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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  !!!!!!!!!!WOW!!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By andy - November 17 - 9:50 am

  I have the xe 4 cyl in an automatic, I swapped the tires and rims and this truck can do anything! Very very happy with my purchase... Just change the oil and go! Tuff truck! No problems and it just turned 43,000 miles. I bought it used, great gas mileage for a truck... Can tow, haul anything I throw at it! Just love it!

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  First Nissan - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Front 4 you - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful, fun to drive truck. gets the looks being bright red and different from the rest. plenty of power and comfort.

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  2000 Nissan Crew Cab XE 4wd V6 Auto - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kd7oqc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  As it gets older, it will get a lot of off road / back road use. I want compact external dimensions, and a short turning radius for the (almost) roads that often use. This fills the bill. It is quiet on the freeway. The only real wind noise comes from the bug deflector. We average 18.5 mpg with a canopy, a bed full of "family stuff" and 4 people in the truck. It has no squeaks and rattles.

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  NIssan will roll backwards - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Ken NH - November 12 - 2:00 am

  In July I purchased a new 2010 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X4 . With the new purchase I quickly discovered that when stopped on a hill, while in drive, the vehicle rolls backwards. It will similarly roll forward if in reverse and stopped when backing up. I now know there is a “Hill start assist” that allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake and not roll back for two seconds.” But after two seconds the vehicle rolls as if in neutral and will roll backwards unimpeded. Some assist. As effective as the Emperor’s New Clothes. Unaware of this “assist” I reported the problem to the dealership and I was told when on a hill I would have to “two pedal it.

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  Good basic truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By t - November 10 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a lightly used Frontier and have driven it from 27,000 miles to 45,000 miles so far, and have had no issues at all. I got the most basic edition - manual, no power anything, V4. I average 22-24 mpg per tank. After trying out some American cheap 2 door trucks, the Nissan felt like luxury. The interior is nothing fancy, but its just comfortable, well designed, and not bad looking. The "back seat" is small and uncomfortable to sit in, but great room for storage. Only complaints. very limited visibility when looking over your shoulders for blind spots. Also the turn radius isnt great, kind of hard to park.

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  Great for the price. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Burt - November 7 - 11:50 pm

  This small truck was exactly what I needed for a new sales job, inexpensive, small, some carring ability and good gas milage. I have been back to the dealer twice to fix a noise in rear when braking, problem still exists. Fun and semi peppy to drive, sporty feel. It should be faster for a 2400cc, 16 valve engine, Gas mileage was 22, I thought it should be better for a 4 cylinder mini truck, K&N air filter and Flowmaster exaust improved it by 10%.

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  Rides like a piece of junk! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By explorer1 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Horrible compared to the domestic trucks. 4 cyl. is loud rough and couldnt get out of its own way. Interior is extremly cheaply designed and I wonder what the reviewers were on when they drove it. The V6 is only slightly better but still loud and rough and not for anyone who expects a decent riding truck with acceptable drivetrain.

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  Excellent "compromise" choice - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Geodude - November 3 - 11:26 am

  I live in the Northeast and owned an earlier version of the 2WD Frontier (a 2000), so there have been a handful of days each year where I have said "Im getting a 4-wheel drive next time," but when that time came, I just couldnt do it. I couldnt bring myself to go with the 14 - 19 mpg. This is my primary commuter, and I just couldnt justify it. That having been said, this truck at least makes you feel like you chose the 4 X 4, with its high riding position, decidedly big-truck suspension and aggresive styling. If you can bring yourself to own up to it, youll find the four cyl engine is plenty tough enough for weekend chores, hauling a popup and merging onto the highway.

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  2009 Frontier - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Susan - November 2 - 11:43 pm

  Been Toyota Tacoma driver for 14 years. Frontier seems ok so far. Rides a little ruff, think its going to be a rattling truck. Hearing some noises already, bought on 7/31. Stereo is very nice so w/volume up cant hear noises. 4cy automatic doesnt do too well w/cruise on. Like roominess cab, love access doors. Bigger than my 1995 Tacoma so Im getting used to tighter turning radius. Did cash for clunker & couldnt get Toyota. If I had do overs I might would have taken my chances on waiting to get Tacoma, that was my 1st choice. Just not sure its going to last me 14 years like last truck. On this review, Im not sure I chose the right style. Its 4Cy, king cab, power package, full bed

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  Nissan Convert - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Richie C - October 30 - 8:36 am

  As a proud/loyal owner of 4 Toyotas and in the market for a mid-sized pick up, it was a given that I was going to purchase a Tacoma. Keeping an open mind, however, I researched and conducted test drives on the Tacoma competition, Frontier Pro 4x in particular. I was blown away. Much quieter ride in the Frontier as well as "tighter" construction vs Tacoma. Bottom line, I am now a "Fronty" convert. Although I have only had a short while, I am very pleased with the purchase--will continue to evaluate and will post updates to review after a few thousand miles (plan an extended trip to the Rockies this summer). Bottom line--check out the Frontiers before you purchase--youll be glad you did