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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  I love this car - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Love It! - June 23 - 12:26 am

  This is the first car I purchased on my own. While in college I took it to Mexico on surf trips and offroading. I have never had a problem. Other than routine maintenance, Ive never had to do any additional service. I have one child and another in the way and while it is turning out to be a little too small, I refuse to give it up. It just has been that good of a car to me.

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  One tough truck. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By justin - June 22 - 7:10 am

  I bought mine after a 3 month search, the guy at the dealership was great at finding my truck, and he gave me a great deal. I love this truck. Its rugged, and can take a beating. After a few rough off-road sessions and about 20k miles, the suspension loosened up a little more than I would have liked, but I should have bought the Pro 4X, which I am going to do now that my truck has been totaled in an accident. Which is another reason I love this truck, it took a 60 mph head on collision with a utility trailer & truck when they came into my lane from the other direction. I walked away, but the truck was totaled, but the important thing is it saved me.

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  pain to drive - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By tom - June 21 - 5:50 pm

  I owned the frontier for about 4 mo. Previously owned a gmc sierra ext. Cab 4 dr. I drive the frontier to work every day, siff suspension and jerking of the steering wheel when I hit a pot hole spoils the fun of driving. Ive never seen any car do that before. For some reason u cant turn wheels too fast when puling to park, even with two hands there seems to be strong resistance. Turning radius is awful, cant make a u-turn on a 2-way street, previous truck did it with ease. Engine is not as responsive as I would like it to be, everything is electronic even gas pedal. When need to quickly accelerate at 60 mph it takes 2 sec for transmission to downshift a gear and then it downshift one more gr

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  in love - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By macharia - June 10 - 10:30 pm

  fell in love with this truck the 1st time i saw it finally bought it and it makes my day everyday i drive it

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  little truck with a big heart - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By rossp - June 10 - 9:40 am

  Acceleration and towing are a breeze with this truck. This one will definitely be in my garage for a few hundred thousand miles. If you want a little truck with big truck power this is the one!

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  05 Nismo is Super - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 81 Trekker - June 5 - 5:20 pm

  So far, quite pleased with the NISMO 4x4 Crew Cab. It has plenty of power on the highway both for passing and entrance ramps. It has a comfortable ride and handles well. Ive taken it off-road a few times in the GW National Forest where it performs well. Took it up a steep hill with lots of lose rocks and gravel but it didnt hesitate. Have tried the hill descent but havent needed the locking differential yet. It did bottom out a couple times - perhaps I was going too fast for the humps. After driving 4 Runners for 20+ years,I decided on the NISMO because I wanted a pickup this time and the Tacoma needs premium gas.

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  4 Months w/My Frontier - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob DB - June 2 - 6:36 am

  I have had my Frontier since the beginning of February. It is very comfortable, functional, and fun to drive. The mileage is disappointing, only about 14 mpg around town. I added a Roll-n-Lok cover for the bed and its like having a huge trunk.

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  Excellent Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By CP in STL - June 2 - 5:46 am

  Purchased the Crew Cab 4x4 LE with floor mats, hitch & cloth interior in March 2008. Traded in a 2002 Ranger. Driving position is comfortable and the feel on the road is solid and sturdy. With the 261hp engine, good acceleration and the BF Goodrich OEM tires are good, but not great. The turning circle is a bit too big for the size of the vehicle. I like the covered/weather tight hitch connection. Two glove boxes are nice, but one could be cooled. The steering wheel mounted cruise control buttons are not illuminated at night. The orange dash lights should be blue for easier night vision adjustment.

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  I love my truck!! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By South Carolina Pride - May 29 - 5:36 am

  I have 29,500 miles on my Nismo Crew 4x2. White with Charcoal interior, tow package, audio upgrade (rockford fosgate 6 disc cd/sub-woofer), power sun-roof, bed-divider/extender. This truck handles well and looks great! I get compliments all the time on this truck. A lot of power. I upgraded the exhaust with a magna-flow exhaust with steel tip pipe adding a nice little growl and about 10 more horses. Plan on adding the air-raid air system/filter for more HP and increased fuel economy. This truck is a KEEPER!!

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  2011 King Cab 4X4 - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By john528 - May 28 - 9:51 pm

  I got it with the utility package. This means it has some whistle and bells. I compared to the Tacoma. The nissan to me road better. The cost of Toyota vs Nissan made it an easy choice Gas milage - 16city 19 combined