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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  2012 Nissan Frontier Crew Pro-4x 4WD - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By flip900rr - February 24 - 4:12 pm

  My first choice was the tacoma but it was at least $7K more with the same option. I test drove both. I like the look of the tacoma better but the price was just way too high. I ended buying the frontier because I got it $4K less than the MSRP. Now with the frontier, the handling and power is great. I took it off road already and it handled it very well. MPG is about 15 on the city. I have not driven it on the highway that often to check the mpg. If you are looking for a 4x4 truck, the pro-4x is the best deal under $30K out of the door. I shopped everywhere. I checked Rams, f150, tacoma, and all others. Price, reliability and handling are the main reasons I chose the frontier.

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  Great truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By DVW - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, very good purchase.

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  Thanks Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By cbas00 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This truck is just fun to drive. The more miles I put on it, the more I love it.

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  Best mid size without a doubt - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Bogarto - February 9 - 4:00 am

  Looked at all mid and full size trucks. Finally settled on Frontier 4x4 LE. 265 HP is awesome. Got the 4x4 havnt taken it off road yet. Nice size truck, bigger than any other mids I drove and smaller than the full sizes but with plenty of comfort. Jenkins Nissan in Lakeland, FL was very helpful, got it used with 14,000 miles on it.

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  Great Mid-size Pickup Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Frontier - February 1 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I love the horsepower it has and the overall look of the vehicle. It feels solid I recommend it.

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  Gotta love it - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By markie59 - January 31 - 3:40 pm

  Only had it three weeks and its such fun that every night, we all find an excuse to go out on an errand or to get ice cream. Id describe the driving experience in more detail, but can barely pry the keys out of my wifes hand. Cool enough that our seventeen year old covets it. Love it love it love it

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - January 31 - 2:06 pm

  Have 1000 miles on it and am well satisfied. Have driven full size trucks for years. This is my first compact truck and I love it. Size is perfect. Performance is excellent. Looked at Toyota, Colorado, Ranger. This is the best of the bunch.

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  The Best Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By uabaseball5 - January 24 - 12:23 pm

  I bought the 2005 Nissan Frontier right when it came out after I saw the new design. With all the horsepower and new features and design, I LOVE THIS TRUCK! it is so smooth on the freeway and hauling capability with the tie-down straps, its unbelieveable. Ive driven all the trucks before i drove the nissan frontier like the Ford Ranger which was way too whimpy and i drove the mazda truck which didnt have the comfort and then i drove the chevy colorado and it just never had the options and then I finally drove the Frontier. It was all I wanted and more! SO MANY OPTIONS YOU CAN PUT INTO IT ALSO! This is a great truck and I would take it over any other mid-size truck on the market.

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  More hp - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By KEVIN - January 23 - 9:20 am

  Traded in my 06 wrangler (190 hp) i-6 and my 05 f150 v-8 (235 hp) v-6 nissan (265 hp) one truck one payment one insurance better mileage than both more power than both, better everything including warranty. Great in the snow and off road. No problems, someday detroit will wake up, well hopefully!!

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  Wow what a truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Konkrete - January 20 - 10:00 am

  This truck has it all. It might be a slight bit underpowed in the street raceing sence but for pulling power its nuts. im a farmer i wnated a mid sized truck to haul stuff with and be able to handle mud and snow and still have balls but not be a huge beast like the dodges or fords full sized ones. anyway this truck can do this 4500 pounds on the hitch ( gotta get one installed not on the bumper) plus 1400 on the back of the box. the rpms barly move going 110 kph on the highway. super tough not one thing to repplace on it after 120000km bout 100000 miles other then oil and air filters and greasinf it up well. it can haul alot of people to.