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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Great Compact Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By Tzarita88 - October 27 - 4:13 pmI traded in my Jeep Compass for this new Frontier and I love it. It handles, snow, ice, mud, steep, rocky mountains roads as well as town driving. My biggest impression was with the sturdiness of this truck. It feels very durable. Despite gas mileage estimates, I get 25/21 mpg, even in 4X4.
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Love the Gizmo - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Johnboy from NY - October 24 - 6:13 pmIve had the Crew Cab Nismo (a.k.a. Gizmo) for 5 months now. Its one of the most fun to drive trucks that Ive ever had. I was a little worried about the Nismo off-road package while on the road, but the stiffer suspension is fine in all but the roughest pot hole highways, where your back-end will try to beat out the front end at speed. The only imperfections that Ive had is a rattle in the dash when its cold ( I havent dropped it off for repairs until it stays cold so they can hear it), and the rubber stops on the tailgate fall off easy. I am RTVing them on when the replacements get here. Overall, I love the truck. I get an average of 16.5 mpg in town and 20 on long highway trips.
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Frontier Crew Cab Nismo - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By IndyNismo - October 22 - 1:30 amThis is my second Frontier. I owned an 05 crew cab Nismo. It was without the Rockford and sunroof package with rack. I absolutely loved the truck...but longed for the extra options. So I traded for an 06. Since I sell Nissan...it only change my payment by 10 bucks!
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MY mistake - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By bugman - October 21 - 2:00 amI feel I made a mistake buying this truck, I was in a hurry and thought I was getting a deal on it. I bought it used, thought at first it was a good truck, it is a good truck, but for a person who put 120+ miles on in a day it is not that good of a truck. only get 18 mpg in 2 wheel drive but the weird thing is in 4WD I get 22 mpg. Just not the right truck for me
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MY mistake - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By BUGMAN - October 21 - 2:00 amI feel I made a mistake buying this truck, I was in a hurry and thought I was getting a deal on it. I bought it used, thought at first it was a good truck, it is a good truck, but for a person who put 120+ miles on in a day it is not that good of a truck. only get 18 mpg in 2 wheel drive but the weird thing is in 4WD I get 22 mpg. Just not the right truck for me
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Whats Not to Like? - 2010 Nissan Frontier
By doc - October 16 - 11:43 amThis is my second Nissan frontier - much better than the one I bought 10 years ago. Nissan has come a long way. I get 20 hwy with recommended 91octane; 17.5 hwy with 87. I intended to buy a Tacoma, but Nissan and dealer rebates made the frontier about $5k cheaper for the loaded versions. I have no complaints, but then Ive never owned a Tacoma so I dont know if Im missing anything. Pro 4x has stiff suspension which I wanted, but its not like riding in uncle earls town car. My avalanche 2500 and silverado 1500 have smoother rides. Seat configurations are well thought through.
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Reliable transportation.. - 2003 Nissan Frontier
By otrand - October 15 - 10:00 amSeats are uncomfortable for long trips. Engine is okay but needs more HP. Torque is good. Reliability is good. Tranny is the best Ive driven. I liked the ride at first but have come to hate it. It comes delivered with 26lbs(rec. pressure) which makes it feel smooth. Put the pressure where it should be and ride becomes jiggly and shows the chassis flimsiness.Upgraded to Bilstein shocks which helped but without a stiff chassis ...... Nissan also has had a problem with the 2 piece driveshaft design that exhibits itself as driveline vibration. Nissans "fix" is not adequate. Overall the truck is okay, but I looked forward to driving my ole GMC more than I do this truck.
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2.5 L gutless wonder - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By porsche habit - October 12 - 6:50 pmThe most BASIC/cheapest xe, 4 cyl. Engine and trans are not a good match. Power and torque below 2500 rpm is terrible. Gas mileage with gas here in Hawaii is only 21 mpg. But again our fuel is 10% ethanol so straight gas would give you about 10% better average, so that would be about 23 mpg. It is a very heavy truck so the 4 cyl. Has to work hard and the mileage shows. The gear ratios are wrong, you have to wind it out or when you upshift it bogs down badly. A six speed would be more appropriate. Drives well, good brakes, BASIC interior, great reliability, good value for the buck. My friends with the same truck but 6 cyl. Love the power they got on tap but 6 cyl. Mileage is only 18 mpg.
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Mountain Buggy - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By Bill Gibbs - October 7 - 2:56 pmI bought and sent this pickup to Honduras where I regularly put over 2000 lbs. of chicken manure in it. I once had 18 workers in the back and went up a mountain in 4low. This truck is a beast and can handle as much payload as my F150. Mileage is fair, power is adequate and the truck is unstoppable on the worst mountain roads imaginable. Dont complain about power, learn how to drive a standard transmission. Quality is as good as Tacoma for much less $$$.
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2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab 4cyl Auto - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By EYECAT - October 3 - 4:06 pmI bought a new 2005 in Jan-06 in Jun- 07 I have 80,000 miles on it. This is my 5th Nissan I have purchased for use in my business and the only major thing I have ever replaced was a clutch at 200,000 miles. My last was a 1997 & I replaced 2 clutches, a starter & alternator. I traded it at 487,000 miles & the others were over 300,000 miles. I got them all from the same dealership. Now at 80,000 miles the transmission seal leaks & the flange in rear-end went. Nissan dealer said it would take 10days to get the part. The same dealer sent my mechanic the wrong part 3X. After 2 wks & 20 calls to corp. no one returns my calls & no answers when theyll have the right part made, no loaner.
