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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  frontier - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By yagermichael - November 9 - 10:00 am

  noisy motor bad gas miledge

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  Good off-roader, slow highwayer - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Noli - November 8 - 4:50 am

  I own this vehicle just for my game pursuits. I beat the most forbidding trails in the mountains of Mojave and in some other rough trails in Southern CA, drove as fars as texas without problems except speed limitations. maybe due to my off-road, aggressive oversized tires. Some problem with braking, it seems it slips in dirt road. Had a hard time with using low 4 wheel. Got stuck twice in the soft desert sand and noticed that not all four wheels are turning.

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  Yes Sir! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By phillip - November 6 - 4:10 am

  Hey, let me tell ya gals and boys, this is one tight ride. Im shocked how smooth of a ride this truck is. When I take my fiancee to the mall to get a bigger size pants and shirt, Im sitting up high with a slurpee and a cool tune on the sterling CD player. Great job Nissan 2 thumbs up! I will try this truck offroad and give her a thorough test, but Im not scared

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  2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab RWD SE MT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By BigTaka - November 2 - 10:56 pm

  I bought my used truck 4 years ago for work with 15K miles already on it. I have put 60K additional miles on and have had no mechanical issues. I do get a chirping sound from the air vents after I turn the ignition off and the dealership cant figure out the issue. Ive only changed the belts, done regular maintenance and am due to have the breaks changed for the first time. The gas mileage is less than desirable as I average 18-19mpg whether I am in the city or driving long distances on the highway. The rear seat is not the most comfortable as it sits straight up and does not offer much leg room. The power is decent and it has functioned fine when towing.

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  Muscle Man Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Mikey2002 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck. Crew Cab SE with the upgrade Rockford Fosgate Stereo system. Ive owned other compact trucks but this takes the cake. I get more complements than anything Ive ever driven. To me, it handles and accelerates with the best of them and I do not regret not getting the super charged engine. Dont hesitate if your thinking about getting one. They are a blast to drive (due to strength) and fun to boot...

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  versatility manifest - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Ethan Rode - October 31 - 12:00 am

  This truck is the perfect compromise of size and power. It combines the flexibility of a smaller truck with the power of the big boys

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  This is "The Truck" - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joehova - October 27 - 2:40 pm

  This truck has been nothing but stellar! From daily driving to some serious off roading, the 05 Frontier has done nothing but amaze me. When I first heard about the truck I almost overlooked the truck, only because Im not a fan of the older styling but when I saw it on the lot, I ate my own words. The new body style stands out in a crowd, especially with the NISMO package. Of course, the body style isnt the whole package. The new VQ40DE engine is a real power house and doesnt require premium fuel. This engine performs, hands down. Interior is comfortable and looks geat. Not too much cab noise other than the tires (What do you expect with A/Ts?). Any other tricks for the competition nissan?

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  Fun truck to drive - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Ted - October 23 - 3:06 am

  The 05 Frontier is the replacement for a 91 Nissan pick up that I have driven since new. Needless to say, theres a HUGE change here. The physical size of the truck is about the same size as the Dodge Dakota. The power is great for the size of the vehicle and it pulls a trailer like theres nothing back there. The suspension is a little stiff as you would expect from the off road package. I would like a little better gas milage, but i get about 16.6 avg. which isnt terrible. Interior is roomey, but some tall (6-4") people arent going to be comfortable. Build quality so far has been nearly flawless. I had to have the spring on the gas tank door re-set, but thats the only prob so far.

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  Great truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Darrell Smith - October 22 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had this truck now for over a year. And with 90,000 on the odom. Ive given it 1 full engine and tranny tune- up. It cruises on the hiway at 2500 rpms doing 70 mph. And Idles Smooth as glass. I give it 4 out of 5 Starz

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  Superior looks and off road capability - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MJCORT27 - October 17 - 8:23 pm

  Awesome truck very reliable, off road and on road. Looks very tough and mean. Price nobody can beat in its category. Manual transmission shifts accurately and smoothly.