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 truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dave - March 15 - 10:03 am

  I feel in love with this truck as soon as I saw it. But looks were just what got me started. It handles well, is comfortable to drive and has made life a lot easier when it comes to working around the property, because it goes just about anywhere.

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  No Doubt About It - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By David - March 14 - 4:46 am

  I was torn between the Tacoma and the Frontier. After driving the Frontier I knew it was the truck for me. I had one in the late 90s and it was the best vehicle I ever had. The new Frontier is leaps and bounds better. It is bigger more powerful and fun to drive. And Carmax was the BEST buying experience I ever had.

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  Pass on this one - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Vinny3030 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Not a well built truck. Gas miliage poor for a 4cyl. Many repairs needed to this truck under normal use. Very slow pickup. Does not handel well.

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  First Mid-sized and Happy - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By racrfanny - February 26 - 7:35 am

  Ive always owned full size Chevy or Dodge p/ups. Now that kids are moved on it was time to downsize. I needed to still have the pulling power to haul a trailer and car, as well as true 4wd (not AWD) capabilities. Looked at the Honda (no locking 4wd over certian speeds) and Toyota (less towing, HP and MPG) and settled for the Nissan. Im very happy with my choice. Recently towed a Boxter hour and half and couldnt have been happier. The truck towed without hesitation. The power was more than adequate and the ride was great. I hear complaints of fuel mileage but coming from a full size Im used to it. Currently averaging 17 around town but reached 24 on my last highway trip to Charlotte.

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  4x4 on/off road performance - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Amanda - February 25 - 1:26 pm

  Newly acquired nissan frontier 4x4 only so far driven on paved road surfaces, the vehicle has good power in acceleration and braking, the ride is smooth for a truck, the ground clearance is sufficient for normal not too extreme use,the steering is smooth, easy to turn the wheel, So far my overall review is very good for this truck, I have yet to test drive off road on uneven surfaces to see how the truck handles and responds in 4x4 drive mode

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  The most utility for the buck! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By hydrogeek - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the most versitile vehicle I have owned. I can haul the kids, camping gear, mountain bikes, take the wife to dinner and commute to work. This a less refined vehicle than some on the road (i.e. Lexus, Infiniti) but it gets the job down well with great exterior styling.

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  Nissan Frontier Quality - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Catch22 - February 18 - 2:23 am

  I have had my Frontier now for about 18 months and absolutely love it! I have put on 44,000 miles during that time and I have no issues whatsoever. I am still on my first set of factory tires, brakes have about 50% wear on them. The interior features lack when compared to the competition. I am currently getting about 17-19mpg in the city, and 22-23 on hwy. I do not drive the vehicle hard at all though. I would have like more features available for interior (such as leather, nav. system, etc.)

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  Cross country journey - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike Q - February 8 - 9:16 am

  Drove from west coast to east coast towing a vw golf completely packed, with the truck bed overloaded as well. Power to get up and over the rockies no problem. Reliable and rides like a cadillac compared to my previous audi tt. Never owned a pickup before, and Im not disappointed.

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  2003 4x4 Crew Cab is awesome! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By gehnissan - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I compared Chevy, Ford,GMC,Dodge,Toyota & Nissan.I settled on the nissan because of the history(making trucks since 1933), quality (one of the best records), price(3K less than the toyota) and dealer experience(modern nissan is the best). Toyota does not offer the long bed or manual trans.Its styling is tough & the rear is geared better at 4.64 axle ratio. The fit&finish of the truck is great,seats are comfy & snug to the body. The engine is powerful with fuel economy. seeing 21 hwy 17 city. Overall very pleased with this truck. All nissan frontiers are born in Smyrna, Tennesse with %60 american made parts more than 40-60% of "american" trucks.

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  Good economy for the size - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Scoot - February 5 - 9:26 pm

  Traded the 06 4x4 Tundra for this one. Just couldnt justify 15mpg after selling the camper. More power would be good but this 4cyl is a big upgrade from older versions of the Nissan 4cyl automatic, especially considering how much larger this truck is than frontiers of the past. Excellent handling, great breaks & smooth ride for a small truck. Would like to see Nissan incorporate their cvt technology into this 4 banger to maximize its power.