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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  Fantastic Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tufaznailz - February 22 - 3:43 am

  This is a solid truck that looks good and has a cab that will help you stay organized. I think it is the best value in the marketplace, but the gas mileage on the 2wd Nismo stinks.

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  Another Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Spawnman - February 17 - 5:16 pm

  Just found a brand new 2005 Frontier on the lot, bought it in less than 1 hour. Traded in my 2000 Frontier. This is an awesome truck. If it didnt have a bed in the back I wouldnt believe its a truck! Rides and the doors close like a car. Very quite inside while driving.

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  Best of the Compact 4-doors - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jim_xeod - February 17 - 1:47 am

  I , like everyone else, deliberated over this or the Tacoma. Unlike most others, I have owned 6 different Toyotas throughout the years. This is no bash on Toyota, but the just do not make a model comparable to this one. I will explain: I was replacing a Limited 4Runner. Leather, sunroof, heated seats, power seats, ect. To get this from Toyota, you have to get a Tundra. No leather, sunroof, power or heated seats in the Tacoma. The Tundra is a great vehicle, but too large for my needs, and I only require a V6. All that was left was to test drive the Frontier SL. Wow. That sums it up.

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  Love My Nismo!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Pghgasguy - February 11 - 8:43 am

  My red alert Nismo is fantastic!! Very well built - solid and quiet. Exceptionally smooth ride. I am 65 and fit unbelievably well - plenty of room w/lots of comfort. Smooth easy acceleration - w/plenty of get up and go. Effortless braking and steering. The Nismo package is well worth the extra few dollars. It sports larger wheels/tires, heavy duty shocks, traction and chrome accents. The sunroof package is a plus too!! I looked at Dodge Ram 1500 and Toyota trucks. The Nissan won out!! Truly very impressive with a fair price.

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  Dont forget the Nissan - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By 1st x Frontier owner - February 8 - 8:03 pm

  I was only looking at the Tacoma and Ridgeline when the Frontier emerged as a darkhorse. Ive been very impressed all the way around. The "bang for your buck" factor played greatly into my decision. If youre looking at a new Tacoma, at least give the Frontier a test drive. Youll be glad that you did.

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By JANICE - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY NISSAN. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER LET ME DOWN.

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  Very Nice Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By RagingItalian - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Sold my car and traded my old truck in for a Nissan Altima on the cash for clunkers deal, then determined I could not live without a truck. The only 2 that I would consider was the Toyota Tacoma and the Nissan Frontier. For the price there was no comparison. Ken Pollock Nissan gave me a great deal. I could not be happier with this truck and realized this is the only vehicle I need and now selling the car.

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  Great mid-sized truck. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Tzar Igor - February 3 - 7:30 am

  After researching many trucks bought the 2006 KC 4WD Nismo automatic with traction control and upgraded sound. Great looking truck with excellent performance and features. This is the third Nissan truck; previous two served well past 200K before being sold. Unfortunately to get the upgraded sound system the utility bed packaged is forced on you. Since installing a shell on the truck, the rails are totally useless.

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  The best truck Ive ever owned - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Anthoy Clay - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 93 and 98 Ford Ranger. but I have to say ever since I got my 01 frontier crew cab. I have been very-very impressed, with everthing but the gas mileage, but the trucks style, comfort and handling make up for it. I havnt had ant problems with the truck it now has 32k and running like it did when I first drove. GOOD JOB NISSAN. Ford needs to payt more attention.

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  New Owner Review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By DATSUN - January 29 - 2:00 am

  First time Ive owned a new vehicle without even a hint of problems. The crew cab is best thing Ive bought, truck, sedan, SUV all in one. Im getting about 20mpg with all highway miles, better than the sticker, but, not certain why they cant get that healthy engine at around 25mpg on the highway. Mileage my only complaint.