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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  Best midsize pickup, period - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By abby - February 4 - 12:50 am

  I love this truck! The six-speed transmission feels good and the engine gets wound up quick. A K&N kit gave the V6 a deeper note that sounds awesome. The exterior looks like a functional truck, not some toy. Theres just the right amount of chrome. The wheels look good. The seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth enough for long highway rides, even with the stiffer Nismo suspension. Dash layout is intuitive, although they could have done with a few less buttons on the radio. Overall, its just a really nice-looking, well-powered, functional midsize truck. You cant beat it.

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  5 star - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By thejoker009 - January 27 - 9:20 am

  Fun mid-size truck with full size feel. The power is perfect for this truck. Love driving it.

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  Performance on sale - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Andy from Atlanta - January 22 - 9:13 pm

  I am a previous Frontier owner (I got a 2001 crew cab as well) and Nissan did its homework with this one. A lot more power, more room and more fun to drive. I am getting 24+ miles per galon on regular unleaded. I tried Tacomas and Ridgelines and they are not even close. I got V8 power in a V6 package at a V4 price.

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  My brilliant silver king Frontier - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Carol Neal - January 17 - 4:07 am

  Great space for groceries, travel chairs, luggage, purse and endless possibilities behind the driver and passenger seat. Great 4 cupholders for all sizes. Large console between seats and space for change. Do not know the exact name but a bar on each side to pull yourself up more. I have had my 2011 frontier king cab since July 2014, two years. No repairs have been needed! I love the pull up bar.. Also good size cubby hole on bottom of all four doors and double dash doors. I paid $14,500 at modern Nissan in Winston Salem, nc. It is 5 gear Manuel. Also rear cab light stays on long enough to get to house door. Just make sure you shut all doors or the light stays on. Has brilliant silver finish. Water still beads up. Wipers work smooth and quite. I also have a 2008 Nissan rogue crossover purchased 2010. Still has not needed any repairs in 6yrs! On a scale of 1-10 I give a 9.9 July 13,2016 still no problems and still enjoying the king cab truck - Frontier. Thank you.

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  frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By zeelodee - January 15 - 9:40 pm

  I enjoy the overall look and the handling of the vehicle. Also,the rockford sound system is a good addition to the truck.

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  3 month update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By sdhk - January 15 - 12:16 pm

  The Frontier crew cab has nice road feel - stable and solid, a comfortable ride and great space utilization options behind the driver seat. I think with a few improvements/options it could fit the needs of lots more customers than it currently attracts and could be a perfect choice for those of us looking for an all around vehicle with versatility and dont need a truck for towing or offroading.

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  Solid Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By jcdavis94 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Ive yet to have any major mechanical problems. The initial set of tires were defective (bridgstone I think)but the dealer replaced them and upgraded with michelins at no charge. The 1st radio quit at 12K miles, but the dealer replaced it under warranty. Second radios light failed about 1 year and 12K miles later. I had to replace the battery and headlights at 40K. Other than that, I have had no problems whatsoever with the truck. I get approx. 22 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. Acceleration is decent, but handling feels a little sluggish. Overall, for a dependable truck, I highly recommend this truck.

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  Indestructable Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By chappyk - January 13 - 4:40 am

  I had a 92 Nissan Pickup that was great, so I purchased this one. I have not been disappointed. This truck is rugged and looks aggressive. The previous owner equipped it with more aggressive tires which killed the ride, but gave it much more traction. The interior is rugged too. Hard plastic may not be elegant, but it wears well anf fits the character of the truck. The bedliner is bulletproof and the Utili-track system is ingenious. The truck was inexpensive and a great value. I havent been able to use the rear locking axle because I havent been able to get this 2WD stuck. Amazing.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Allen - January 11 - 7:36 pm

  Traded In my 2000 Nissan Frontier for this one. Considered it a great upgrade. Got a few more features on my new Frontier my other didnt have. I love the fact it has 3 12 volt outlets. I need them all. Lots more room to stretch and love all the extra cargo space. The interior look could have used a little revamping but all in all a great ride!

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  01 Nissan Frontier v6 - NOT Recommended - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By BaLLSnatch - January 3 - 3:03 am

  I would never recommend this truck to anyone. I am not saying it is horrible, it is just not a "truck". To begin with, these 3.3s are VERY underpowered. I would expect a small underpowered motor to have great milage, Yet they are HORRIBLE gas hogs !!! You might as well have a 350 v8 !!! Because, No matter city or highway driving and no matter what type gas, you can EXPECT 15 miles per gallon. The exhaust manifolds crack after about 75k miles, but, LUCKILY they are relatively easy to change. Handling is no good. After a lot of modifications and upgrades I still do not like it. (I take care of my vehicles and expect the most from them) I have 98 S10 which I would RECOMMEND any day over it!