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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  mid sized monster - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By jose - May 6 - 2:40 pm

  lots of added power this year that will suprise owners of earlier models.interior is roomy and is nicely laid out.exterior has a full sized truck look to it.

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  New Frontier Owner - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Ralph - May 4 - 9:43 pm

  My first pick-up truck ever. I love it! Rides carlike. Roomy for a midsize. Not bad on gas (4-cyl.). Got the preferred and power packages with bed liner/caps and mats.

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  the best truck for the money - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By chuck - May 4 - 8:36 pm

  I think the 2wd Nismo is a lot of truck for the money, especially since I was able to get it for almost $3000 off sticker price. I drove the tundra, tacoma, and colorado, none of which even remotely interested me after I drove the Nissan. It has the feel of a full sized truck without the bulk. It handles well and has plenty of power on hand. The nismo 2wd does very well off road, and the locking diff comes in really handy on a slippery uphill section of dirt. The spartan cabin feels very refined and is very quiet offroad and on the highway. I love this truck!

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  Really impressed with this truck! - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By rbagnate - May 1 - 5:55 am

  I just wanted to say this truck saved me and my family from a semi-truck that had no control(icy roads). We braced for impact and after the semi hit the rear end, I though we were goners! After being pushed into the other vehicle and everything was said and done. My daughter in the back seat with the booster chair and restraints and my wife in the passenger side. We all came out of this truck unscathed. The airbags deployed and till this day I am still in Awe! The truck was a 2011 SL. I would definitely RECOMMEND this truck to anyone. Now we have a 2012 Pro-4X...

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  Just right - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Raul - April 28 - 12:43 am

  I bought my Nissan Frontier brand new in 1998 and it is still going. I am consistenly getting 20 miles per gallon in city driving. the truck has decent accelaration and gives power when needed. I live in Texas and the AC is still cold. I am never dissappointed. Six years of ownership and I have never experienced any stalling.

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  The Devil is in the Details - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By angelbane - April 23 - 10:13 pm

  First 40K in first 2 years. Has always gotten 12-14 Highway MPG. Not a fast machine. First problems at 98000 ... electrical system Alternator, distributor, entire ignition system, Exhaust Manifold cracked. Passenger compartment seals started shrinking and having issues after 2 years and are now all but gone but no biggie it is a truck after it is gonna be noisy. roof liner completely fell out ofter 6 years. It prefers dry weather. Nothing has stopped me on or off road ... when I have seen other vehicles stuck

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  great! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By jory988 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  this is the best truck that i have ever driven. ive gone thriugh many trucks and this out perfoms all. it has everything i need!

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  Favorite Truck Ever!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jason - April 23 - 1:30 am

  I have owned 4-Nissan trucks prior to my recent Nismo purchase and if Nissan keeps building like this Ill be back for another! This is by far my favorite one. The Rockford Fosgate, XM, Snrf, roofrack, bug-guards, bed extenders etc etc are great! I went for Aztec red and love it. I get compliments on it alot. I looked at the Toyota but they dont offer sunroofs and the Frontier just looks better. Other than minor a minor squeek in the dash this ruck is awesome. I love to drive it every chance I get and it pulls my 19 ski boat nicely. Good Job Nissan!

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  Steering Steering Steering - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Tim Lenihan - April 12 - 2:42 pm

  Ill keep this short. Needed a truck to replace my 2001 Ford Ranger 4x4 and this truck appeared to fit that need. Negotiated for a good price and road tested it on local roads, less than 50mph. It handled ok. What a surprise though when driving on highway or any back roads that are posted 50 plus that have curves. Youll need to work that steering wheel to keep the truck on line. I drive school buses, flat noses and conventional, and they handle 10 times better than this truck. Fortunately for me most, not all,, is local driving. If your thinking about buying this truck, road tested it like no other vehicle youve bought before.

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  Impressed - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Rich - April 9 - 10:23 pm

  I have been extremely impressed with the ride and performance of the vehicle. It is rare to find a 4X4 that has the ride of a sedan. Interior noise is almost non- existant. Fuel efficiency is running around 19 MPG and by adding a soft cover to the bed I have increased this number to 21 MPG.