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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  Love This Truck - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By J.Robbin Hajek - October 1 - 10:27 pm

  This is another winner from Nissan.After owning a used 1993 Hardbody D21,I was determined to upgrade to a crew cab Nissan Frontier (my Hardbody smoked my old Toyota,with way better off road performance).This truck even impressed my wife,who hated my old Toyota,with comfortable seating (were short people),logical controls,and especially visiblity.The model we bought lacks power windows and power door locks,but after our hunting trip to eastern Oregon,in which we locked ourself out a couple of times in the Chevy,I can do without such conveniences.Be prepared to battle the dealerships,who will way overprice these popular trucks.Arm yourself with Internet knowledge and roll up your sleeves and be prepared for a three hour ordeal.We got close to our target price.We love this truck.I added a receiver hitch,that required no drilling of the frame (WOW) to mount.Update:so far a great little truck,absolutely no problems,and does everything we expected.

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  Fun Truck Get One - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Chris - September 30 - 2:33 pm

  I had a 2006 XE and loved it so much that i traded it for the NISMO, same truck just lots more fun!!! If there are any complaints its the gas mileage. My XE got around 22 for work and back, now on the NISMO i am gettin on average 17. The upgraded stereo needed a boost so i added an infinity subwoofer to the rear. lesson learned if you disconnect the dash lights for the airbags, dont start the truck without them connected: trips the computer into a fault code (dealer FIX) Overall, would recommend this truck to anyone, it is good looking, fun to drive and an overall good deal.

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  Highly Recomended Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck guy - September 29 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this a year ago great truck so far taken it off road, commuted, towed, and snow. Not disappointed yet I once slid into a ditch in the snow just put in reverse and 4wd low and came right out. No body damage extremely tough truck can be used and abused high reliability. Only things I dont like I knew about going in was going to buy a Tacoma but Toyota wouldnt negoiate price and had a sticker of 27k configured same as the Frontier got this brand new for 19k sticker was 25k.

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  Great Year for the Nissan Frontier: 2004 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Karen - September 29 - 8:00 am

  You wont get 50 mpg with this truck. It is, after all, a truck. I got 14-15 mpg combined gas mile p/gallon with a fully loaded bed (1000 lbs.)!!! (a homemade camper lives on the bed). Otherwise, about 18-20 mpg. I bought this truck used about 4 years ago. It is 12-years-old now. I put in a new battery, and a set of great tires. I do the scheduled maintenance. Thats it! It always starts, always runs. No issues. Reliable. Solid.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab LE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Grenadar - September 29 - 1:23 am

  Our new Frontier LE is an absolute joy to drive. The powerful engine is incredible, yet the ride is quite comfortable around town or on the freeway. The interior is extremely well thought-out, with compartments everwhere and with (mostly) well- placed controls for the driver. The seats are comfortably supportive. The factory bedliner with Utili-track system is extremely versatile for carrying almost anything and the locking tailgate latches nicely with no concious thought required (unlike my brothers Ford Ranger). Ive only had it a month so I cannot comment on reliability yet. I am only getting 22 mpg on freeway trips, but at least it can use regular gas without a problem. Looks nice, too.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By JWG - September 23 - 4:06 am

  Bought my 2007 Crew Cab 4 months ago and I love it. Traded in a 2004 Titan and love that too but the gas mileage won me over on the Frontier. Just bought another Frontier today.

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  Frontier on the Edge - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By wcoward - September 23 - 1:03 am

  The truck is the hardest working small truck on the market. The interior is laid out so that everything is in reach of your fingers. Its 4-cylinder motor is powerful enough to pull anything you want, except a house, a 30 ft boat, a travel trailer, or a horse trailer. If you needed to pull those things, you should have gotten the Titan. I work at a grocery store. I use my truck to pull trailers full of buggies, pallets of product, or anything we need to. One of my customers has a 97 Nissan pickup. He hauls about 200 cases of cold drinks in it, and it hasnt missed a beat. Hes got 270,000 miles on that truck.

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  Not bad for a small pickup - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Gilitar - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Frontier new back in September of 1999. This truck has not let me down once! The trucks strong point seems to be reliability while its weak points seem to be lack of power, and a very harsh ride. If you are going to be doing lots of highway driving then I would recommend looking elsewhere. Overall this is a solid yet very basic vehicle.

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  Buy the 2.5L if you can find one for sale. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By unixfreak0037 - September 20 - 12:50 pm

  I bought mine new in 2005. Its 2012 and it still looks and runs like a brand new truck. With these high gas prices, having a truck that can haul light loads and get 22/23 MPG is really nice. Right now I wouldnt trade it for anything. And these are hard to find. Used 2.5L manual shift XEs are rarely found for sale, probably because the owners recognize their value. Took this 2WD truck on some dirt roads in Tennessee and had no problems at all. Very good truck.

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  great truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By stuie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  purchased 4dr se long bed in may of 02 and while the gas mileage is rotten, overall I really love this truck. on the outside ther is too much plastic but it does make the truck different. I can load all my tools for work( about 1500 pounds) and go up the road with NO hesitation. Im really surprised and pleased with this truck!!!!!!