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 4X4 Crew Cab 2000 - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By sleeksteel - July 31 - 1:58 pm

  Extraordinary performance and quality. The best vehicle I have ever owned. Bought it new and have had this 2000 model since winter of 1999. Have close to 200,000 miles! I will keep this truck forever. Have a couple of rust spots, which I sprayed rust remover, sanded it off, and painted it. My truck still looks like new with some minor dents. I keep up with the maintenance: oil, lubes, tires, tune-ups, etc. I enjoy off-roading out in the country.

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  NISMO2NV - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Derek - July 31 - 7:16 am

  If you want a good allround daily driver that doesnt mind rough roads and getting down and digging with it on the weekends you have found the right truck. I have owned my truck for about 6 months now no problems I love the style, its a head turner I had a guy in a newer model vette giving it the look :) Only major problem is the gas milage but what do u expect out of a V6 pushing HP numbers of V8s good vision I am a young driver but I see out well and can maneuver this truck pretty well. Not the same truck as the 04s no comparison they should have changed the name of it, it really exceeded my expectations.

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  best truck i ever had - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By nissan1 - July 30 - 1:13 pm

  reliable,sturdy and powerful. I put alot of miles on this truck during the first six months and it just keeps running smoother.

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  From a 95 Sonoma to an 06 NISMO - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocketman67 - July 29 - 12:13 am

  This is a truck that I new I was going to like when I ordered it but never thought it would be this nice. She is not perfect by any means but its a truck that when I get behind the wheel I just like to drive and drive an not necessarily go anywhere. It just feels good being behind the wheel. It has the NISMO package which I thought would have been a harsh ride but even upping the air in tire to 40 PSI is still comfy.

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  Tough to Beat - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By GWC - July 25 - 2:16 am

  Glad I chose this over the Tacoma, for the money, this is the truck. Nice, comfortable interior, smooth powerful engine, which beat some V-8s.Good looking exterior. Would like to have had some door protection. Installing a K & N filter & maybe a tornado for better fuel economy.

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  Love my Frontier! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By dafowler88 - July 18 - 2:11 am

  I purchased my Frontier PRO-4X in Jan 12 for $26,500. It was a slightly used 2011 model with 5700 miles. I couldnt be happier. The only thing I have had to do to it after putting 20k miles on it is change the battery which was replaced under warranty. The gas mileage is my only gripe, but I can live with that as I only have a 5 mile drive to work both ways (average 15.8, mostly city driving). I went with the Frontier over the Tacoma and F150 V6 mostly becuase of value but also because I just think its a much better looking truck than either of the latter two. The 4-wheel drive system is second to none (Maybe Jeep, I suppose). It has great get-up.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Erol - July 6 - 4:46 am

  Had it for a month now and its a winner. By far the best crew cab out there. Great style, comfort and most of all power. the layout of the cabin is excellent, everything in easy reach. Feels like a full size truck

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  New Frontiers - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By John Daulton - July 3 - 9:29 am

  No problems with the power train or any systems. Drivers side cloth seat is worn, but I do that with all of my trucks.

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  My 2nd Nissan Frontier. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ren6 - June 28 - 9:20 am

  Drove my 1994 se v6 with over 220,000 miles. The new truck met and exceeds my expectations. I knew Nissan built quality trucks already but the newer engine (less mpg) is beefier and smoother. Great ride on the open road and rugged for off. Get the optional Traction package. Still have my old Nissan and expect to get the same quality out of the new one. Excellent hands down compared to the toyota. I never even thought twice about buying another nissan.

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  NISSAN FRONTIER NISMO - BY ALS - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Frontier - June 26 - 4:56 pm

  Based upon independent research and test driving all the trucks that are in the price and mid-size range, I feel that Nissan stands slightly above the Toyota Tocoma in performance and off road abilities. Nissan needs to continue their efforts to improve their weight to horsepower performance ratio. Toyota is a fierce competitor with an enormous funding base. If Nissan develops an engine for their Frontier that puts out 300 horsepower (stock) I Would buy it tomorrow.