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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  Great Work Truck! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By baldbastard420 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Great little work truck, the 5-speed gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive...incidently the squeek that is heard when turning is the rubber stops, you will notice that this only happens when the wheels are turned all the way in either direction, like when making a U-turn.

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  Frontier over Dakota - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By jackm - April 8 - 1:43 am

  The Nissan v6 is head and shoulders above the Dakota 4.7 v8. I tow a 20 boat and the Nissan pulls it with ease! Nismo ride is actually softer than the Dakota. Fuel mileage is about the same. So far..so good!!

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  old truck new love - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By carol_okc - April 5 - 2:20 am

  I looked long and hard for the perfect truck - and Ive found it. Ive always driven full-size pickups but wanted better economy, 4wd, a decent cargo capacity, and room for my two big dogs for everything except hauling the big round bales of hay. Still have the 2500 Ram for the latter, but the Frontier handles everything else beautifully. Since I tend to drive my vehicles forever, I wasnt concerned about this being older and having a bit over 100k miles on it. I did have my mechanic go over it thoroughly, freshening several things that needed to be addressed, but still brought it in at my budgeted figure - and expect to drive it at least another 100k miles. Can you tell I love it??

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By chewydan - April 3 - 11:33 pm

  This truck is awesome! I looked at Toyota but the style of the frontier sold me on Nissan. The $1,500 incentive was also nice. The larger alloy wheels looked so much nicer then then the standard ones and you can get them with the SE value package. Its a good deal. You get the bed extender, cruise, power, VSS, mats, and the wheels for around $1,300. It really makes a huge difference in my opinion. The gas mileage stinks, but so does Toyota. Its a 4X4 truck so you should expect that. I ended up paying $23,500 after the incentive, but the dealer gave me less then I wanted for a trade so figure I really spent $24,500. Not a bad deal. Im very happy with the truck and recommend it over Toyota.

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  Good value for the price - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By newnissanbuyer - March 31 - 4:50 pm

  Picked over Tacoma for price and overall exterior design. Looks more like a truck.Power is great, fuel ok, hopefully will get better once broken in.

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  abs and gas mileage nightmare - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By odis pletcher - March 30 - 5:43 pm

  what a shame, a good truck except for horrible gas mileage and very scary abs braking on ice or snow, I will be getting rid of this truck

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  Best compact truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Baker - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best compact truck on the market for the money.

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  Love it...SUCKER 4 the sales price!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Raodrunner - March 28 - 5:46 am

  Love this truck, 21 mpg is a joke unless you are driving Miss Daisy, expect 17-18 at best... Solid build minus the rattle that will never go away??... TIRE SENSOR OR TIRE?? Front tire increases and decreases pressure constantly, dealer can not find problem and the sensor comes on every day?? Very comfortable, roomy, and stylish.

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  4 doors for two labs. - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By main-ah - March 22 - 12:53 am

  This truck was a purchase for our growing family. A LARGE male lab now has a LARGE little sister. The back doors were to be used by the dogs for easy in and out. They do not get in or out using the back doors. They use the same doors as the people do. The center console has held up very well with dogs walking on it almost every day. They enjoy the extra room compared with the extra cab Toyota we had.

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  Perfect design - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - March 16 - 12:56 pm

  All other trucks in this category felt small and cramped even with a crew cab. The shifting and power are AWESOME plus this truck defines versatility. I got the power package which is a must and a good deal. I love this truck!