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:

• 

  All-Purpose Reliability - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By bytor72 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck is not for everyone, only anyone who wants to be able to do a whole lot of things! Hauling, towing, 4 people 4 wheeling skiing and it hauls ass!

• 

  2003 Nissan Frontier - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By skiboy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had no problems with my Frontier so far. My truck already has over 30,000 miles in less than one year. I tow a Mastercraft ski boat as well as a 16ft. enclosed motorcycle trailer and find that the Frontier has more than enough power. The gas milage suffers when towing. I find that Im averaging 18 mpg around town and will drop to 12 to 14 mpg when towing heavy trailers.

• 

  Excellent truck - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob Gunner - August 12 - 12:01 am

  Nissan Frontier is an excellent truck. Extremely reliable.

• 

  Hurts so good . . . - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Richard911 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice rig. I had a 1994, same setup, 4cyl 5spd. Very dependable. Had a problem with the seats on long commutes. The seats would cut off circulation to my legs. I wound up retro-fitting some 280Z seats. I thought they had this solved in the newer rigs. No way! This is not the car for a 6 tall man.

• 

  Toyota overrated - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Mark - July 28 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned 3 Tacomas. satisfied with all 3, although very pricey and sparse inside. After much research and comparison, I am pleased with decision to buy 2009 Pro 4X, crew cab. Biggest factor, interior and price much better with Nissan. Finally, a comfortable truck with features never found in a truck. Heated leather, 6 disc/MP3, power seats and so on. The best compromise I could find between SUV and truck.

• 

  Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - July 21 - 1:33 am

  The 4X2 V6 Frontier has limited power and handles poorly. Dont try to go up hill in 5th gear with the A/C on. After 8,000 miles the A/C compressor pulley started squealing and then broke off. this truck will get stuck in HARD PACKED sand with all season tires so get the All Terrain. The stock speakers blew out twice on both sides and the cd deck always froze up. I just replaced them with aftermarket due to the warranty expiration. The # 4 and #6 spark plugs are very hard to get to and the alignment has never been correct. Even after getting new tires and having an ajustment kit added it pulls. The clutch pedal squeaks after every rain so keep WD40 in the garage. Generic fender flares fade!!

• 

  Best Dollar for Dollar available - 2012 Nissan Frontier
  By duffmann77 - July 20 - 12:31 pm

  I have only around 2k miles on the truck right now, but wanted to give my 2 cents on it. I looked at every other player on the market and it wasnt even close. On paper I thought the ridgeline would be the best until I drove it. You hit the gas and all you can hear is engine noise. The speed-o hardy would move. So the Tacoma. My last truck was a late 90s tacoma and just went on and on and on. So I thought for sure that would work. Nope. The seats are crap, and I got in the back seat and my head hit ceiling. Im only 61. So that was out. So save yourself time and get Nissan. With rebates, fully loaded pro-x, leather ext 27k with rebates. Best out there.

• 

  Great Truck! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bill - July 17 - 9:43 am

  This truck is great, Ive shopped the competition and found this to be the best deal. Im getting 18.9 mpg average in summer and 17.8 average in winter. Ive upgraded to 89 octane this winter for a 1-2 mpg boost. you may get 16 mpg in the cold on 87 octane. Im gonna try 93 and see if it is overall cheaper or not. Ive got 6,000 miles on the truck and have had no problems at all. the 4wd works great, snow and hills are nothing. Great truck!

• 

  Glad I made the switch to the Nissan - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By fighterpilot - July 14 - 6:40 pm

  After owning a 96 4x4 Ranger for 207K miles I was ready for something new. Had been looking at the Frontier for some time and finally bought. Glad I did. I opted for the 4.0L V6 with a 6 speed manual as the automatic proved to be quite a dog upon acceleration. Im 3500 miles in and gas mileage is running about 20-21 when running the AC.

• 

  my friend the nissan - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By jjracer - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i have driven this "super" truck over 150,000 miles. i have had no,no no! problems at all!!! i will buy a new one in o4.