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 Buy for the $ - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bigityj - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 XE-V6 Kingcab 4x4 Frontier has 22,350 miles on it now,and Ive used it for hauling, towing,commuting, and 4-wheeling. It has yet to let me down. Gas mileage averages about 19.5 mpg with 31 inch tires and about 18.5 avg with stock 30" tires, which I am very happy with. Dont be supprised that this truck doesnt ride like a Caddy, or have the frills that come with a luxury vehicle. The Frontier is the old hardbody Nissan truck with a beefed up drivetrain and new visually appealing design. I have only been back to the dealer for 2 very minor problems. To date I have NO regrets & dont expect any either!

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  26 MPG V-6 Auto 4x4 4 door! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randall - September 30 - 3:20 am

  Yes, 26 mpg @60 mph Cruise control on basically flat road. 21 mpg at 75 mph. Use Mobile 1 5-30, keep air pressure checked regularly. Plenty of power to get to freeway speeds. Bought new in 2007, now has ~ 33k. Fixing to put kn air filter. If there is one thing that is somewhat irritating is the turning radius. Oh, as for the high mpg, it is repeatable. Tried it again this past weekend, little different terrain, a few small hills, 25.2 mpg @ 60 mph! The only thing I can figure is the engine does not work hard at that rpm, so it sips fuel. Nissan has a winner here. Is there a diesel frontier coming?

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  Worth Buying? - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jstitan2000 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is almost everything you would need in a pickup truck. If you change to S/C pulley to a slightly smaller one you could achieve the pathfinder horsepower of 240. Then truely would this be a S/C truck thats fun to drive. I cant complain about anything else except the fuel mileage. In town you get 15 mpg. Pretty bad! All in all this is a great truck and 10,000 less than a full size with a kickass stereo.

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  Awesome Little Truck! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Ty - September 19 - 9:09 am

  I bought my 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro4X used with 64k on it. It came with a certified used warranty from the dealership. I had a 2005 Chevy 1 Ton with Bose sound system. I traded that beast in for this tough little truck. I got in this truck and as soon as I hooked up my iPhone to the stereo I was sold. This truck has a factory sub under the back seat. What! Wow. And it is a Rockford Fosgate. It blew my Bose away. Then the ride, comfort and trim. Wow. It looks so good. All black. No chrome. Took it 4 Wheelin. Posy all tires. No slip. Like a caterpillar. Wow. The engine is tough. Powerful and lots of torque. Will pull 6,800 pounds. The only thing I can complain about is that it doesnt shift fast enough from R to D. Some times it hesitates. I googled this and it is typical for this truck. I am very happy with this machine! I do not see myself getting rid of it any time soon.

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  Satisified Used Truck Owner - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By ahrivnak - September 15 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan meet all of my expectations and exceeded most. Most of my praise goes to the comfort of the vehicle. The seats are Large enough for a person my size, but my ten year old son has no problem falling asleep in the passenger seet. The controls are easy to reach, understand, and use. If I had to make one complain, it would be about the power of the engine. I expected a bit more power from a V6. Still, there was plenty of power for most tasks. I also think the stlying is superior to any comparable truck (Toyota, Mazda, Chevy, Ford etc) and far superior than the current Nissan frontiers. You will enjoy!!

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By TM - September 12 - 9:46 pm

  I love this truck. Ive owned a Toyota and believe me it is a Toy compared to the Frontier.

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  Nissan quality cars and trucks - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By THOMAS MANZO - September 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned a couple of Nissans and they are both outstanding vehicles. Reliable quality vehicles. I never had to worry about being let down or stuck somewhere on long trips cross country and I drive them hard. High mileage vehicles and they handle and drive like new. Very happy and satisfied with the vehicle, and I love my 2002 4WD Longbed fully loaded Frontier.

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  3 Months and still love it - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zach J - September 11 - 11:16 am

  I was test driving the Frontier and the Tacoma left and right, but I had to go with the Frontier. Since then it has been great. I love the power mostly, but Im getting between 18 and 20 MPG, which is slow city and highway mixed together. Wish there were a few more features available with the SE model rather than having to upgrade to the NISMO (like a $6K step up). Wanted a better sound system and spray in liner. Nothing I cant do aftermarket though. Plus I can drive on 87 fuel, who wants to pay for 91 in the Tacoma?

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  Better Value than a Similarily-Equipped Tacoma - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bpm2348 - September 9 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned a Tacoma Pre-runner (2008) and now a Frontier. The Frontier has more power, is more comfortable, a better value, and rides more like an suv than a truck. I liked my Taco as well, but the seating position seemed weird and I am not a big guy. It seemed like my legs were a lot closer to the steering wheel in the Taco than the Frontier. The Frontiers seats are also a lot more comfortable. I like Tacomas, but the Frontier is just a better value and it was a lot easier to work a deal on one than on a Tacoma.

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  Nice new ride - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Grunger - September 8 - 8:26 am

  Ive only had the truck for 3000 km, but so far Ive been nothing but impressed. The shifting is smooth and the power is excellent. Ive read some complaints about the gas mileage, but I just got back from a 2000 km road trip and averaged 24 mpg. For a new truck that has not been broken in I am satisfied. If you really need a truck you dont buy it to get 30+ mpg, you buy it to get the job done.