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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  Extraordinary! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By MikeRG - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Nissan pick-up then I switched to Ford F-series and I was disappointed with Fords quality. Also, my relatives used to on Chevrolet and I hate GM vehicles. I decided to switch back to Nissan and told myself to stay with Nissan forever. I love my new Nissan Froniter. There are no other trucks (makes) that are equal or better than Nissan.

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  Nissan > Toyota - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Glenn - September 15 - 12:36 pm

  XE 5 speed...no frills but great gas saver Got newspaper ad special...so this way dealership cant stick you. Remember, the dealerships make a killing on those nice options you like. Dont forget to bring the ad with you. My new truck with zero miles cost less than a used truck (few years old) with 40 -60 K.

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  July 2007 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By July 07 - September 12 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this truck from my father. I have had it for 2 months and it has 35,000 miles on it. Yes I said 35,000! Absolutely no power. Basically it is like driving a low model 4cyl sedan. Get the 6 cyl if you expect to haul anything. Forget about the accelerating with the AC on. Getting about 21 MPG highway as I really only drive on highways. Belts squeak a lot. I would recommend buying this truck if you can get it below the Edmunds vehicle pricing. It is handy to drive around. No mechanical issues since it was in the family - it was bought new.

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  Previous Ram buyer - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By tom - September 2 - 8:23 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, this is it. I took the Toyota Tacoma for a drive then the Nissan and there is no comparison. The Nissan generated much more power as soon as you touched the gas. I punched the gas on the Toyota and it could just about get out of its way. Take the both for a ride and Im sure you will buy Nissan.

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  Love it! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JCG - August 25 - 7:16 pm

  I miss the fuel economy of my old 1993 Mazda B2200 but the smooth, quiet ride and great acceleration on the highway are so much better than the Mazda ever was and I got a great deal. This truck is also fun to drive with very little road noise. It takes a little while to get used to the quick response when turning the steering wheel. I may change my tune if gasoline hits $4.00 per gallon again but right now im extremely pleased with my purchase.

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  What I expected and more! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe DeStefano - August 25 - 3:00 am

  I have used my Frontier for long trips of 100 miles or more on at least 10 occassions since buying it as well as excursions on the beach and off-road. It has been comfortable all the way. I have traveled with three adults on trips of more than 200 miles with no complaints from the back seat passengers. I even used it to remove the remnants of a tree that I was unable to dig out. It is high enough to see over traffic but not uncomfortable when entering numbers on a keypad to a parking lot. The utili-track system is versatile and easy to use. The only aspect I have not used is the towing but in soft sand it was flawless in 4WD- L. The air conditioner control unit had to be replaced initially.

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  True to its Nissan/Datsun heritage - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By anymouse1 - August 21 - 8:43 am

  Ive owned 3 of these trucks, starting with a 1970 Datsun PL521 (my first truck), and a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE. This 2001 base model XE 4 cylinder 5 speed is as good and reliable as the prior trucks. I bought it in June 2008 and it had only 85K on it. It now has 116K, and is barely broken in. When I first got it, I repainted it the original Silver and installed a new set of Firestone A/T tires. Ive only performed basics maintenance and a tune up and a newer battery. Ive driven this truck on one long trip to MO to bring back a bass boat from my Dads place. It towed pretty well, even in the Western VA mountains. (3rd gear up hills) I highly recommend this truck!

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  Great little truck in general - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By beast10r - August 18 - 1:11 am

  When I was looking for a truck I needed something that I could get into relatively cheap that I could haul my motorcycle around with, and last a long time. After doing lots of research I decided on the Frontier. I bought the truck with 75k on it 2 years ago, and it currently has just under 100k. The previous owner took good care of it and gave me a bunch of maintenance receipts and so far its been trouble free except for a bad knock sensor, but that doesnt really effect anything. That said, its not very powerful and it drinks gas like a V8. It should have had a 6 speed but with this truck you trade power and efficiency for reliability. If your Ok with that, then its great.

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  A great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By forresth - August 17 - 11:23 pm

  After only a week with the truck, I cant offer any long term evaluations, but I can say without reservation that it is easily the finest truck Ive ever driven. I love this truck. Its the perfect size, the V-6 engine has all the power I could ever want, and its a sweet looking ride. The seats are comfortable, the ride gentle, but firm. Its as quiet as most sedans and well manored. The price is reasonable too. The fully loaded Frontier has everything I would ever want in a car or truck.

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  Everything I needed! - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Tortuga - August 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought my Frontier in 2004 when I was 18. Been driving it almost daily ever since. Ive done trips of well over 400 miles as well as put it through some rigorous Off-Road and Mud trails. The truck has gone everywhere Ive pointed it. Ran into a few trees and rocks while wheeling, body damage was fixed with a little hammer work. I was rear ended in it, with barely a dent to the rear bumper (the plastic step came loose.) The little toyota pickup that hit me, was destroyed. Power is perfectly fine, Its a pickup not a race car. Im running 31 in. tires (compared to the stock size of about 17 in.) and it runs perfectly fine, with no life required. In all, great truck!