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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  Super Reliable Small Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Mark - July 9 - 6:56 am

  I have 210,000 miles on it. I changed the brakes and clutch at 180,000 - thats it. The A/C failed at 190,000. The A/C compressor works, but I couldnt find the leak, so I decided not to repair it. Ive never had any vehicle run this well.

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  great little big truack - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Paul - July 8 - 9:50 am

  I was amazed the 2006 was so much bigger and better made than my old 2004. Although the truck is bigger phyiscally it gets better gas mileage than the 2004. I love the shifter on the console better than on the column. Plus this model has cruise control the 2004 did not. Interior is about 4 inches wider and longer and very roomy. 2 jump seats with the rear doors make this vehicle great to carry extra people when needed. Nissan rethought the concept of how a truck should be.

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  Update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Zeek - July 7 - 7:03 pm

  Thought I would update my review a few months after the purchase. The truck is running great, and weve used it much more as a truck than I ever expected. I have the v6 6spd manual, and get roughly 18 mpg in mixed driving, weighted to city/traffic. An unexpected problem: my wife LOVES the truck, so occasionally I go outside to go somewhere, and I see our old Tiberon instead of the Frontier.

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  My Frontier - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By frontman - July 6 - 9:56 pm

  My Nissan Frontier is a great vehicle. It has a solid ride, carries a load and is very good off-road. My only complaints are its fuel milage and fuel capacity. Its gas mileage is poor for its size and the gas tank is too small. This adds up to many stops at gas stations. As with all Nissan products, it is very reliable. They just dont break down.

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  Wife and 2 Kids to go - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By GrC - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, good looking 4 dr small p-up. For those that dont want one of the mammoth full size p-ups that wont fit in the garage ! Excellent for the wife, 2 kids and a bit of gear. 4WD great in NE snow. Very Quiet inside, great handling and very smooth ride. Nice for weekend projects or just to haul the groceries.

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  A fun little truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By willy - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  A neat small truck with great mileage and pretty good performance even with the small engine. It has been trouble free and is really fun to drive.

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  LUV IT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By speedy - July 3 - 9:00 am

  I was waiting for a new design over the 1999-2004. I got it and I cant complain. The V-6 is lovely and the power is a great thing to have both on and off-road. I traded in my 2001 T/A and I truly havent missed it. The crew cab is large enough to carry the kids and still truck enough to be functional. I just wish the 4x4 came with a sunroof. Otherwise, it handlse like a car and hauls like a truck. And the bed extender is...well if you want a compact pick-up or man van without turning in your manhood, buy it. I couldnt be happier, unless gas was cheaper.

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  You Guys Are Crazy! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocket88 - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is absolutely the best truck available on the market today. I have never driven anything like this machine. I had always been a Ford lover, but I fell in love with this vehicle the minute that I saw it. It was five thousand dollars cheaper than anything comparable to it. Plus, it has more power than any truck in its class. I get 15 to 18 miles per gallon even when I punch the supercharger frequently. I plan on keeping this truck forever. I have experienced no problems with it and I am confident that I will not because it was built by hard-working Americans.

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  More for your $$ thanToyota - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Dana - June 27 - 10:36 pm

  I had every intention of purchasing a Tacoma double cab 4x4 but came home with a Frontier 4x4 Nismo crew. Definitely a lot more bang for the buck, interior feels more spacious with incredible power to spare. I was impressed with the build quality & ride. I have owned both a SE-V6 King cab pickup & SE-V6 Pathfinder years ago & decided to come back to Nissan after a long Toyota run. Yes, Toyota makes a very nice product but was totally impressed with the new Frontiers. Interior perhaps a bit too much use of plastic but otherwise very functional. Great looks, nice overall packaging.

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  Driver Makes the Gas Mileage - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By diffie - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Mechanically perfect and absolutely reliable, this 3800-lb truck w/ 3 adults, a pop-up camper, and other gear went from Dallas to the mountains above Sante Fe. Plenty of power to pull this 6500-lb GVW up to 11,000 ft. 15mpg in the steep parts, 17mpg in the prairie when towing. 20mpg when driving sans trailer. The only thing I do not like about this truck is that I paid too much for it because 3 week later these trucks were discounted by $3000. I was not happy with my dealer... Trophy Nissan of Dallas. Ill not shop there any more.