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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  My review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Heather Cousins - October 27 - 10:00 am

  i may have gotten ripped off on the price, but its a great truck!

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  excelent truck for fun ride.. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By fahri - October 26 - 4:13 am

  thats the first time im having brand new truck in my life. I love to drive it around. plus its fun inside outside everything just perfect..

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  Awesome Power - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By crazzzycanuck - October 24 - 4:36 am

  Ive owned many trucks over the years, and this 2006 Nissan Frontier 4WD is by far the best yet! Power, body style, reliability and toughness make it one truck Ill be using for a long time.

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  2008 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SE - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By wlong336 - October 22 - 5:50 pm

  When I decided that it was time to buy a truck I narrowed my choices down to the Tacoma, Dakota, and the Frontier. I quickly decided that the Tacoma was out of my price range, so that left the Dakota and the Frontier. When you put these two trucks side by side there is no comparison the Frontier wins by a knockout. Its bigger, more powerful and comes with way more features for a smaller price tag. I love this truck, its is fun to drive, looks great with the chrome grill and bumpers unlike the cheap grey plastic bumpers of similarly priced Dakotas. Also, there may only be 23 reviews on this site for the Frontier but every one is good. That has to say something!

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  Great Value, Quality & Reliable - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Keith - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  You cannot go wrong with this truck or really any Nissan. Good quality and no issues to report. Great acceleration and power for size of engine and vehicle. Own the 5 speed and had cruise installed at dealer when purchased new.

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  Great offroad but also a excellent grocery getter - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By mystro - October 10 - 9:56 am

  Nissan should have named the 4x4 the Mountain Goat series..the Frontier out performs every other truck in its class. Built like it looks.

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  1st year - Love that truck!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Peter Black - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great time with this truck. It handles well, and has power when you need it. Great truck! Great look! Highly recomend.

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  My second Nissan Pickup - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Off road package - October 4 - 4:40 am

  I owned a 1995 Nissan, 4 wheel drive for over 10 years, so there was no question what my new truck was going to be. The quality, dependability, and comfort couldnt have been better. Being 5 foot 2 inches, the step sides are a great help. The visibility and control of the vehicle is the best I have driven. From experience, I know that they work hard and have been able to handle anything I have asked. The 4 wheel drive is a must where I live, and having no more hubs to lock is an added bonus. This truck has just about everything that anyone could want as a work horse, plus comfort and style! The only difficulty is adjusting to the interior differences from my truck of 10 years.

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  Dependability - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - October 3 - 11:06 pm

  We needed a replacement for our ageing `81 Toyota pickup. We liked the garagability and featured laden Nissan Crew Cab SE. We honestly enjoy driving the SE more than our `03 Honda CR-V, which we thought would never happen. The CR-V had set a safety president in our minds which our new Nissan has surpassed. The Nissans head rests are leveraged in the event of a rear-end collision and low air pressure sensors are included in each tire. Side air bag curtains and posi-traction are options on our truck. We also like the fact that power windows remain working after the ignition key is removed. Now we have lots of confidence inspiring horsepower with which to merge our California freeways.

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  2005 Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jo - September 27 - 6:30 pm

  Ive owned this truck for 2 years now with 19,555 miles,bought new. Been an excellent truck for 2 years, no problems at all.Bought the basic XE with the 4cyl,stick with bedliner and bed caps, XE preferred package, and floor mats. Listed for 18090.00,paid 14500.Truck averages about 22 mpg,and is very comfortable to drive and handles well. Does fine on the highway, runs at 85 MPH with no problem and seems to be willing to offer more.This is my 3rd Nissan,but by far the best I have ever owned. Ive waited 2 years to really judge the vehicle and I couldnt be happier