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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Tough act to follow - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By john - April 21 - 1:30 amIm really impressed,this is my first nissan, really a bold look, powerful, and really fun to drive, very comfortable!! I have always been a ford man but their is no comparison,im a nissan man now.
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Cant do much more - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By Wil - March 29 - 2:33 amOver all very please with the truck. Could do without the roofrack it should be a option. The finish is first class both inside and out. The gas mileage I get is 18.5. After testing Tacoma and Frontier and the price of each it was a no brainer.
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Get whatcha pay fer - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By diffie - March 27 - 10:00 amDriven all kinds of trucks from great big diesels to little bitty 4-cyls... cant beat this for quality. Mileage depends on the driver. I get 15 in the city, 17(hwy) when I tow my small camper, and an honest 21(hwy) when solo (Im happy with that with a 2-ton compact V6). I have had this truck 14- mo now and have no complaints when you consider the competitions price and quality.
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Good Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By RichieGil04 - March 24 - 10:00 am1st pickup. Power options, variable int. wipers, cruise, tinted windows, bed extender for $18K. Thats a great value. Commuter car & weekend warrior. Use it to haul mulch, pallets of pavers, bring snow blower for service. 4WD a must with a truck in the snow. Fun to drive.
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Great truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By Leo Norkus - March 24 - 2:03 amThis is the most fun I have had driving a truck. It is comfortable, smooth riding and the gas mileage is not bad for the V6. Took it on a 400 mile trip with my wife, even she said it was the most comfortable ride in a truck.
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Under the Radar Value - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By rkt440 - March 10 - 10:00 amIve always been aware of the Froniter but I never realized what a value it really is. Quality Japanese craftsmanship, the right features (Alloys, A/C, CD), slightly larger motor and you get a super-cab for the price of a similarly equipped, regular cab Ranger.
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My Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Ron - March 4 - 11:20 pmThis is the first Nissan of any type in our family. Trucks I have previously owned: 5 new full size fords (still have a super duty f250 10 cyl) 6 new full size dodges, 1 new Dakota, 1 new full size chevy. Since they upgraded the size and power of the Frontier I decided to give it a try, during my second visit to the dealership I bought my Nismo package crew cab in superblack. I absolutely love it. Prior to buying this year I also tried the dakota, tacoma, tundra, titan, chevy. No comparison - they all had different quirks that I did not like but with the Nissan I found nothing that I did not like. After the first thousand miles I have found nothing to disappoint me.
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Good Pick - 2007 Nissan Frontier
By Good Pick - March 1 - 10:10 pmThis is my 4th truck. Looks are awesome. Truck has plenty of power better than my chevy with a 305 V-8. Cargo features are nice. Rides great. Could get a bit better fuel mileage (my average is 18 Miles) but I think Nissan traded performance for fuel economy. Turning radius is not good. Dont try to u-turn with busy traffic. My only complaint was driver side left foot rest took up too much space. I removed it and made a much better flat surface with rubber top - worked great.
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Fuel Emissions Control Valve - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Ray - February 28 - 2:40 pmmy wife drives this truck to her work on a farm, and the roads are somtimes muddy. there was a build up of dirt and mud on the emissions control box on the drivers side rear wheel on the inside of the frame which caused the service engine light to come on, this build up of dirt cause the engine emissions control valve to fail. Bad disign on Nissans part, there should be some sort of fender gaurd to prevent the build up of mud on the emissions box. Great truck just dont drive in the mud to much.
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2005 CC SE 4WD - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Fred Leggett - February 27 - 11:43 pmLooked at 2005 Dakota, Tacoma, Colorado before deciding on 2005 Frontier SE crew cab 4 wheel drive with automatic trans. This truck is solid as a rock (sorry chevy) and built like a brick --- -house. Cant imagine anything in its class any better.
