs rough and shakes. Another thing when fueling the pump doesnt sense the tank is full and keeps pumping and gets gas all over(bad valve in tank). Lastly occasionally when cornering the right side speakers cut out.

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  Cheaper than Toyota - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By srl99 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Cheaper than Toyota and you get what you pay for. Auto dumped all tranny fluid at 1507 miles (yes, brand new). Nissan USAs response - refill fluid and have a nice day. Truck looks nice and gets excellent mileage on the back of tow truck. Cant operate defroster independent of A/C, shift lever blocks controls.

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  Fun To Drive - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By BrianN - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great looks, good towing capacity and cargo room. This truck rides better than most, but its acceleration is not the best. Still the truck is very fun to drive. Gas Milage is a little dissapointing, but not the worst in its class. So far Im very happy and I would buy a Nissan again.

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  My first truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Hank - June 5 - 7:53 am

  Love it, lots of power, drive and handles great. added soft cover, step rails, fog lights. Chrome on black looks great. Other than oil change it has not been anywhere for repairs.

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  Driving a Silver Bullet - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By silverbullet99 - May 25 - 9:33 am

  My truck is a beast. It makes right at 300 horses and will blister just about anything. The truck rides like a dream, ages ahead of the old F-150 I had. The only thing is it gets 17 miles to a gallon.

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  Love The Truckie - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By maxmilo01 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Well I had the truck for Two and a half years, and have not had any mechanical problems.It is a comfortable ride,fuel economy is not bad either.Handles pretty well.I Get alot of compliments, I must say its a great looking truck.

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  Efficient, Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JK - May 18 - 4:06 pm

  Owned truck since new for over two years now. Very dependable, not issues to report at this point. Gas mileage is around 27 in the city and around 30 on the highway (5 speed manual). Doesnt feel like a 4 cylinder. Pulled a 2000lb trailer with plenty of power still.

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  Too many issues - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sourkrautgreg - May 15 - 9:26 am

  My previous truck was a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE V6 ext Cab. I traded it in on my current truck and only had to replace the fan belt when it broke at about 100k. Loved that Truck. I have had numerous issues with this one however. I have had to replace the clutch and the AC compressor at 62k. The speed sensor had been on its way out since before then, and finally quit outright at about 85k. Now at 95k and need to replace AC comp again. Nissan dealer installed it.