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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  Fun To Drive NISMO - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocketman67 - September 27 - 4:43 am

  I brought this truck to replace my 95 GMC KC Sonoma 4x4 V6 5sp. I had about 115k miles of pretty trouble free miles. The biggest annoyance was the drive train noise when rowing the gears. Their was a LOT of gear backlash. When I took it to the dealer they said it was NORMAL and I should dampen the noise with using the clutch more........yea right! The shifter looked like it came out of a school bus or something. Gas mileage was 18-19 in the city and about 21-22 highway which wasnt too bad. I was going to to replace the Sonoma with the new Colorado/Canyon until I heard that GM in all their (stupid) infinite wisdom decided to put an I5 instead of a V6 or I6. So I bought a Frontier.

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  Riding High In WV - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry in WV - September 23 - 1:33 pm

  I looked at Nissan and Toyota. Drive them both.. you will pick the Nissan. Looks very tough.. rides great. My first tank of gas I got 19 mpg. Not bad for the first tank and a 6 cylinder. Lots of room inside. I have 3 boys, and they fit nicely in the back. The rail system and spray on bed liner cant be beat. Braking is responsive and stable. Steering is very sensitive. Radio has good sound. Lots of cup holders. Glove box feature is good. Im 6" 2" and have plenty of headroom and legroom. My favorite truck I have ever owned!

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  HAPPY OWNER - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By EONAVYCB - September 22 - 3:36 pm

  I just bought the SE king cab 4x4 a few days ago. I have been a dodge dakota owner the past few years, and this truck is 10 times better. The cab is quiet, the truck is very tight, and very fun to drive. I have also got several positive comments from others about the lokks and design. I am looking forward to many years of service from this wonderful truck.

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  05 Frontier = Best Mid-Size Pickup - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By HKINGS - September 21 - 3:50 pm

  After driving every mid-size truck out there, including the new 05 Tacoma 3 times, the 05 Frontier had the best performance, exterior and interior looks! It lso offered more features that Tacoma didnt, like power/heated seats, leather, and power moonroof! A blast to drive!

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  Title - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By chanandreirei - September 6 - 1:46 pm

  The day I bought this truck, my family and I went camping. It was very cold up in the mountains, but the truck never stalled or anything like that. It always started right up. And even now, the only problem weve ever had with it was a flat tire. This truck also has great handling. On those twisty-turny roads in the Sierras, the truck handled so well, I never worried about what a steep drop it was. So, this truck has been a very reliable and fun to own vehicle.

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  Gas mileage; - better than expected - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Brunte - September 3 - 9:40 am

  We have had Nissan cars before, so when we decided to get a truck the Frontier or Titan were the options to consider. After test drive of a Frontier, the choice was real easy. We have just over 4000 miles in two months - no issues what so ever so far. First cross country drive, (1600 miles) towing a 1000 LBS trailer with a 4000 LBS load we got 17 MPG, second longer drive (no trailer, but a SNUG bed cover) we got 21 MPG - Im sure well see 23-25 MPG when we have put 20,000 miles or so on it. By the way, all my driving is at max legal speed, but from a stand still I dont floor it, I can spare the lost 10 seconds.

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  wow a frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dwhatl30 - September 1 - 1:43 am

  plenty of power handles great and look wonderful is great for hauling light and medium loads with ease

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  Bumpy take off - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert - August 23 - 12:23 pm

  Truck runs great, drives great, however I have a "bump start" feel on launch from a stop. Very annoying. Drive shaft already replaced but they are looking at it again this week. Too much grease in the slip yoke causing the drive shaft to "hang" or stick and release when the brakes are released and you accelerate. It feels like the axle moves out from under the truck and then the truck moves. I can only feel it in the seat. You can put the truck in neutral and it wont do it as it takes the pressure off of the shaft and it equalizes.

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  More bang for $$ then Tacoma! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Critter - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great midsize truck,plenty of getty up,handle and rides nice for a 4x4. Youll pay 2-3 K for Tacoma same equipt. Dont think Toy is that much better if at all! Fuel is so-so 16-18 normal. 20-22 Hiway! Yes would buy again best truck Ive had in along time. Its head and shoulder over my old 94 Nissan. Had 160 k when I bought the new one. Bang the buck Frontier is it!

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  Great truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By gene - August 7 - 5:26 pm

  Checked out Frontier, Tacoma and Ranger. I wanted a 2 wheel drive and really disliked the Tacoma 2 wheel drive appearance. I had owned two Rangers and felt, after the drive, that the Frontier was the most bang for the buck. I have not been disappointed.