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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Greatest Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Dick W. - Phoenix - July 29 - 7:03 pmI have owned many pick-ups but this is the finest. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Frontier SE Crew Cab and was no comparison to the 2005. The 2005 is a most impressive vehicle in terms of build quality, power, handling, ride, just everything! I looked and compared Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Dodge and GMC and there was absolutely NO COMPARISON! They all fell well short of the Frontier in all areas. The Ford and Dodge were really inferior in every way, do yourself a favor and drive the Frontier and you will buy it.
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Great Compact truck for the Money - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By billc66 - July 28 - 10:00 amIf yur looking for a compact truck with outstanding quality, great features, and a super low price. The Frontier is for you. I shopped all makes Ranger, Dakota, S-10, Colorado and non of them compare to the value you recieve from the Frontier. Nissan should own the small truck market. Ford, Chevy they have nothing to offer except higher priced compact trucks. We love our Frontier.
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love my truck! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By amy monroy - July 22 - 10:00 amoverall best truck i have had , had fords frm a dully to a 250, nothing compares to this truck!
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Rojo Jr. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
By Simon - July 12 - 5:03 amThis truck rocks!Nissan did everything right once again,power,looks,comfort and of course reliability.Move over Chevy&Dodge and look out Toyota. Nissan has built a great midsize truck. If you cant fit the Titan in the garage, buy this. The interior is a little shoddy,but who cares, its a truck with a pretty hefty motor. Tows my boat, my camper and even my mother- in-law. By the way its manufactured in Tennesee. Youll get respect on the road and the trail.
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Best truck on the market. - 2002 Nissan Frontier
By JRock - July 9 - 3:46 amI bought this truck about a year ago. It is very comfortable to drive in and can even park very easily thanks to its good turning radius. It is not for the average person though, it is meant for the person with an attitude of being the best. It is very easy to add accessories to it if you want to. It is very easy to tow with and it doesnt rattle at all. It has a great power spand, it always has power. Over all, I think it is the best truck on the market, especially for its price.
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The little truck that can - 2001 Nissan Frontier
By lazy fisherman - July 8 - 10:00 amI bought the truck for cheap transportation. I needed something with 25 mpg at 75mph for my 70 mile to work round trip, plus be able to tow my boat anywhere. Best experience was full bed load, while towing moving trailer with wife and mother in law to Georgia, no problems had to leave it in 4th gear on expressway.
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my nissan - 1998 Nissan Frontier
By Davidljohnson - July 3 - 10:00 amI bought my truck new and have loved it since day one. I get great gas mileage. Great ride. Great dependability. I cant say enough good about my truck. Will drive it till it dies.
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Great Truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
By RB1010 - July 3 - 10:00 amIve owned this truck for 4 years now - pretty much got the first one off the line. It has been nothing but wonderful - great useablity, fun to drive and problem free! Not once has it been to the shop. In four years, thats pretty good. Moved from North Carolina to Seattle, drove it all the way. Then moved to Montana - drove it back and forth a few times. Then, finally moved to Wisconsin, a move that involved a large, heavy UHaul. That truck made it without loosing its breath!
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Dependable Nissan Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
By Marky Mark - June 30 - 8:10 pmI first saw this truck. The body shape was very unique especially the front end kinda liked the look. When I test drove it the engine sounded very quite. The price was in my range. I didnt have to spend an arm and leg. Powerwise acceleration is pretty weak, But as long as it get me to point A to point B its all good. Shifting is not too smooth, a bit jerky with the clutch. I had to really go easy with the clutch when releasing it back. The ride was too bumpy on streets and highways where I live. Gas mileage pretty good cant complain. Im a light truck user when hauling and going camping. Having a truck is a must. Overall very dependable and reliable truck. Mostly I got it at a good deal!
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Nice! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
By marioh - June 22 - 4:10 pmThis is my first NEW truck! I love Nissan. The way it drives, the security I feel when Im driving it. This is my daily driver, and I dont mind putting miles on it. (OK mileage, and fun to drive). To and from work, and use it on the weekends to go places with the family. I love the fact that I can use it as a truck, or family vehicle. Work and play. Nice... Definitely a KEEPER!!!
